All NFL game summaries for 09/17/1972:
The Colts had the statistics weigh heavily in their favor but lost to the Cardinals in a game in which Jim O'Brien was able to make only one of five field goal attempts. Tim Van Galder, starting at quarterback in his first regular NFL game, set up St. Louis' winning TD with a 71-yard third quarter pass to TE Jackie Smith. Donny Anderson took it in from the 4-yard line. Larry Wilson intercepted a Johnny Unitas pass on the St. Louis 2-yard line in the fourth quarter to help stave off the Colts, and Bob Rowe blocked two field goals.
Line: Colts by 6
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 St. Louis Cardinals (1-0-0) | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
 Baltimore Colts (0-1-0) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
( 3- 0) STL Jim Bakken 41 yard field goal
( 3- 3) BAL Jim O'Brien 42 yard field goal
(10- 3) STL Donny Anderson 4 yard rush (Jim Bakken kick)
STL BAL
First Downs: 5 20
Rushes-yards: 28-46 27-117
Yards/rush: 1.6 4.3
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 10-15-110-0 22-36-257-2
Sacked-yards: 2-22 2-10
Net pass yards: 88 247
Net yards/pass: 5.2 6.5
Total net yards: 134 364
Total plays: 45 (62% run) 65 (41% run)
Yards/play: 3.0 5.6
Fumbles-lost: 2-0 1-1
Turnovers: 0 3
Penalties-yards: 4-35 1-5
Attendance: 53,625
Passing:
STL: Tim Van Galder, 10 of 15 for 110 yards BAL: Johnny Unitas, 22 of 36 for 257 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
STL: Johnny Roland, 12 for 32 yards; Donny Anderson, 7 for 11 yards and 1 TD; Roy Shivers, 5 for 12 yards; Tim Van Galder, 3 for -10 yards; Leon Burns, 1 for 1 yard BAL: Norm Bulaich, 17 for 80 yards; Tom Matte, 8 for 34 yards; Don McCauley, 1 for 4 yards; Sam Havrilak, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
STL: Johnny Roland, 4 for 36 yards; Donny Anderson, 3 for 3 yards; Jackie Smith, 2 for 69 yards; Leon Burns, 1 for 2 yards BAL: Eddie Hinton, 6 for 50 yards; Norm Bulaich, 6 for 35 yards; Tom Mitchell, 4 for 50 yards; Tom Matte, 3 for 76 yards; Sam Havrilak, 2 for 41 yards; Don Nottingham, 1 for 5 yards
Kick returns:
STL: Ahmad Rashad, 2 for 47 yards BAL: Bruce Laird, 1 for 41 yards; Don Nottingham, 1 for 19 yards
Punt returns:
BAL: Rick Volk, 4 for 18 yards; Bruce Laird, 2 for 17 yards
Interceptions:
STL: Mike McGill, 1 for 26 yards; Larry Wilson, 1 for 8 yards
Punting:
STL: Donny Anderson, 9 for 343 yards BAL: David Lee, 3 for 162 yards
Field Goals:
STL: Jim Bakken, 1/1 BAL: Jim O'Brien, 1/5
STL: Tim Van Galder, 10 of 15 for 110 yards BAL: Johnny Unitas, 22 of 36 for 257 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
STL: Johnny Roland, 12 for 32 yards; Donny Anderson, 7 for 11 yards and 1 TD; Roy Shivers, 5 for 12 yards; Tim Van Galder, 3 for -10 yards; Leon Burns, 1 for 1 yard BAL: Norm Bulaich, 17 for 80 yards; Tom Matte, 8 for 34 yards; Don McCauley, 1 for 4 yards; Sam Havrilak, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
STL: Johnny Roland, 4 for 36 yards; Donny Anderson, 3 for 3 yards; Jackie Smith, 2 for 69 yards; Leon Burns, 1 for 2 yards BAL: Eddie Hinton, 6 for 50 yards; Norm Bulaich, 6 for 35 yards; Tom Mitchell, 4 for 50 yards; Tom Matte, 3 for 76 yards; Sam Havrilak, 2 for 41 yards; Don Nottingham, 1 for 5 yards
Kick returns:
STL: Ahmad Rashad, 2 for 47 yards BAL: Bruce Laird, 1 for 41 yards; Don Nottingham, 1 for 19 yards
Punt returns:
BAL: Rick Volk, 4 for 18 yards; Bruce Laird, 2 for 17 yards
Interceptions:
STL: Mike McGill, 1 for 26 yards; Larry Wilson, 1 for 8 yards
Punting:
STL: Donny Anderson, 9 for 343 yards BAL: David Lee, 3 for 162 yards
Field Goals:
STL: Jim Bakken, 1/1 BAL: Jim O'Brien, 1/5
Emerson Boozer equaled the Jets record of three TDs in a game, two on runs and another on a 12-yard pass from Joe Namath. His running mate John Riggins surpassed 100 yards for the first time in his career, 26 for 125 in his first start as a second-year man. Chris Farasopoulos registered a 65-yard punt return TD, the first by the Jets in almost a decade. Bills' J.D. Hill caught a pair of TD passes, one from Dennis Shaw, another on an option from O.J. Simpson. The option pass from Simpson was his first completion in five tries over three years.
Line: Jets by 6
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New York Jets (1-0-0) | 14 | 14 | 3 | 10 | 41 |
 Buffalo Bills (0-1-0) | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 24 |
( 7- 0) NYJ John Riggins 16 yard rush (Bobby Howfield kick)
(14- 0) NYJ Chris Farasopoulos 65 yard punt return (Bobby Howfield kick)
(21- 0) NYJ Emerson Boozer 12 yard pass from Joe Namath (Bobby Howfield kick)
(21- 7) BUF J.D. Hill 38 yard pass from Dennis Shaw (John Leypoldt kick)
(28- 7) NYJ Emerson Boozer 15 yard rush (Bobby Howfield kick)
(31- 7) NYJ Bobby Howfield 35 yard field goal
(31-14) BUF J.D. Hill 21 yard pass from O.J. Simpson (John Leypoldt kick)
(38-14) NYJ Emerson Boozer 1 yard rush (Bobby Howfield kick)
(41-14) NYJ Bobby Howfield 11 yard field goal
(41-17) BUF John Leypoldt 48 yard field goal
(41-24) BUF Haven Moses 25 yard pass from Dennis Shaw (John Leypoldt kick)
NYJ BUF
First Downs: 19 16
Rushes-yards: 47-191 25-80
Yards/rush: 4.1 3.2
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 6-16-120-1 16-26-236-4
Sacked-yards: 1-18 4-29
Net pass yards: 102 207
Net yards/pass: 6.0 6.9
Total net yards: 293 287
Total plays: 64 (73% run) 55 (45% run)
Yards/play: 4.6 5.2
Fumbles-lost: 0-0 0-0
Turnovers: 1 4
Penalties-yards: 3-35 8-78
Attendance: 46,206
Passing:
NYJ: Joe Namath, 5 of 14 for 113 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Bob Davis, 1 of 2 for 7 yards BUF: Dennis Shaw, 14 of 24 for 190 yards and 2 TDs (4 int); O.J. Simpson, 2 of 2 for 46 yards and 1 TD
Rushing:
NYJ: John Riggins, 26 for 125 yards and 1 TD; Emerson Boozer, 13 for 50 yards and 2 TDs; Steve Harkey, 7 for 16 yards; Cliff McClain, 1 for 0 yards BUF: O.J. Simpson, 14 for 41 yards; Jim Braxton, 5 for 20 yards; Dennis Shaw, 3 for 16 yards; Wayne Patrick, 3 for 3 yards
Receiving:
NYJ: Eddie Bell, 2 for 43 yards; Rich Caster, 1 for 36 yards; Wayne Stewart, 1 for 22 yards; Emerson Boozer, 1 for 12 yards and 1 TD; Cliff McClain, 1 for 7 yards BUF: J.D. Hill, 6 for 95 yards and 2 TDs; Jim Braxton, 3 for 40 yards; Haven Moses, 2 for 43 yards and 1 TD; Jan White, 2 for 33 yards; O.J. Simpson, 2 for 10 yards; Bob Chandler, 1 for 15 yards
