The National Football League got off to a roaring start on Sunday with a full slate of Pro Football Action. Sports fans across the country and around the world were happy to see the gridiron action underway for the 2012-2013 season. While most of the contests went off as predicted, there was, as always, a bit of unpredictable action. Four favorites were picked to win but all four went down to defeat, some worse than others. The New Orleans Saints were 7 point favorites but Washington’s rookie Quarterback Robert Griffin III aka RGIII had another plan for the day. He threw for 320 yards completing 19 of 26 passes one of which went to ex-Saint Pierre Garcon for a touchdown adding insult to injury. Saints icon Drew Brees passed a whopping 52 times completing 24 for 339 yards in the losing effort. Despite all his late game efforts, Brees and the Saints lost to the Washington Redskins 40-32.
The Green Bay Packers were an odds on choice to go to the Super Bowl this year but a very strong San Francisco 49er team did not take the bet. Solid defense and an aggressive offence kept the 49ers in control for the entire game. An NFL record breaking 63 yard field goal from kicker David Akers added to the winning effort and hushed the crowd at Lambeau Field.
Highly touted Carolina Panther Quarterback Cam Newton passed for over 300 yards in a losing effort against the Buccaneers at home in Tampa Bay. Although favored by 2.5 points, the Panthers did not score for the entire first half. The final score was 16-10, Tampa Bay the winner.
The Seattle Seahawks were the highest scoring team in pre-season football. They were also favored by 2.5 points in their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The score was tied at the end of the third quarter at 13 points each. The Seahawks managed just one field goal in the fourth quarter but then Andre Roberts caught a 6 yard pass from Kevin Kolb for a touchdown and the game ended 20-16. Surely all four of these now 0-1 teams will be back on the field next Sunday with renewed vigor for a victory.
The Saints also lost their season opener last year and went on to a great 13-3 season. So, don’t put too much weight on these opening games. It is going to be a long season!
