The 2010 NFL Season is finally under way. We saw a varied set of results in the first set of games ranging from the expected to “how the hell did that happen?” All of the scores are in the books, but here are some interesting tidbits concerning some of the kickoff weekend teams and players:
STREAKING STEELERS
The PITTSBURGH STEELERS, who defeated the Atlanta Falcons 15-9 in overtime on Sunday, have won eight consecutive games on Kickoff Weekend, the longest current streak in the NFL. The Steelers (2003-present) have surpassed the Kansas City Chiefs (1990-96) for the fourth-most consecutive wins on Kickoff Weekend since 1970.
C.J. 4K
Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the Titans’ 38-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Johnson has now rushed for at least 100 yards in 12 consecutive games, passing Pro Football Hall of Famer MARCUS ALLEN (11) for the second-longest streak in NFL history. Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS holds the NFL record with 14 consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
Johnson (4,147) reached 4,000 scrimmage yards in his 32nd career game, tying him for the third-fewest games to reach the milestone.
T.O. CLIMBING CHARTS
Cincinnati wide receiver TERRELL OWENS had 53 receiving yards on seven catches in the Bengals’ 38-24 loss to the New England Patriots. Owens now has 15,004 career receiving yards and joins Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE and ISAAC BRUCE as the only players in NFL history with 15,000 receiving yards.
RETURN OF THE CHAMPS
The New Orleans Saints, who defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14-9 on Thursday night, became the 13th team to win on Kickoff Weekend after winning their first-ever Super Bowl title. First-time Super Bowl winners are now 13-4-1 (.750) in Week 1 of the following season.
RESILIENT FAVRE
BRETT FAVRE played in his 290th career game on Thursday night and became the 14th player in NFL history to play in at least one game in 20-plus NFL seasons.