Kick returns:
NYJ: Phil Wise, 2 for 55 yards BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 3 for 98 yards; O.J. Simpson, 1 for 21 yards; Jim Braxton, 1 for 12 yards
Punt returns:
NYJ: Chris Farasopoulos, 1 for 65 yards and 1 TD BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 1 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
NYJ: Steve Tannen, 2 for 59 yards; Al Atkinson, 1 for 7 yards; Ralph Baker, 1 for 0 yards BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 1 for 3 yards
Punting:
NYJ: Steve O'Neal, 3 for 107 yards BUF: Spike Jones, 4 for 168 yards
Field Goals:
NYJ: Bobby Howfield, 2/2 BUF: John Leypoldt, 1/1
NYJ: Joe Namath, 5 of 14 for 113 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Bob Davis, 1 of 2 for 7 yards BUF: Dennis Shaw, 14 of 24 for 190 yards and 2 TDs (4 int); O.J. Simpson, 2 of 2 for 46 yards and 1 TD
Rushing:
NYJ: John Riggins, 26 for 125 yards and 1 TD; Emerson Boozer, 13 for 50 yards and 2 TDs; Steve Harkey, 7 for 16 yards; Cliff McClain, 1 for 0 yards BUF: O.J. Simpson, 14 for 41 yards; Jim Braxton, 5 for 20 yards; Dennis Shaw, 3 for 16 yards; Wayne Patrick, 3 for 3 yards
Receiving:
NYJ: Eddie Bell, 2 for 43 yards; Rich Caster, 1 for 36 yards; Wayne Stewart, 1 for 22 yards; Emerson Boozer, 1 for 12 yards and 1 TD; Cliff McClain, 1 for 7 yards BUF: J.D. Hill, 6 for 95 yards and 2 TDs; Jim Braxton, 3 for 40 yards; Haven Moses, 2 for 43 yards and 1 TD; Jan White, 2 for 33 yards; O.J. Simpson, 2 for 10 yards; Bob Chandler, 1 for 15 yards
Kick returns:
NYJ: Phil Wise, 2 for 55 yards BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 3 for 98 yards; O.J. Simpson, 1 for 21 yards; Jim Braxton, 1 for 12 yards
Punt returns:
NYJ: Chris Farasopoulos, 1 for 65 yards and 1 TD BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 1 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
NYJ: Steve Tannen, 2 for 59 yards; Al Atkinson, 1 for 7 yards; Ralph Baker, 1 for 0 yards BUF: Alvin Wyatt, 1 for 3 yards
Punting:
NYJ: Steve O'Neal, 3 for 107 yards BUF: Spike Jones, 4 for 168 yards
Field Goals:
NYJ: Bobby Howfield, 2/2 BUF: John Leypoldt, 1/1
Bill Bell's first of three field goals broke a 7-7 first period tie, then Atlanta erupted for 21 points in the second period for a commanding 31-7 halftime lead. Bob Berry threw a pair of touchdown passes, including a 57-yarder to running back Art Malone, who also rushed for 77 yards.
Line: Falcons by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Atlanta Falcons (1-0-0) | 10 | 21 | 3 | 3 | 37 |
 Chicago Bears (0-1-0) | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
( 7- 0) ATL John Zook 26 yard fumble return (Bill Bell kick)
( 7- 7) CHI Bob Parsons 6 yard pass from Bobby Douglass (Mac Percival kick)
(10- 7) ATL Bill Bell 22 yard field goal
(17- 7) ATL Ken Burrow 32 yard pass from Bob Berry (Bill Bell kick)
(24- 7) ATL Bob Berry 1 yard rush (Bill Bell kick)
(31- 7) ATL Art Malone 57 yard pass from Bob Berry (Bill Bell kick)
(31-14) CHI Earl Thomas 38 yard pass from Bobby Douglass (Mac Percival kick)
(34-14) ATL Bill Bell 39 yard field goal
(34-21) CHI Jim Harrison 1 yard rush (Mac Percival kick)
(37-21) ATL Bill Bell 36 yard field goal
ATL CHI
First Downs: 16 15
Rushes-yards: 37-173 43-214
Yards/rush: 4.7 5.0
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 6-9-151-1 4-12-73-1
Sacked-yards: 1-5 1-4
Net pass yards: 146 69
Net yards/pass: 14.6 5.3
Total net yards: 319 283
Total plays: 47 (78% run) 56 (76% run)
Yards/play: 6.8 5.1
Fumbles-lost: 1-1 4-2
Turnovers: 2 3
Penalties-yards: 6-33 5-23
Attendance: 55,701
Passing:
ATL: Bob Berry, 6 of 9 for 151 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) CHI: Bobby Douglass, 4 of 12 for 73 yards and 2 TDs (1 int)
Rushing:
ATL: Art Malone, 19 for 77 yards; Joe Profit, 9 for 25 yards; Dave Hampton, 6 for 49 yards; Bob Berry, 2 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Jim Mitchell, 1 for 18 yards CHI: Jim Harrison, 20 for 113 yards and 1 TD; Bobby Douglass, 9 for 68 yards; Cyril Pinder, 7 for 23 yards; Roger Lawson, 3 for 11 yards; Earl Thomas, 2 for 6 yards; Don Shy, 1 for 4 yards; George Farmer, 1 for -11 yards
Receiving:
ATL: Art Malone, 2 for 72 yards and 1 TD; Jim Mitchell, 2 for 28 yards; Ken Burrow, 1 for 32 yards and 1 TD; Todd Snyder, 1 for 19 yards CHI: Earl Thomas, 2 for 50 yards and 1 TD; Roger Lawson, 1 for 17 yards; Bob Parsons, 1 for 6 yards and 1 TD
Kick returns:
ATL: Dave Hampton, 3 for 87 yards; Willie Belton, 1 for 29 yards CHI: Cecil Turner, 3 for 60 yards; Craig Clemons, 2 for 53 yards
Punt returns:
ATL: Ray Brown, 1 for 12 yards; Willie Belton, 1 for 5 yards CHI: Ron Smith, 1 for 15 yards
Interceptions:
ATL: Tom Hayes, 1 for 8 yards CHI: Garry Lyle, 1 for 35 yards
Punting:
ATL: John James, 2 for 97 yards CHI: Bobby Joe Green, 4 for 167 yards
Field Goals:
ATL: Bill Bell, 3/3
ATL: Bob Berry, 6 of 9 for 151 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) CHI: Bobby Douglass, 4 of 12 for 73 yards and 2 TDs (1 int)
Rushing:
ATL: Art Malone, 19 for 77 yards; Joe Profit, 9 for 25 yards; Dave Hampton, 6 for 49 yards; Bob Berry, 2 for 4 yards and 1 TD; Jim Mitchell, 1 for 18 yards CHI: Jim Harrison, 20 for 113 yards and 1 TD; Bobby Douglass, 9 for 68 yards; Cyril Pinder, 7 for 23 yards; Roger Lawson, 3 for 11 yards; Earl Thomas, 2 for 6 yards; Don Shy, 1 for 4 yards; George Farmer, 1 for -11 yards
Receiving:
ATL: Art Malone, 2 for 72 yards and 1 TD; Jim Mitchell, 2 for 28 yards; Ken Burrow, 1 for 32 yards and 1 TD; Todd Snyder, 1 for 19 yards CHI: Earl Thomas, 2 for 50 yards and 1 TD; Roger Lawson, 1 for 17 yards; Bob Parsons, 1 for 6 yards and 1 TD
Kick returns:
ATL: Dave Hampton, 3 for 87 yards; Willie Belton, 1 for 29 yards CHI: Cecil Turner, 3 for 60 yards; Craig Clemons, 2 for 53 yards
Punt returns:
ATL: Ray Brown, 1 for 12 yards; Willie Belton, 1 for 5 yards CHI: Ron Smith, 1 for 15 yards
Interceptions:
ATL: Tom Hayes, 1 for 8 yards CHI: Garry Lyle, 1 for 35 yards
Punting:
ATL: John James, 2 for 97 yards CHI: Bobby Joe Green, 4 for 167 yards
Field Goals:
ATL: Bill Bell, 3/3
Rookie kicker Chester Marcol connected with four field goals to give the Packers impetus in their opening victory over Cleveland. Scott Hunter threw a pair of TD passes to TE Rich McGeorge. Clarence Scott tallied for the Browns on a 55-yard runback of a blocked field goal for his first points as a professional.
