NFL Europe Summary - Week One
By Seahawks.NET Staff
NFL quarterbacks
were among the top performers this weekend as the NFL Europe League kicked off
its 13th season in exciting fashion. In particuar, Gibran Hamdan of the Amsterdam
Admirals - allocated to NFL Europe by the Seahawks - showed flashes of brilliance.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Kevin Thompson helped the Cologne Centurions to a thrilling
24-23 win over the Hamburg Sea Devils on Saturday in Cologne, spoiling the debut
of NFL Europe's newest franchise.
With 4:55 remaining, Thompson connected
with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Romby Bryant on a 56-yard touchdown pass, giving
the home team a 24-23 advantage. The Centurions held on for the victory when time
expired before Hamburg kicker Todd France of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could attempt
the potential game-winning field goal. France finished the day with a league record-tying
five field goals while Thompson completed 16 of 25 attempts for 197 yards, two
touchdowns and no interceptions, posting a stellar 114.9 passer rating.
"It
was good to see us react in a game situation," Thompson said. "We have to continue
to progress and improve and do the little things right that it takes to win."
On
Saturday in Amsterdam, the Admirals started the season on a positive note, earning
a 24-14 win against the Rhein Fire. Leading 10-6 entering the fourth quarter,
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Gibran Hamdan threw
a 49-yard scoring strike to fellow Seahawk Tony Donald
for a 17-6 lead. The victory was sealed when another Seahawk rose to the occasion
on the ensuing possession. Cornerback B.J. Tucker
returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown, giving Amsterdam an insurmountable
24-6 advantage.
"One of the keys to this league is your start, and you
have to come out of the gates quickly," said Hamdan, who completed 12 of 19 attempts
for 187 yards and two touchdowns. "It's of monumental importance to get that first
win and I think it was a big step for us."
With Trent Dilfer traded to Cleveland,
the Seahawks are looking for quality depth behind Matt Hasselbeck. Hamdan made
a persuasive case for himself in Week One.
Meanwhile in Berlin, the defending-champion
Thunder started the season in fine fashion, earning a convincing 30-7 win against
the Frankfurt Galaxy in a rematch of World Bowl XII in front of 16,199 at the
Olympic Stadium.
Quarterback Dave Ragone of the Houston Texans guided the
efficient Thunder offense, completing 16 of 23 attempts for 179 yards, one touchdown
and no interceptions, posting a 107.0 passer rating.
New York Jets running
back Little John Flowers rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns for the victorious
Thunder, who finished with a Week 1-high 226 yards rushing.
"You have to
play well at home if you want to have a chance to advance to the World Bowl, and
we did that today," Ragone said. "We're glad we came out of this game victorious
and we know we have to do even better next week."
Patriots Players
in NFL Europe:
Cologne, Kory Chapman RB
Rhein, Cedric James WR
Frankfurt,
Grant Steen LB
Rhein, Mark Bartosic WR
Amsterdam, Joel Jacobs TE
Hamburg,
Ricky Bryant WR
For more information see www.NFLEurope.com
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