Adrian Peterson ran for three touchdowns to help veteran quarterback Brett Favre make a winning start for the Minnesota Vikings with a 34-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Favre, who signed with the Vikings last month to end a second retirement, threw for one touchdown and 110 yards to launch his 19th NFL season. His six-yard TD pass to Percy Harvin with a minute to play in the third quarter helped secure the opening-day win.
“I was pretty excited,” the NFL’s all-time leading passer told reporters after the touchdown pass, the 464th of his career.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“Had we scored running the ball, I would have been equally excited,” said Favre, who will turn 40 next month. “But that one ranks up there near the top as well.”
Favre, who made his 270th consecutive start, connected on 14 of 21 attempts with no interceptions and played into the fourth quarter. He was sacked four times and most of his passes were for short gains.
“There is a lot of chemistry yet to gain, and we are doing it on the fly,” Favre said.
Peterson’s 64-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run put the Vikings ahead 34-13. He also scored on two one-yard runs and finished with 180 yards rushing on 25 carries.
“I haven’t played with a running back like that,” Favre said of Peterson. “That guy is pretty awesome.”
SAINTS 45, LIONS 27
At New Orleans, Drew Brees tied a Saints record with six touchdown passes and threw for 358 yards in a 45-27 victory over New Orleans on Sunday that extended the Detroit Lions’ regular-season losing streak to 18.
COWBOYS 34, BUCCANEERS 21
At Tampa, Florida, Tony Romo threw for 353 yards and three long touchdowns, spoiling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ debut under coach Raheem Morris.
In Sunday’s other games, it was:
• Broncos 12, Bengals 7
• Giants 23, Redskins 17
• 49ers 20, Cardinals 16
• Seahawks 28, Rams 0
• Eagles 38, Panthers 10
• Jets 24, Texans 7
• Ravens 38, Chiefs 24
• Cowboys 34, Buccaneers 21
• Falcons 19, Dolphins 7
• Colts 14, Jaguars 12
• Packers 21, Bears 15
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