"The number stands up by itself. No need to add hyperbole.

Tom Brady threw for 517 yards against the Miami Dolphins [team stats] Monday night, setting a franchise record and putting the entire league on notice.

Among his most ardent admirers that night was a quarterback who knows a little about being productive. San Diego's Philip Rivers viewed not only the yardage total as "unbelievable," but also how Brady accumulated it. Precise throws into tight coverage against one of the league's toughest units.

The respect was evident.

"He was in full control obviously, like he is many games," Rivers said yesterday. "It was fun to watch.""