AP

It wasn’t that long ago that a 5,000-yard season in the NFL was an extraordinary achievement. But now 5,000-yard seasons are a regular occurrence in the NFL, and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is heading toward the next milestone: 5,500 yards.

Brady has 1,387 yards in four games, an average of 346.8 yards a game that puts him on pace for 5,548 yards this season. If Brady keeps his current pace, he’ll have the first 5,500-yard season in NFL history.

For years, the record for passing yards in a season belonged to Dan Marino, who threw for 5,084 yards in 1984. The 5,000-yard season at that time was a huge accomplishment, and Marino’s record stood for 27 years. But now there have been eight 5,000-yard seasons, and the number doesn’t seem as special. The current record belongs to Peyton Manning, who passed for 5,477 yards in 2013.

Brady may make 5,500 yards the new benchmark for great passing seasons.