Line: Browns by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Green Bay Packers (1-0-0) | 7 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 26 |
 Cleveland Browns (0-1-0) | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
( 7- 0) GB Rich McGeorge 22 yard pass from Scott Hunter (Chester Marcol kick)
( 7- 3) CLE Don Cockroft 21 yard field goal
( 7-10) CLE Clarence Scott 55 yard return of blocked field goal (Don Cockroft kick)
(10-10) GB Chester Marcol 41 yard field goal
(17-10) GB Rich McGeorge 2 yard pass from Scott Hunter (Chester Marcol kick)
(20-10) GB Chester Marcol 19 yard field goal
(23-10) GB Chester Marcol 49 yard field goal
(26-10) GB Chester Marcol 17 yard field goal
GB CLE
First Downs: 15 13
Rushes-yards: 48-145 23-62
Yards/rush: 3.0 2.7
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 7-17-150-0 14-33-133-3
Sacked-yards: 1-5 1-7
Net pass yards: 145 126
Net yards/pass: 8.1 3.7
Total net yards: 290 188
Total plays: 66 (72% run) 57 (40% run)
Yards/play: 4.4 3.3
Fumbles-lost: 3-1 2-1
Turnovers: 1 4
Penalties-yards: 5-47 4-39
Attendance: 75,771
Passing:
GB: Scott Hunter, 7 of 17 for 150 yards and 2 TDs CLE: Bill Nelsen, 9 of 19 for 84 yards (2 int); Mike Phipps, 5 of 14 for 49 yards (1 int)
Rushing:
GB: John Brockington, 23 for 83 yards; MacArthur Lane, 16 for 45 yards; Bob Hudson, 6 for 11 yards; Perry Williams, 3 for 6 yards CLE: Leroy Kelly, 13 for 26 yards; Bo Scott, 9 for 33 yards; Mike Phipps, 1 for 3 yards
Receiving:
GB: MacArthur Lane, 2 for 63 yards; Rich McGeorge, 2 for 25 yards and 2 TDs; Leland Glass, 1 for 31 yards; John Brockington, 1 for 20 yards; Dave Davis, 1 for 11 yards CLE: Milt Morin, 3 for 48 yards; Leroy Kelly, 3 for 30 yards; Fair Hooker, 3 for 28 yards; Bo Scott, 3 for 12 yards; Frank Pitts, 1 for 8 yards; Gloster Richardson, 1 for 7 yards
Kick returns:
GB: Ike Thomas, 3 for 82 yards CLE: Ken Brown, 1 for 24 yards; Reece Morrison, 1 for 19 yards
Punt returns:
GB: Ken Ellis, 6 for 45 yards CLE: Thom Darden, 1 for 2 yards
Interceptions:
GB: Willie Buchanon, 1 for 11 yards; Dave Robinson, 1 for 7 yards; Jim Hill, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
GB: Ron Widby, 5 for 207 yards CLE: Don Cockroft, 7 for 327 yards
Field Goals:
GB: Chester Marcol, 4/6 CLE: Don Cockroft, 1/1
GB: Scott Hunter, 7 of 17 for 150 yards and 2 TDs CLE: Bill Nelsen, 9 of 19 for 84 yards (2 int); Mike Phipps, 5 of 14 for 49 yards (1 int)
Rushing:
GB: John Brockington, 23 for 83 yards; MacArthur Lane, 16 for 45 yards; Bob Hudson, 6 for 11 yards; Perry Williams, 3 for 6 yards CLE: Leroy Kelly, 13 for 26 yards; Bo Scott, 9 for 33 yards; Mike Phipps, 1 for 3 yards
Receiving:
GB: MacArthur Lane, 2 for 63 yards; Rich McGeorge, 2 for 25 yards and 2 TDs; Leland Glass, 1 for 31 yards; John Brockington, 1 for 20 yards; Dave Davis, 1 for 11 yards CLE: Milt Morin, 3 for 48 yards; Leroy Kelly, 3 for 30 yards; Fair Hooker, 3 for 28 yards; Bo Scott, 3 for 12 yards; Frank Pitts, 1 for 8 yards; Gloster Richardson, 1 for 7 yards
Kick returns:
GB: Ike Thomas, 3 for 82 yards CLE: Ken Brown, 1 for 24 yards; Reece Morrison, 1 for 19 yards
Punt returns:
GB: Ken Ellis, 6 for 45 yards CLE: Thom Darden, 1 for 2 yards
Interceptions:
GB: Willie Buchanon, 1 for 11 yards; Dave Robinson, 1 for 7 yards; Jim Hill, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
GB: Ron Widby, 5 for 207 yards CLE: Don Cockroft, 7 for 327 yards
Field Goals:
GB: Chester Marcol, 4/6 CLE: Don Cockroft, 1/1
Philadelphia took a 6-0 lead on field goals of 30 and 42 yards by Tom Dempsey before Craig Morton connected with Ron Sellers for a 37-yard touchdown that produced a 7-6 lead for Dallas at halftime. The Cowboys pulled away with 21 points in the second half, while holding Philadelphia scoreless. Eagles WR Harold Jackson caught nine passes for 161 yards.
Line: Cowboys by 14
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Philadelphia Eagles (0-1-0) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
 Dallas Cowboys (1-0-0) | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 28 |
( 3- 0) PHI Tom Dempsey 30 yard field goal
( 6- 0) PHI Tom Dempsey 42 yard field goal
( 6- 7) DAL Ron Sellers 37 yard pass from Craig Morton (Toni Fritsch kick)
( 6-14) DAL Lance Alworth 13 yard pass from Craig Morton (Toni Fritsch kick)
( 6-21) DAL Calvin Hill 3 yard rush (Toni Fritsch kick)
( 6-28) DAL Robert Newhouse 1 yard rush (Toni Fritsch kick)
PHI DAL
First Downs: 17 22
Rushes-yards: 30-70 39-154
Yards/rush: 2.3 3.9
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 20-36-250-3 13-29-235-2
Sacked-yards: 1-5 0-0
Net pass yards: 245 235
Net yards/pass: 6.6 8.1
Total net yards: 315 389
Total plays: 67 (44% run) 68 (57% run)
Yards/play: 4.7 5.7
Fumbles-lost: 2-1 2-1
Turnovers: 4 3
Penalties-yards: 7-57 10-85
Attendance: 55,850
Passing:
PHI: John Reaves, 11 of 19 for 143 yards (2 int); Pete Liske, 9 of 17 for 107 yards (1 int) DAL: Craig Morton, 13 of 26 for 235 yards and 2 TDs (2 int); Dan Reeves, 0 of 2 for 0 yards; Mike Montgomery, 0 of 1 for 0 yards
Rushing:
PHI: Po James, 13 for 28 yards; Larry Watkins, 9 for 24 yards; Tom Sullivan, 4 for 7 yards; Harold Jackson, 1 for 7 yards; Ben Hawkins, 1 for 3 yards; John Reaves, 1 for 2 yards; Tony Baker, 1 for -1 yards DAL: Calvin Hill, 17 for 65 yards and 1 TD; Walt Garrison, 9 for 35 yards; Mike Montgomery, 7 for 30 yards; Robert Newhouse, 4 for 23 yards and 1 TD; Bob Hayes, 1 for 1 yard; Dan Reeves, 1 for 0 yards
Receiving:
PHI: Harold Jackson, 9 for 161 yards; Ben Hawkins, 3 for 43 yards; Po James, 2 for 17 yards; Tom Bailey, 2 for 9 yards; Gary Ballman, 1 for 11 yards; Tom Sullivan, 1 for 6 yards; Harold Carmichael, 1 for 4 yards; Larry Watkins, 1 for -1 yards DAL: Ron Sellers, 3 for 88 yards and 1 TD; Lance Alworth, 3 for 46 yards and 1 TD; Mike Montgomery, 2 for 63 yards; Calvin Hill, 2 for 16 yards; Mike Ditka, 1 for 14 yards; Bob Hayes, 1 for 5 yards; Walt Garrison, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
PHI: Pat Gibbs, 2 for 44 yards; Al Nelson, 1 for 19 yards DAL: Cliff Harris, 2 for 43 yards; Robert Newhouse, 1 for 24 yards
Punt returns:
DAL: Cliff Harris, 2 for 3 yards; Charlie Waters, 1 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
PHI: Bill Bradley, 1 for 18 yards; Nate Ramsey, 1 for 10 yards DAL: Cliff Harris, 1 for 23 yards; Cornell Green, 1 for 0 yards; Mel Renfro, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
PHI: Tom McNeill, 4 for 176 yards DAL: Marv Bateman, 3 for 111 yards
Field Goals:
PHI: Tom Dempsey, 2/4 DAL: Toni Fritsch, 0/1
