The early days of the modern passing era of the NFL saw quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner following in the footsteps revolutionary passers like Dan Marino, Joe Montana and John Elway. The pass-first style of football we watch on our TVs every Sunday can trace it’s roots back to the turn of the millennium – and Marshall Faulk helped it along.

Faulk is the greatest receiving back in the history of the NFL. His dominance in both the running and passing games across his career is unparalleled, even if there are a few isolated seasons by fellow greats that may surpass his statistical best. The Rams legend is not just one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise, he’s one of the most prolific offensive skill players of his time – and the way he played has informed a generation of backs and coaches as to how valuable an elite utility running back can be.

All of that informs just how impressive Todd Gurley has been this season. When Gurley said prior to the regular season that he wanted to be the first running back ever to have 1,500 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a single season (Faulk is the player who’s gotten the closest) it seemed like more than a pipe dream. While Gurley was decent last season after breaking out in 2015 as Offensive Rookie of the Year, it was hard to imagine the resurgence that we’re seeing thus far in 2017.

Through nine games, Gurley has amassed 754 yards rushing on 172 carries for 7 touchdowns. However the most impressive part of his season has been his unforeseen reliability as a receiver. He has 35 receptions for 406 yards and 3 TDs, which help to make him the league leader in yards from scrimmage.

The craziest part about Gurley’s performance heading into Week 11 is that this is a pace he’s quite capable of maintaining for the rest of the season. It’s a pace that would see him finish with 2,061 yards from scrimmage and 17 total TDs, a level of productivity that approaches some of the best seasons that Faulk ever had – as well as Steven Jackson’s best year back in 2006.

It’s also worth noting just how closely Gurley’s career per game production compares to Faulk’s.

Gurley has begun his journey to one day earning his own bust in Canton, and perhaps more importantly — he has all the makings of a future Super Bowl champion.