AMERICAN FOOTBALL:THE OAKLAND Raiders earned an emotional victory that would have delighted late owner Al Davis as they beat the Houston Texans 25-20 on Sunday, while the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots also enjoyed wins on the fifth week of the National Football League season.
The outspoken Davis died aged 82 on Saturday but the Raiders, wearing “AL” stickers on their helmets, carried out his motto “Just win, baby” as Michael Huff grabbed an interception off Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the end zone on the final play.
Raiders coach Hue Jackson buried his face in his hands on the sideline, while players embraced each other as the game ended. Davis, who had almost 50 years with the Raiders franchise in various roles, was remembered with silence at stadiums across the country.
In an AFC East divisional clash, the New England Patriots, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis running for a career high 136 yards and two touchdowns, beat the New York Jets 30-21. The victory was the 30th consecutive regular home win for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, an NFL record.
The Carolina Panthers, with rookie quarterback Cam Newton scoring three touchdowns (one rushing) and passing for 224 yards, pushed the Saints all the way before losing 30-27.
A Greg Olsen touchdown on a five-yard Newton pass put Carolina up 27-23 in the fourth but New Orleans came back with Drew Brees finding Pierre Thomas open on the right for the winning touchdown with 50 seconds to play. Despite another encouraging display, the Panthers fall to 1-4.
The Buffalo Bills’ impressive start continued as they took advantage of four interceptions by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in a 31-24 win.
In one of Sunday’s surprise results, the Seattle Seahawks enjoyed a 36-25 win at the New York Giants. Backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst put Seattle ahead with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin before Brandon Browner grabbed an interception on a pass tip and ran 94 yards for a score that put the game beyond the Giants.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw for 420 yards and three touchdowns but also had three interceptions.
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