NFL 2002 Week 1 Amazing Sunday What a Way to Start

The NFL kicked off its 83rd season this past week, and any way you slice it, it was exciting, unpredictable and just plain wild.

USA Today said: "Amazing Sunday gives fans plenty to cheer -- or scream -- about":

There were three overtime games, tying Week 1 of 1979 for the most ever on an opening weekend.

A total of 744 points were scored in 15 games. That breaks down to 49.6 points per game, on pace to be the highest average ever on a Kickoff Weekend (topping the 47.3 of 1999).

Even with all the scoring, 11 out of the 15 games were decided by eight points or less -- a Kickoff Weekend record -- 10 by seven points or less, and six by three points or less.

Five teams came back from double-digit deficits to win -- the Bears, Chiefs, Jets, Packers and Titans.

Six games were decided in the final minute or overtime -- San Francisco - NY Giants, Kansas City - Cleveland, and Minnesota - Chicago; and three overtimes -- NY Jets - Buffalo, Atlanta - Green Bay and New Orleans - Tampa Bay.

Jets kick returner CHAD MORTON became the first player in a game to return kickoffs for a touchdown in regulation and overtime.

The HOUSTON TEXANS became only the second expansion team in history to win its first game (1961 Minnesota Vikings).

Six NFL head coaches won their debuts with their new teams -- BILL CALLAHAN (Oakland), DOM CAPERS (Houston), TONY DUNGY (Indianapolis), JOHN FOX (Carolina), MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER (San Diego), and STEVE SPURRIER (Washington).

"If you are in this league long enough, you will see everything," said New Orleans head coach JIM HASLETT, whose club won in overtime on a touchdown off a botched punt.

The week is not over!

Tonight, the Super Bowl XXXVI champion New England Patriots host the team they beat in last year’s AFC Championship Game, the Pittsburgh Steelers (ABC, 9:00 PM ET).

 

 

NFL 2002 Week 1 Amazing Sunday What a Way to Start