NFL Week Two: Records Are on the Line

IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK! NFL football returned in a big way in Week 1, with records and milestones being achieved at seemingly every turn. Single-week NFL records for the most total passing yards (7,842), 300-yard passers (14) and combined kick-return touchdowns (eight) were set this week, to name but a few.

NO NEED TO PANIC: At the end of Week 2, no more than 12 teams will be able to claim a perfect 2-0 record, leaving at least 20 clubs at 1-1 or 0-2.

Since realignment in 2002, 62 of the 108 playoff teams (57.4 percent) began the year at either 1-1 or 0-2.

A look at how playoff clubs in 2009 and 2010 began their seasons:

2009 2010

HOME SWEET HOME: New England and Pittsburgh each return home in Week 2 after opening the 2011 season on the road. The Patriots, who will host San Diego, have a 60-12 (.833) record at Gillette Stadium since it opened in 2002, the best winning percentage of any team at a stadium since 1970 (minimum 25 games). The Patriots have won 14 of their past 16 home openers, including a perfect 9-0 mark at Gillette.

Pittsburgh is 58-21-1 (.731) at Heinz Field since its 2001 opening, which ranks fourth since 1970. The Steelers, who will host Seattle on Sunday, have won eight consecutive home openers, the second-longest active streak in the league (New England, 9).

The teams with the highest winning percentage at a stadium since 1970 (minimum 25 games):

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NFL CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

The NFL, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Bud Light have partnered to launch the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards Presented by Bud Light during the 2011 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market.

Each award recipient will be recognized in-stadium at a Hispanic Heritage game in its local market. This week, seven clubs – Broncos, Lions, Dolphins, Patriots, Giants, Jets, and Redskins – will honor their recipients.

With support from Bud Light, each honoree will select an organization of its choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $2,000 donation.

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PATRIOTS AIM TO EXTEND STREAK: The New England Patriots have won nine consecutive regular-season games dating back to last season, the longest active streak in the NFL.

With a win on Sunday against San Diego, BILL BELICHICK would become the second head coach in NFL history with three separate 10-game win streaks, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer DON SHULA (four).

Belichick’s Patriots won 21 consecutive games from 2006-08 and 18 consecutive games from 2003-04.

Shula led the Baltimore Colts to 11 straight wins in 1964 and posted three 10-game win streaks with the Miami Dolphins (16 from 1971-73; 10 in 1973; 16 in 1983-84).

GONZO ON THE MOVE: Atlanta Falcons tight end TONY GONZALEZ needs five receptions against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night to move past wide receiver TERRELL OWENS for fifth on the all-time list.

In 15 seasons, Gonzalez has 1,074 catches, the most by a tight end in NFL history.

The players with the most receptions in NFL history:

FABULOUS AT 50: Baltimore quarterback JOE FLACCO will make his 50th career start for the Ravens this Sunday against Tennessee. With a win against the Titans, Flacco (33 wins) would tie PHILIP RIVERS (34) for the fourth-most wins of any active quarterback through his first 50 starts.

Atlanta’s MATT RYAN (33 wins in 47 career starts), is also tied with Flacco. He will make his 50th start in Week 4 against Seattle.

The active NFL quarterbacks with the most wins in their first 50 starts:

ENCORE, ENCORE!: In New England’s 38-24 victory over Miami on Monday night, Patriots quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 517 yards, the fifth-most in a game in NFL history.

Brady is one of 11 quarterbacks to pass for 500 yards. Of those 11, DREW BREES passed for the most yards (349) in the game following his 500-yard performance. Brady needs 350 passing yards against San Diego in Week 2 to surpass Brees’ mark.

The quarterbacks who have passed for 500 yards in a single game and how they fared the following week:

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