Stafford sets record for pass attempts

DETROIT (AP) -- Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has set an NFL single-season record for pass attempts. Stafford threw his 692nd pass in the first

Matthew Stafford threw his 692nd pass in the first quarter against the Bears :: Carlos Osorio/AP

DETROIT (AP) -- Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has set an NFL single-season record for pass attempts.

Stafford threw his 692nd pass in the first quarter against Chicago on Sunday, completing a 5-yarder to tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He surpasses the mark of 691 set by Drew Bledsoe of New England in 1994.

With star receiver Calvin Johnson having a record-settting season of his own - and with no consistent running game to balance the offense - Detroit has relied heavily on Stafford.

Johnson broke Jerry Rice's single-season mark for yards receiving last weekend.