|
 The Pittsburgh Steelers survived a brave comeback from the
Cleveland Browns to win 30-27 with a last-second field goal and
there were week one wins for the Houston Texans and the New York
Jets.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw three first half
interceptions in his team's 28-17 home loss to the San Francisco
49ers.
For Tom Brady and the Patriots the only solace from their first
opening game defeat since 2003 will be the reminder that 11 years
ago they bounced back to win the Super Bowl.
But if quarterback Brady wants to get his hands on the Lombardi
Trophy again this season he will need better protection than he
received against a surprisingly aggressive Miami defense.
The Patriots led 20-10 at halftime in the AFC East clash, Rob
Gronkowski marking his return from injury with a six-yard touchdown
reception.
But, despite several absentees through injury, Miami were too much
for Bill Belichick’s team after the break with their pass rush
dominant and their running game effective.
The Dolphins scored 23 unanswered points including a Mike Wallace
pass reception in the third quarter and a Knowshon Moreno rushing
score in the fourth.
Brady was sacked four times including two strip sacks from Cameron
Wake that shifted the momentum in Miami’s direction.
Field goals from Matt Bryant proved decisive in Atlanta's win over
NFC South rivals New Orleans at the Georgia Dome.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for a franchise-record 448 yards
and three touchdowns but the Saints' running game delivered with
running back Mark Ingram rushing two touchdowns and carrying for 60
yards.
Ingram's second touchdown looked to have sealed the road win for the
Saints but Bryant converted a 51-yard field goal to force the game
into overtime.
The Saints had first possession but William Moore forced a fumble
from Marques Colston and Atalanta linebacker Joplo Bartu recovered
the ball at New Orleans 38.
After three plays gained four yards, Bryant was sent out and won the
game with a 52-yard field goal.
In another divisional meeting, the Steelers, ahead 27-3 at halftime,
gave up their 24-point lead with Browns running back Isaiah Crowell
scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter.
[to top of second column]
|
But Shaun Suisham's 41-yard field goal in the last seconds spared
Pittsburgh's blushes.
Colin Kaepernick threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns as San Francisco
handed the Cowboys an early reality check.
The 49ers scored three times in the first quarter - twice Kaepernick
connecting with Vernon Davis for scores and after that Dallas did little
more than add respectability with a pair of touchdowns in the second
half.
The Texans ended their 14-game losing streak from last season thanks to
a strong showing from running back Arian Foster, who rushed for 103
yards in the 17-6 win over the Washington Redskins.
The New York Jets relied on their rushing game in their 19-14 home win
over the Oakland Raiders, putting up 212 yards on the ground.
Chris Ivory ran for 102 yards including a fourth quarter touchdown.
The Philadelphia Eagles came back from a 14-0 first quarter deficit to
beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17 with quarterback Nick Foles throwing
for 322 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Cam Newton had to sit out Carolina's trip to Tampa Bay with
injury but his deputy Derek Anderson did an admirable job throwing for
230 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-14 road win for the Panthers.
The Indianapolis Colts were facing old favorite Peyton Manning and the
Denver Broncos later on Sunday.
(Editing by Gene Cherry / Ian Ransom)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