PHI: John Reaves, 11 of 19 for 143 yards (2 int); Pete Liske, 9 of 17 for 107 yards (1 int) DAL: Craig Morton, 13 of 26 for 235 yards and 2 TDs (2 int); Dan Reeves, 0 of 2 for 0 yards; Mike Montgomery, 0 of 1 for 0 yards
Rushing:
PHI: Po James, 13 for 28 yards; Larry Watkins, 9 for 24 yards; Tom Sullivan, 4 for 7 yards; Harold Jackson, 1 for 7 yards; Ben Hawkins, 1 for 3 yards; John Reaves, 1 for 2 yards; Tony Baker, 1 for -1 yards DAL: Calvin Hill, 17 for 65 yards and 1 TD; Walt Garrison, 9 for 35 yards; Mike Montgomery, 7 for 30 yards; Robert Newhouse, 4 for 23 yards and 1 TD; Bob Hayes, 1 for 1 yard; Dan Reeves, 1 for 0 yards
Receiving:
PHI: Harold Jackson, 9 for 161 yards; Ben Hawkins, 3 for 43 yards; Po James, 2 for 17 yards; Tom Bailey, 2 for 9 yards; Gary Ballman, 1 for 11 yards; Tom Sullivan, 1 for 6 yards; Harold Carmichael, 1 for 4 yards; Larry Watkins, 1 for -1 yards DAL: Ron Sellers, 3 for 88 yards and 1 TD; Lance Alworth, 3 for 46 yards and 1 TD; Mike Montgomery, 2 for 63 yards; Calvin Hill, 2 for 16 yards; Mike Ditka, 1 for 14 yards; Bob Hayes, 1 for 5 yards; Walt Garrison, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
PHI: Pat Gibbs, 2 for 44 yards; Al Nelson, 1 for 19 yards DAL: Cliff Harris, 2 for 43 yards; Robert Newhouse, 1 for 24 yards
Punt returns:
DAL: Cliff Harris, 2 for 3 yards; Charlie Waters, 1 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
PHI: Bill Bradley, 1 for 18 yards; Nate Ramsey, 1 for 10 yards DAL: Cliff Harris, 1 for 23 yards; Cornell Green, 1 for 0 yards; Mel Renfro, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
PHI: Tom McNeill, 4 for 176 yards DAL: Marv Bateman, 3 for 111 yards
Field Goals:
PHI: Tom Dempsey, 2/4 DAL: Toni Fritsch, 0/1
The Broncos withstood a fourth quarter Houston bid to preserve an opening victory and move to the forefront in the AFC Western Division. The Broncos' front four sacked Oiler quarterbacks seven times. Steve Ramsey scored on a short run and passed to Billy Masters for another TD, and Billy Van Heusen wound up the game with a 66-yard run from punt formation for a TD while attempting to run out the clock. Dan Pastorini threw TD passes to Ken Burrough and Jim Beirne.
Line: Broncos by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Houston Oilers (0-1-0) | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
 Denver Broncos (1-0-0) | 10 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 30 |
( 0- 3) DEN Jim Turner 45 yard field goal
( 0-10) DEN Steve Ramsey 3 yard rush (Jim Turner kick)
( 0-17) DEN Billy Masters 25 yard pass from Steve Ramsey (Jim Turner kick)
( 7-17) HOU Ken Burrough 57 yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Mark Moseley kick)
(10-17) HOU Mark Moseley 20 yard field goal
(10-20) DEN Jim Turner 29 yard field goal
(10-23) DEN Jim Turner 40 yard field goal
(17-23) HOU Jim Beirne 18 yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Mark Moseley kick)
(17-30) DEN Billy Van Heusen 66 yard rush (Jim Turner kick)
HOU DEN
First Downs: 12 18
Rushes-yards: 19-54 36-239
Yards/rush: 2.8 6.6
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 14-33-203-1 11-24-261-1
Sacked-yards: 7-61 4-22
Net pass yards: 142 239
Net yards/pass: 3.5 8.5
Total net yards: 196 478
Total plays: 59 (32% run) 64 (56% run)
Yards/play: 3.3 7.5
Fumbles-lost: 3-1 2-2
Turnovers: 2 3
Penalties-yards: 3-25 9-51
Attendance: 51,656
Passing:
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 14 of 33 for 203 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) DEN: Steve Ramsey, 11 of 24 for 261 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
HOU: Willie Rodgers, 6 for 13 yards; Robert Holmes, 5 for 13 yards; Al Johnson, 4 for 8 yards; Ward Walsh, 2 for 8 yards; Charlie Joiner, 1 for 9 yards; Dan Pastorini, 1 for 3 yards DEN: Floyd Little, 22 for 101 yards; Joe Dawkins, 8 for 34 yards; Bobby Anderson, 2 for 6 yards; Billy Van Heusen, 1 for 66 yards and 1 TD; Riley Odoms, 1 for 27 yards; Steve Ramsey, 1 for 3 yards and 1 TD; Rod Sherman, 1 for 2 yards
Receiving:
HOU: Ken Burrough, 4 for 92 yards and 1 TD; Charlie Joiner, 4 for 56 yards; Al Johnson, 3 for 17 yards; Jim Beirne, 1 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Robert Holmes, 1 for 11 yards; Willie Rodgers, 1 for 9 yards DEN: Rod Sherman, 4 for 110 yards; Billy Masters, 4 for 86 yards and 1 TD; Riley Odoms, 2 for 61 yards; Floyd Little, 1 for 4 yards
Kick returns:
HOU: Robert Holmes, 2 for 39 yards; Willie Rodgers, 1 for 32 yards DEN: Bobby Anderson, 1 for 13 yards
Punt returns:
HOU: Ken Houston, 4 for 41 yards DEN: Rod Sherman, 2 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
HOU: Willie Alexander, 1 for 16 yards DEN: Leroy Mitchell, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 7 for 354 yards DEN: Billy Van Heusen, 4 for 185 yards
Field Goals:
HOU: Mark Moseley, 1/2 DEN: Jim Turner, 3/3
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 14 of 33 for 203 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) DEN: Steve Ramsey, 11 of 24 for 261 yards and 1 TD (1 int)
Rushing:
HOU: Willie Rodgers, 6 for 13 yards; Robert Holmes, 5 for 13 yards; Al Johnson, 4 for 8 yards; Ward Walsh, 2 for 8 yards; Charlie Joiner, 1 for 9 yards; Dan Pastorini, 1 for 3 yards DEN: Floyd Little, 22 for 101 yards; Joe Dawkins, 8 for 34 yards; Bobby Anderson, 2 for 6 yards; Billy Van Heusen, 1 for 66 yards and 1 TD; Riley Odoms, 1 for 27 yards; Steve Ramsey, 1 for 3 yards and 1 TD; Rod Sherman, 1 for 2 yards
Receiving:
HOU: Ken Burrough, 4 for 92 yards and 1 TD; Charlie Joiner, 4 for 56 yards; Al Johnson, 3 for 17 yards; Jim Beirne, 1 for 18 yards and 1 TD; Robert Holmes, 1 for 11 yards; Willie Rodgers, 1 for 9 yards DEN: Rod Sherman, 4 for 110 yards; Billy Masters, 4 for 86 yards and 1 TD; Riley Odoms, 2 for 61 yards; Floyd Little, 1 for 4 yards
Kick returns:
HOU: Robert Holmes, 2 for 39 yards; Willie Rodgers, 1 for 32 yards DEN: Bobby Anderson, 1 for 13 yards
Punt returns:
HOU: Ken Houston, 4 for 41 yards DEN: Rod Sherman, 2 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
HOU: Willie Alexander, 1 for 16 yards DEN: Leroy Mitchell, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
HOU: Dan Pastorini, 7 for 354 yards DEN: Billy Van Heusen, 4 for 185 yards
Field Goals:
HOU: Mark Moseley, 1/2 DEN: Jim Turner, 3/3
Three touchdown passes by Greg Landry, a trio of field goals by Errol Mann and Steve Owens' 113 rushing yards highlighted the Detroit offense that broke away from a 13-10 halftime lead. New Lions' tight end John Hilton, filling for injured Charlie Sanders, caught three passes for 120 yards, including a 66-yard TD play.
