As the Associated Press
described it, the NFL's Kickoff Sunday was a "Wacky
and High-Scoring Opening Day." Here's
some examples why:
Tennessee Oilers running back
Eddie George tied a club record with 216
yards rushing in the Oilers 24-21 overtime victory over
the Raiders, the second-highest rushing total
in NFL Kickoff Weekend history.
New England Patriots
quarterback Drew Bledsoe posted his fifth
career four-touchdown game (all came in the first half)
to help the Patriots to a club-record 41 points on
Opening Weekend. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 41-7.
New York Jets quarterback Neil
O'Donnell threw for a career-best five touchdowns
as the Jets marched past the Seahawks 41-3. That's nearly
one-fourth of the Jets' entire
passing touchdowns last season (22). Rookie free agent
kicker John Hall booted a 55-yard field
goal, the longest field goal in NFL Kickoff Weekend
history. The Jets 41 points were a franchise-high on
Kickoff Weekend.
In their 28-27
come-from-behind win over Baltimore, Jacksonville
quarterback Rob Johnson posted an 83.3
completion percentage, the best-ever in an
NFL QB debut since 1970. Johnson was four-of-four for 85
yards with a attempts for 85 yards and a 28-yard
touchdown pass . He also connected on five of five
third-down conversions for 79 yards.
Dallas quarterback Troy
Aikman threw for four touchdowns for only
the third time, including Super Bowl XXVII, in his career
as the Cowboys defeated Pittsburgh.
The Dallas Cowboys scored 37
points, its best in a season opener since 1985 (44-14 win
over Washington).
The St. Louis Rams scored 38
points in their 38-24 victory over the Saints, their most
in an season opener since 1954 (48-0 over Baltimore).
Oakland wide receiver Tim
Brown had his first career three-touchdown game.
New York Giants safety Sam
Garnes returned a fourth-quarter
interception 95-yards (fourth-highest in club history) in
their 31-17 win over the Eagles. The Giants defense
posted nine sacks compared to 30 in 16 games last season.