In spite of all the questions through the preseason, Rex Grossman’s performance in the opener made Redskins coach Mike Shanahan’s decision look very solid. Grossman went 21 of 34 for 205 yards, with 2 TDs and no INTs leading the Redskins to a 28-14 victory over the New York Giants.
Grossman also had a couple of unorthodox touchdown celebrations, including leap frogging receiver Anthony Armstrong after what he thought was a touchdown, but was actually down at the 1-yard line.
“Some situations are more emotional than others,” Grossman said. “I just react to the moment. I was happy.”
Redskins tight end Fred Davis had 105 yards receiving, and Tim Hightower had 72 yards rushing and another 25 yards receiving.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning went 18 of 32 for 268 yards with 1 INT, and Hakeem Nicks had a solid game with 7 receptions for 122 yards in the loss.
Ravens Crush Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-7 in a rare blow out between these division rivals. While the last four regular season matchups have been decided by 3 points, the season opener got away from the Steelers due to an uncharacteristic spate of seven turnovers. Ben Roethlisberger single-handedly accounted for five of the turnovers with three interceptions and two fumbles lost.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had a solid game, going 17 of 29 for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Ravens running back Ray Rice accounted for 107 yards and one TD rushing and 42 yards and 1 TD receiving.
Eagles’ Dream Team Stops Rams
Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles “Dream Team” started the season right on track with a 31-13 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Vick was effective in all aspects of the game, throwing for 187 yards on a 14 of 32 night, with 2 TDs and adding another 98 yards rushing on 10 carries.
After the game, Vick credited the lockout with giving him fresh legs, saying, “I feel better than I’ve ever felt before and I give a lot of credit with the situation with the CBA, giving us a lot time to get rest and to prepare ourselves.”
“I feel like I can play another four quarters right now.”
The Eagles also benefited from LeSean McCoy rushing for 122 yards and a TD and DeSean Jackson catching 6 balls for 102 yards and a TD.
The Rams Sam Bradford went 17 of 30 for 188 yards, but had to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a hand injury. The team will evaluate Bradford on Monday, but he expressed optimism about next week after the game, “I don’t see any way I’m not going to be on the field, to be honest with you.”