Line: Lions by 9
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New York Giants (0-1-0) | 0 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
 Detroit Lions (1-0-0) | 0 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 30 |
( 0- 3) DET Errol Mann 26 yard field goal
( 0-10) DET John Hilton 66 yard pass from Greg Landry (Errol Mann kick)
( 3-10) NYG Pete Gogolak 42 yard field goal
( 3-13) DET Errol Mann 20 yard field goal
(10-13) NYG Rocky Thompson 92 yard kickoff return (Pete Gogolak kick)
(10-20) DET Al Barnes 8 yard pass from Greg Landry (Errol Mann kick)
(10-27) DET Ron Jessie 11 yard pass from Greg Landry (Errol Mann kick)
(16-27) NYG Bob Tucker 2 yard pass from Norm Snead (kick failed)
(16-30) DET Errol Mann 38 yard field goal
NYG DET
First Downs: 14 18
Rushes-yards: 27-112 37-192
Yards/rush: 4.1 5.2
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 16-25-137-1 9-17-207-0
Sacked-yards: 1-4 2-7
Net pass yards: 133 200
Net yards/pass: 5.1 10.5
Total net yards: 245 392
Total plays: 53 (50% run) 56 (66% run)
Yards/play: 4.6 7.0
Fumbles-lost: 3-1 0-0
Turnovers: 2 0
Penalties-yards: 6-68 8-76
Attendance: 54,418
Passing:
NYG: Norm Snead, 16 of 25 for 137 yards and 1 TD (1 int) DET: Greg Landry, 9 of 17 for 207 yards and 3 TDs
Rushing:
NYG: Charlie Evans, 14 for 57 yards; Ron Johnson, 12 for 54 yards; Don Herrmann, 1 for 1 yard DET: Steve Owens, 20 for 113 yards; Altie Taylor, 13 for 46 yards; Greg Landry, 4 for 33 yards
Receiving:
NYG: Bob Tucker, 5 for 69 yards and 1 TD; Charlie Evans, 5 for 38 yards; Don Herrmann, 4 for 24 yards; Ron Johnson, 2 for 6 yards DET: John Hilton, 3 for 120 yards and 1 TD; Ron Jessie, 2 for 29 yards and 1 TD; Al Barnes, 2 for 24 yards and 1 TD; Craig Cotton, 1 for 32 yards; Altie Taylor, 1 for 2 yards
Kick returns:
NYG: Rocky Thompson, 4 for 198 yards and 1 TD; Bobby Duhon, 1 for 26 yards; John Douglas, 1 for 10 yards DET: Ron Jessie, 3 for 86 yards; Mickey Zofko, 1 for 44 yards
Punt returns:
NYG: Bobby Duhon, 2 for 20 yards DET: Lem Barney, 3 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
DET: Mike Lucci, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
NYG: Tom Blanchard, 4 for 171 yards DET: Herman Weaver, 3 for 113 yards
Field Goals:
NYG: Pete Gogolak, 1/2 DET: Errol Mann, 3/3
NYG: Norm Snead, 16 of 25 for 137 yards and 1 TD (1 int) DET: Greg Landry, 9 of 17 for 207 yards and 3 TDs
Rushing:
NYG: Charlie Evans, 14 for 57 yards; Ron Johnson, 12 for 54 yards; Don Herrmann, 1 for 1 yard DET: Steve Owens, 20 for 113 yards; Altie Taylor, 13 for 46 yards; Greg Landry, 4 for 33 yards
Receiving:
NYG: Bob Tucker, 5 for 69 yards and 1 TD; Charlie Evans, 5 for 38 yards; Don Herrmann, 4 for 24 yards; Ron Johnson, 2 for 6 yards DET: John Hilton, 3 for 120 yards and 1 TD; Ron Jessie, 2 for 29 yards and 1 TD; Al Barnes, 2 for 24 yards and 1 TD; Craig Cotton, 1 for 32 yards; Altie Taylor, 1 for 2 yards
Kick returns:
NYG: Rocky Thompson, 4 for 198 yards and 1 TD; Bobby Duhon, 1 for 26 yards; John Douglas, 1 for 10 yards DET: Ron Jessie, 3 for 86 yards; Mickey Zofko, 1 for 44 yards
Punt returns:
NYG: Bobby Duhon, 2 for 20 yards DET: Lem Barney, 3 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
DET: Mike Lucci, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
NYG: Tom Blanchard, 4 for 171 yards DET: Herman Weaver, 3 for 113 yards
Field Goals:
NYG: Pete Gogolak, 1/2 DET: Errol Mann, 3/3
Larry Csonka's 118 yards helped pace defending AFC Champion Miami to a 20-10 victory over Kansas City in a rematch of the 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff, pro football's longest game in which the Dolphins defeated the Chiefs after 22 minutes and 40 seconds of sudden-death overtime. The Dolphins victory, which marked the first regular season game played in the new stadium, was aided by the key interceptions of Jake Scott and Mike Kolen that set up two of Miami's scores.
Line: Chiefs by 5
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Miami Dolphins (1-0-0) | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
 Kansas City Chiefs (0-1-0) | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
( 7- 0) MIA Marlin Briscoe 14 yard pass from Bob Griese (Garo Yepremian kick)
(10- 0) MIA Garo Yepremian 47 yard field goal
(17- 0) MIA Larry Csonka 2 yard rush (Garo Yepremian kick)
(20- 0) MIA Garo Yepremian 15 yard field goal
(20- 3) KC Jan Stenerud 40 yard field goal
(20-10) KC Willie Frazier 4 yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick)
MIA KC
First Downs: 19 16
Rushes-yards: 42-196 27-134
Yards/rush: 4.7 5.0
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 8-15-111-1 22-33-237-2
Sacked-yards: 2-11 4-39
Net pass yards: 100 198
Net yards/pass: 5.9 5.4
Total net yards: 296 332
Total plays: 59 (71% run) 64 (42% run)
Yards/play: 5.0 5.2
Fumbles-lost: 2-1 2-2
Turnovers: 2 4
Penalties-yards: 7-75 9-95
Attendance: 79,829
Passing:
MIA: Bob Griese, 8 of 15 for 111 yards and 1 TD (1 int) KC: Len Dawson, 22 of 33 for 237 yards and 1 TD (2 int)
Rushing:
MIA: Larry Csonka, 21 for 118 yards and 1 TD; Mercury Morris, 14 for 67 yards; Jim Kiick, 7 for 11 yards KC: Ed Podolak, 13 for 81 yards; Wendell Hayes, 11 for 35 yards; Jeff Kinney, 2 for 12 yards; Mike Adamle, 1 for 6 yards
Receiving:
MIA: Marlin Briscoe, 3 for 31 yards and 1 TD; Paul Warfield, 2 for 49 yards; Marv Fleming, 2 for 24 yards; Mercury Morris, 1 for 7 yards KC: Ed Podolak, 7 for 48 yards; Otis Taylor, 4 for 69 yards; Wendell Hayes, 3 for 38 yards; Elmo Wright, 3 for 30 yards; Jeff Kinney, 2 for 30 yards; Willie Frazier, 2 for 19 yards and 1 TD; Dennis Homan, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
MIA: Mercury Morris, 1 for 33 yards KC: Larry Marshall, 2 for 47 yards; Ed Podolak, 1 for 23 yards
Punt returns:
MIA: Charlie Leigh, 3 for 36 yards KC: Larry Marshall, 2 for 14 yards
Interceptions:
MIA: Mike Kolen, 1 for 14 yards; Jake Scott, 1 for 0 yards KC: Mike Sensibaugh, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
MIA: Larry Seiple, 3 for 124 yards KC: Jerrel Wilson, 4 for 203 yards
Field Goals:
MIA: Garo Yepremian, 2/5 KC: Jan Stenerud, 1/2
MIA: Bob Griese, 8 of 15 for 111 yards and 1 TD (1 int) KC: Len Dawson, 22 of 33 for 237 yards and 1 TD (2 int)
Rushing:
MIA: Larry Csonka, 21 for 118 yards and 1 TD; Mercury Morris, 14 for 67 yards; Jim Kiick, 7 for 11 yards KC: Ed Podolak, 13 for 81 yards; Wendell Hayes, 11 for 35 yards; Jeff Kinney, 2 for 12 yards; Mike Adamle, 1 for 6 yards
Receiving:
MIA: Marlin Briscoe, 3 for 31 yards and 1 TD; Paul Warfield, 2 for 49 yards; Marv Fleming, 2 for 24 yards; Mercury Morris, 1 for 7 yards KC: Ed Podolak, 7 for 48 yards; Otis Taylor, 4 for 69 yards; Wendell Hayes, 3 for 38 yards; Elmo Wright, 3 for 30 yards; Jeff Kinney, 2 for 30 yards; Willie Frazier, 2 for 19 yards and 1 TD; Dennis Homan, 1 for 3 yards
Kick returns:
MIA: Mercury Morris, 1 for 33 yards KC: Larry Marshall, 2 for 47 yards; Ed Podolak, 1 for 23 yards
Punt returns:
MIA: Charlie Leigh, 3 for 36 yards KC: Larry Marshall, 2 for 14 yards
Interceptions:
MIA: Mike Kolen, 1 for 14 yards; Jake Scott, 1 for 0 yards KC: Mike Sensibaugh, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
MIA: Larry Seiple, 3 for 124 yards KC: Jerrel Wilson, 4 for 203 yards
Field Goals:
MIA: Garo Yepremian, 2/5 KC: Jan Stenerud, 1/2
With running backs Willie Ellison and Les Josephson injured, second-year man Bob Thomas moved into the Rams starting lineup and rushed for 144 yards on 18 carries, including touchdowns from the 1 and 38-yard lines. It marked the first time Thomas ever had carried the ball from scrimmage in the NFL. Los Angeles' first two scores were field goals by David Ray and the Rams went on to a 34-7 halftime lead.
Line: Rams by 9
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Orleans Saints (0-1-0) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
 Los Angeles Rams (1-0-0) | 13 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
( 0- 3) LA David Ray 36 yard field goal
( 0- 6) LA David Ray 28 yard field goal
( 0-13) LA Bob Thomas 1 yard rush (David Ray kick)
( 0-20) LA Jack Snow 31 yard pass from Roman Gabriel (David Ray kick)
( 0-27) LA Larry Smith 4 yard rush (David Ray kick)
( 0-34) LA Bob Thomas 38 yard rush (David Ray kick)
( 7-34) NO Bob Newland 42 yard pass from Archie Manning (Charlie Durkee kick)
(14-34) NO Danny Abramowicz 4 yard pass from Archie Manning (Charlie Durkee kick)
NO LA
First Downs: 20 20
Rushes-yards: 18-69 36-254
Yards/rush: 3.8 7.1
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 21-46-249-1 11-22-139-1
Sacked-yards: 3-31 0-0
Net pass yards: 218 139
Net yards/pass: 4.4 6.3
Total net yards: 287 393
Total plays: 67 (26% run) 58 (62% run)
Yards/play: 4.3 6.8
Fumbles-lost: 2-1 1-0
Turnovers: 2 1
Penalties-yards: 4-41 6-47
Attendance: 66,303
Passing:
NO: Archie Manning, 21 of 46 for 249 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) LA: Roman Gabriel, 11 of 21 for 139 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Pete Beathard, 0 of 1 for 0 yards
Rushing:
NO: Joe Williams, 8 for 26 yards; Bob Gresham, 4 for 8 yards; Jim Strong, 3 for 8 yards; Archie Manning, 2 for 22 yards; Virgil Robinson, 1 for 5 yards LA: Bob Thomas, 18 for 144 yards and 2 TDs; Larry Smith, 11 for 61 yards and 1 TD; Jim Bertelsen, 6 for 50 yards; Pete Beathard, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
NO: Jim Strong, 7 for 53 yards; Danny Abramowicz, 3 for 59 yards and 1 TD; Dave Parks, 3 for 50 yards; Bob Newland, 2 for 55 yards and 1 TD; Bob Gresham, 2 for 19 yards; Joe Williams, 2 for 2 yards; Bob Brown, 1 for 14 yards; Margene Adkins, 1 for -3 yards LA: Bob Thomas, 4 for 35 yards; Jack Snow, 2 for 56 yards and 1 TD; Lance Rentzel, 2 for 21 yards; Larry Smith, 1 for 15 yards; Jim Bertelsen, 1 for 13 yards; Willie Ellison, 1 for -1 yards
Kick returns:
NO: Arthur Green, 3 for 53 yards; Margene Adkins, 3 for 48 yards LA: Jim Bertelsen, 1 for 20 yards; John Love, 1 for 15 yards; Pat Curran, 1 for 4 yards
Punt returns:
LA: John Love, 1 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
NO: Bivian Lee, 1 for 21 yards LA: Jim Nettles, 1 for 31 yards
Punting:
NO: Julian Fagan, 6 for 225 yards LA: Dave Chapple, 2 for 85 yards
Field Goals:
NO: Charlie Durkee, 0/1 LA: David Ray, 2/3
NO: Archie Manning, 21 of 46 for 249 yards and 2 TDs (1 int) LA: Roman Gabriel, 11 of 21 for 139 yards and 1 TD (1 int); Pete Beathard, 0 of 1 for 0 yards
Rushing:
NO: Joe Williams, 8 for 26 yards; Bob Gresham, 4 for 8 yards; Jim Strong, 3 for 8 yards; Archie Manning, 2 for 22 yards; Virgil Robinson, 1 for 5 yards LA: Bob Thomas, 18 for 144 yards and 2 TDs; Larry Smith, 11 for 61 yards and 1 TD; Jim Bertelsen, 6 for 50 yards; Pete Beathard, 1 for -1 yards
Receiving:
NO: Jim Strong, 7 for 53 yards; Danny Abramowicz, 3 for 59 yards and 1 TD; Dave Parks, 3 for 50 yards; Bob Newland, 2 for 55 yards and 1 TD; Bob Gresham, 2 for 19 yards; Joe Williams, 2 for 2 yards; Bob Brown, 1 for 14 yards; Margene Adkins, 1 for -3 yards LA: Bob Thomas, 4 for 35 yards; Jack Snow, 2 for 56 yards and 1 TD; Lance Rentzel, 2 for 21 yards; Larry Smith, 1 for 15 yards; Jim Bertelsen, 1 for 13 yards; Willie Ellison, 1 for -1 yards
Kick returns:
NO: Arthur Green, 3 for 53 yards; Margene Adkins, 3 for 48 yards LA: Jim Bertelsen, 1 for 20 yards; John Love, 1 for 15 yards; Pat Curran, 1 for 4 yards
Punt returns:
LA: John Love, 1 for 7 yards
Interceptions:
NO: Bivian Lee, 1 for 21 yards LA: Jim Nettles, 1 for 31 yards
Punting:
NO: Julian Fagan, 6 for 225 yards LA: Dave Chapple, 2 for 85 yards
Field Goals:
NO: Charlie Durkee, 0/1 LA: David Ray, 2/3
Highlighted by 246 yards of rushing and TDs by Essex Johnson and Jesse Phillips, the Bengals won their fourth opening game in their five year history. Lemar Parrish returned a punt 51 yards to score and Ken Anderson connected with Bob Trumpy on a touchdown pass. New England scoring was limited to a 45-yard run by Larry Carwell on a blocked field goal.
Line: Bengals by 1
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cincinnati Bengals (1-0-0) | 7 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 31 |
 New England Patriots (0-1-0) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
( 7- 0) CIN Essex Johnson 14 yard rush (Horst Muhlmann kick)
(10- 0) CIN Horst Muhlmann 38 yard field goal
(10- 7) NE Larry Carwell 45 yard return of blocked field goal (Mike Walker kick)
(17- 7) CIN Jess Phillips 1 yard rush (Horst Muhlmann kick)
(24- 7) CIN Lemar Parrish 51 yard punt return (Horst Muhlmann kick)
(31- 7) CIN Bob Trumpy 11 yard pass from Ken Anderson (Horst Muhlmann kick)
CIN NE
First Downs: 21 9
Rushes-yards: 47-246 21-54
Yards/rush: 5.2 2.6
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 11-17-111-0 9-17-117-2
Sacked-yards: 0-0 4-34
Net pass yards: 111 83
Net yards/pass: 6.5 4.0
Total net yards: 357 137
Total plays: 64 (73% run) 42 (50% run)
Yards/play: 5.6 3.3
Fumbles-lost: 0-0 3-1
Turnovers: 0 3
Penalties-yards: 6-60 2-10
Attendance: 60,999
Passing:
CIN: Ken Anderson, 10 of 15 for 102 yards and 1 TD; Virgil Carter, 1 of 2 for 9 yards NE: Jim Plunkett, 9 of 17 for 117 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
CIN: Essex Johnson, 15 for 82 yards and 1 TD; Paul Robinson, 9 for 56 yards; Doug Dressler, 9 for 47 yards; Fred Willis, 7 for 24 yards; Jess Phillips, 4 for 25 yards and 1 TD; Ken Anderson, 3 for 12 yards NE: Carl Garrett, 12 for 34 yards; Bob Gladieux, 5 for -1 yards; Jim Plunkett, 3 for 20 yards; Jack Maitland, 1 for 1 yard
Receiving:
CIN: Chip Myers, 3 for 42 yards; Bob Trumpy, 3 for 31 yards and 1 TD; Doug Dressler, 2 for 14 yards; Fred Willis, 2 for 7 yards; Essex Johnson, 1 for 17 yards NE: Bob Gladieux, 4 for 30 yards; Bob Windsor, 2 for 30 yards; Reggie Rucker, 2 for 22 yards; Carl Garrett, 1 for 35 yards
Kick returns:
CIN: Bernard Jackson, 1 for 28 yards NE: Carl Garrett, 1 for 15 yards; Jack Maitland, 1 for 15 yards; Josh Ashton, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
CIN: Tommy Casanova, 2 for 3 yards; Lemar Parrish, 1 for 51 yards and 1 TD NE: Carl Garrett, 2 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
CIN: Neal Craig, 1 for 13 yards; Ken Riley, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
CIN: Dave Lewis, 5 for 198 yards NE: Pat Studstill, 7 for 265 yards
Field Goals:
CIN: Horst Muhlmann, 1/2
CIN: Ken Anderson, 10 of 15 for 102 yards and 1 TD; Virgil Carter, 1 of 2 for 9 yards NE: Jim Plunkett, 9 of 17 for 117 yards (2 int)
Rushing:
CIN: Essex Johnson, 15 for 82 yards and 1 TD; Paul Robinson, 9 for 56 yards; Doug Dressler, 9 for 47 yards; Fred Willis, 7 for 24 yards; Jess Phillips, 4 for 25 yards and 1 TD; Ken Anderson, 3 for 12 yards NE: Carl Garrett, 12 for 34 yards; Bob Gladieux, 5 for -1 yards; Jim Plunkett, 3 for 20 yards; Jack Maitland, 1 for 1 yard
Receiving:
CIN: Chip Myers, 3 for 42 yards; Bob Trumpy, 3 for 31 yards and 1 TD; Doug Dressler, 2 for 14 yards; Fred Willis, 2 for 7 yards; Essex Johnson, 1 for 17 yards NE: Bob Gladieux, 4 for 30 yards; Bob Windsor, 2 for 30 yards; Reggie Rucker, 2 for 22 yards; Carl Garrett, 1 for 35 yards
Kick returns:
CIN: Bernard Jackson, 1 for 28 yards NE: Carl Garrett, 1 for 15 yards; Jack Maitland, 1 for 15 yards; Josh Ashton, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
CIN: Tommy Casanova, 2 for 3 yards; Lemar Parrish, 1 for 51 yards and 1 TD NE: Carl Garrett, 2 for 4 yards
Interceptions:
CIN: Neal Craig, 1 for 13 yards; Ken Riley, 1 for 0 yards
Punting:
CIN: Dave Lewis, 5 for 198 yards NE: Pat Studstill, 7 for 265 yards
Field Goals:
CIN: Horst Muhlmann, 1/2
The Steelers enjoyed a 10-point third quarter and withstood a late charge by Daryle Lamonica, the third quarterback used in the game by the Raiders, and won their home opener. Two pass interceptions by safety Chuck Beatty and linebacker Henry Davis' five-yard blocked punt TD helped the Steelers dominate most of the first half. Lamonica threw TD passes of 24 and 70 yards to rookie WR Mike Siani and directed another TD drive of 80 yards. Terry Bradshaw, Steelers' quarterback, carried seven times and scored twice in this manner. He also passed 57 yards for a TD to Ron Shanklin.
Line: Raiders by 3
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oakland Raiders (0-1-0) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 | 28 |
 Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0-0) | 14 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 34 |
( 0- 7) PIT Henry Davis 5 yard return of blocked punt (Roy Gerela kick)
( 0-14) PIT Terry Bradshaw 20 yard rush (Roy Gerela kick)
( 0-17) PIT Roy Gerela 48 yard field goal
( 7-17) OAK Raymond Chester 26 yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick)
( 7-20) PIT Roy Gerela 8 yard field goal
( 7-27) PIT Terry Bradshaw 2 yard rush (Roy Gerela kick)
(14-27) OAK Mike Siani 24 yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick)
(14-34) PIT Ron Shanklin 57 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick)
(21-34) OAK Don Highsmith 1 yard rush (George Blanda kick)
(28-34) OAK Mike Siani 70 yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick)
OAK PIT
First Downs: 20 17
Rushes-yards: 30-97 41-141
Yards/rush: 3.2 3.4
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 17-33-290-3 7-17-124-3
Sacked-yards: 2-17 3-18
Net pass yards: 273 106
Net yards/pass: 7.8 5.3
Total net yards: 370 247
Total plays: 65 (46% run) 61 (67% run)
Yards/play: 5.7 4.0
Fumbles-lost: 3-2 2-1
Turnovers: 5 4
Penalties-yards: 7-48 5-48
Attendance: 51,141
Passing:
OAK: Ken Stabler, 5 of 12 for 54 yards (3 int); George Blanda, 4 of 11 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Daryle Lamonica, 8 of 10 for 172 yards and 2 TDs PIT: Terry Bradshaw, 7 of 17 for 124 yards and 1 TD (3 int)
Rushing:
OAK: Marv Hubbard, 15 for 58 yards; Charlie Smith, 6 for 26 yards; Don Highsmith, 5 for -8 yards and 1 TD; Daryle Lamonica, 2 for 15 yards; Jeff Queen, 1 for 6 yards; Ken Stabler, 1 for 0 yards PIT: Preston Pearson, 18 for 54 yards; Franco Harris, 10 for 28 yards; Terry Bradshaw, 7 for 49 yards and 2 TDs; Steve Davis, 4 for 5 yards; Frenchy Fuqua, 2 for 5 yards
Receiving:
OAK: Mike Siani, 4 for 111 yards and 2 TDs; Bob Moore, 4 for 41 yards; Raymond Chester, 3 for 63 yards and 1 TD; Fred Biletnikoff, 3 for 39 yards; Don Highsmith, 1 for 22 yards; Charlie Smith, 1 for 18 yards; Marv Hubbard, 1 for -4 yards PIT: John McMakin, 3 for 39 yards; Franco Harris, 2 for 16 yards; Ron Shanklin, 1 for 57 yards and 1 TD; Preston Pearson, 1 for 12 yards
Kick returns:
OAK: Cliff Branch, 3 for 66 yards; Tommy Maxwell, 1 for 26 yards PIT: Rocky Bleier, 1 for 20 yards; Franco Harris, 1 for 16 yards; John McMakin, 1 for 0 yards; Preston Pearson, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
OAK: Tommy Maxwell, 2 for 12 yards; George Atkinson, 1 for 8 yards PIT: Frank Lewis, 2 for 34 yards
Interceptions:
OAK: George Atkinson, 1 for 23 yards; Tony Cline, 1 for 11 yards; Jack Tatum, 1 for 0 yards PIT: Chuck Beatty, 2 for 16 yards; Jack Ham, 1 for 2 yards
Punting:
OAK: Jerry DePoyster, 7 for 223 yards PIT: Bobby Walden, 5 for 242 yards
Field Goals:
PIT: Roy Gerela, 2/2
OAK: Ken Stabler, 5 of 12 for 54 yards (3 int); George Blanda, 4 of 11 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Daryle Lamonica, 8 of 10 for 172 yards and 2 TDs PIT: Terry Bradshaw, 7 of 17 for 124 yards and 1 TD (3 int)
Rushing:
OAK: Marv Hubbard, 15 for 58 yards; Charlie Smith, 6 for 26 yards; Don Highsmith, 5 for -8 yards and 1 TD; Daryle Lamonica, 2 for 15 yards; Jeff Queen, 1 for 6 yards; Ken Stabler, 1 for 0 yards PIT: Preston Pearson, 18 for 54 yards; Franco Harris, 10 for 28 yards; Terry Bradshaw, 7 for 49 yards and 2 TDs; Steve Davis, 4 for 5 yards; Frenchy Fuqua, 2 for 5 yards
Receiving:
OAK: Mike Siani, 4 for 111 yards and 2 TDs; Bob Moore, 4 for 41 yards; Raymond Chester, 3 for 63 yards and 1 TD; Fred Biletnikoff, 3 for 39 yards; Don Highsmith, 1 for 22 yards; Charlie Smith, 1 for 18 yards; Marv Hubbard, 1 for -4 yards PIT: John McMakin, 3 for 39 yards; Franco Harris, 2 for 16 yards; Ron Shanklin, 1 for 57 yards and 1 TD; Preston Pearson, 1 for 12 yards
Kick returns:
OAK: Cliff Branch, 3 for 66 yards; Tommy Maxwell, 1 for 26 yards PIT: Rocky Bleier, 1 for 20 yards; Franco Harris, 1 for 16 yards; John McMakin, 1 for 0 yards; Preston Pearson, 1 for 0 yards
Punt returns:
OAK: Tommy Maxwell, 2 for 12 yards; George Atkinson, 1 for 8 yards PIT: Frank Lewis, 2 for 34 yards
Interceptions:
OAK: George Atkinson, 1 for 23 yards; Tony Cline, 1 for 11 yards; Jack Tatum, 1 for 0 yards PIT: Chuck Beatty, 2 for 16 yards; Jack Ham, 1 for 2 yards
Punting:
OAK: Jerry DePoyster, 7 for 223 yards PIT: Bobby Walden, 5 for 242 yards
Field Goals:
PIT: Roy Gerela, 2/2
San Francisco quarterback John Brodie and wide receiver Gene Washington combined for three touchdown passes in the first half and the 49ers went on to a 34-3 victory. The 49ers, playing without regular running backs Ken Willard and Vic Washington, scored in every period. Brodie completed 11 of 19 for 156 yards while Washington caught eight for 140 yards.
Line: 49ers by 6
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Diego Chargers (0-1-0) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
 San Francisco 49ers (1-0-0) | 7 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
( 0- 7) SF Gene Washington 13 yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick)
( 3- 7) SD Dennis Partee 30 yard field goal
( 3-10) SF Bruce Gossett 43 yard field goal
( 3-17) SF Gene Washington 23 yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick)
( 3-24) SF Gene Washington 45 yard pass from John Brodie (Bruce Gossett kick)
( 3-31) SF Jimmy Thomas 4 yard rush (Bruce Gossett kick)
( 3-34) SF Bruce Gossett 20 yard field goal
SD SF
First Downs: 13 18
Rushes-yards: 31-87 35-117
Yards/rush: 2.8 3.3
Comp-Att-Yd-INT: 13-30-176-4 13-25-188-2
Sacked-yards: 1-5 1-10
Net pass yards: 171 178
Net yards/pass: 5.5 6.8
Total net yards: 258 295
Total plays: 62 (50% run) 61 (57% run)
Yards/play: 4.2 4.8
Fumbles-lost: 5-1 2-0
Turnovers: 5 2
Penalties-yards: 11-70 4-40
Attendance: 59,438
Passing:
SD: John Hadl, 11 of 25 for 109 yards (2 int); Wayne Clark, 2 of 5 for 67 yards (2 int) SF: John Brodie, 11 of 19 for 156 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); Steve Spurrier, 2 of 6 for 32 yards (1 int)
Rushing:
SD: Mike Garrett, 19 for 80 yards; Lee White, 6 for 8 yards; Jesse Taylor, 3 for 10 yards; John Hadl, 1 for 3 yards; Wayne Clark, 1 for -3 yards; Chuck Dicus, 1 for -11 yards SF: Jimmy Thomas, 13 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Larry Schreiber, 11 for 13 yards; Doug Cunningham, 7 for 31 yards; Ken Willard, 2 for 2 yards; Ted Kwalick, 1 for 10 yards; John Isenbarger, 1 for -3 yards
Receiving:
SD: Dave Williams, 3 for 83 yards; Mike Garrett, 3 for 21 yards; Chuck Dicus, 2 for 23 yards; Pettis Norman, 1 for 18 yards; Gary Garrison, 1 for 14 yards; Jerry LeVias, 1 for 8 yards; Lee White, 1 for 5 yards; John Hadl, 1 for 4 yards SF: Gene Washington, 8 for 140 yards and 3 TDs; Larry Schreiber, 2 for 17 yards; Jimmy Thomas, 2 for 14 yards; Dick Witcher, 1 for 17 yards
Kick returns:
SD: Ray Jones, 3 for 41 yards; Jesse Taylor, 2 for 30 yards SF: Larry Schreiber, 1 for 25 yards; Ralph McGill, 1 for 22 yards
Punt returns:
SD: Lenny Dunlap, 1 for 5 yards; Jesse Taylor, 1 for 0 yards; Jerry LeVias, 1 for -4 yards SF: Bruce Taylor, 3 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
SD: Joe Beauchamp, 1 for 0 yards; Lenny Dunlap, 1 for 0 yards SF: Ed Beard, 1 for 10 yards; Dave Wilcox, 1 for 1 yard; Johnny Fuller, 1 for 0 yards; Jimmy Johnson, 1 for -5 yards
Punting:
SD: Dennis Partee, 6 for 229 yards SF: Jim McCann, 5 for 204 yards
Field Goals:
SD: Dennis Partee, 1/1 SF: Bruce Gossett, 2/2
SD: John Hadl, 11 of 25 for 109 yards (2 int); Wayne Clark, 2 of 5 for 67 yards (2 int) SF: John Brodie, 11 of 19 for 156 yards and 3 TDs (1 int); Steve Spurrier, 2 of 6 for 32 yards (1 int)
Rushing:
SD: Mike Garrett, 19 for 80 yards; Lee White, 6 for 8 yards; Jesse Taylor, 3 for 10 yards; John Hadl, 1 for 3 yards; Wayne Clark, 1 for -3 yards; Chuck Dicus, 1 for -11 yards SF: Jimmy Thomas, 13 for 64 yards and 1 TD; Larry Schreiber, 11 for 13 yards; Doug Cunningham, 7 for 31 yards; Ken Willard, 2 for 2 yards; Ted Kwalick, 1 for 10 yards; John Isenbarger, 1 for -3 yards
Receiving:
SD: Dave Williams, 3 for 83 yards; Mike Garrett, 3 for 21 yards; Chuck Dicus, 2 for 23 yards; Pettis Norman, 1 for 18 yards; Gary Garrison, 1 for 14 yards; Jerry LeVias, 1 for 8 yards; Lee White, 1 for 5 yards; John Hadl, 1 for 4 yards SF: Gene Washington, 8 for 140 yards and 3 TDs; Larry Schreiber, 2 for 17 yards; Jimmy Thomas, 2 for 14 yards; Dick Witcher, 1 for 17 yards
Kick returns:
SD: Ray Jones, 3 for 41 yards; Jesse Taylor, 2 for 30 yards SF: Larry Schreiber, 1 for 25 yards; Ralph McGill, 1 for 22 yards
Punt returns:
SD: Lenny Dunlap, 1 for 5 yards; Jesse Taylor, 1 for 0 yards; Jerry LeVias, 1 for -4 yards SF: Bruce Taylor, 3 for 26 yards
Interceptions:
SD: Joe Beauchamp, 1 for 0 yards; Lenny Dunlap, 1 for 0 yards SF: Ed Beard, 1 for 10 yards; Dave Wilcox, 1 for 1 yard; Johnny Fuller, 1 for 0 yards; Jimmy Johnson, 1 for -5 yards
Punting:
SD: Dennis Partee, 6 for 229 yards SF: Jim McCann, 5 for 204 yards
Field Goals:
SD: Dennis Partee, 1/1 SF: Bruce Gossett, 2/2