100-yard hero Stecker leads Saints to big road win
Published on September 27, 2004 under National Football League Europa (NFLE) News Release
FORMER Scottish Claymores NFL Europe League and World Bowl MVP AARON STECKER rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown while subbing for injured Pro Bowler Deuce McAllister, leading the New Orleans Saints to a 28-25 overtime defeat of the St. Louis Rams.
Stecker, who starred for the Claymores in 2000, was one of four NFL Europe League veterans to score touchdowns during Sunday's NFL Week 3 action.
The former Hampden Park hero carried 18 times and scored on a 42-yard run. He also added 4 receptions for 20 yards as the 2-1 Saints became the first team to beat the Rams in St. Louis in 16 regular season games.
Stecker was not shocked by his display as he stressed: "Hey, I'm a running back. It's not like they pulled me out of the front office and said: âDeuce is out, do you know how to play running back.' I believe in myself and my team mates had no doubt in me."
Also in action for the Saints was wide receiver MICHAEL LEWIS (Rhein 2001), who returned 3 kickoffs for 65 yards, 5 punts for 66 yards and added 1 special teams tackle. Wide receiver DANE LOOKER (Berlin 2002) reeled in 5 catches for 69 yards for the Rams.
Quarterback KURT WARNER (Amsterdam 1998) was an unlikely member of the touchdown-scoring quartet as he found the end zone for just the second time in his career on a 1-yard run during the New York Giants' 27-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Warner completed 19 of 27 attempts for 286 yards as he guided the Giants to a second straight win. Tight end CHAD MUSTARD (Rhein 2003) caught a 9-yard pass for the Browns, while wide receiver RICHARD ALSTON (Berlin 2004) returned 5 kickoffs for 91 yards with a long of 30.
Paying tribute to Warner, Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer said: "Kurt is putting the ball in places where we can catch it. I'm really happy with the way he can buy a little extra time and get the ball out."
A handful of NFL Europe League veterans were in fine form for the Kansas City Chiefs, although it wasn't enough to stop the AFC West club falling to 0-3 with a 24-21 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans.
Wide receiver CHRIS HORN (Amsterdam 2004) caught 2 passes for 16 yards and a touchdown strike from Trent Green, while fellow wideout DANTE HALL (Scotland 2001) rushed 3 times for 22 yards, caught 5 passes for 32 yards, added 3 kickoff returns for 108 yards and an 11-yard punt runback.
Scottish kicker LAWRENCE TYNES (Scotland 2002) notched 3 PATs, while defensive end/linebacker GARY STILLS (Frankfurt 2001) registered 3 tackles. J.J. MOSES (Scotland 2002) returned 4 kickoffs for 102 yards and 2 punts 31 yards for the Texans.
The fourth NFLEL touchdown scorer on Sunday was Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver BILL SCHROEDER (Rhein 1997) who reeled in a 41-yard reception from quarterback BRAD JOHNSON (London 1995) during a 30-20 defeat at the hands of the Oakland Raiders.
Schroeder caught 4 passes for 126 yards, while Johnson completed 22 of 36 attempts for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Other NFL Europe League veterans in NFL Week 3 action
Philadelphia Eagles 30 Detroit Lions 13
Kicker DAVID AKERS (Berlin 1999) scored 12 points as the Eagles improved to 3-0 on the season. The Pro Bowler kicked field goals of 26, 47 and 39 yards. Defensively, NATE WAYNE (Barcelona 1999) recorded 3 tackles for Philadelphia, while fellow linebacker KEITH ADAMS (Berlin 2002) added 2 stops.
Denver Broncos 23 San Diego Chargers 13
Defensive back KELLY HERNDON (Barcelona 2000) led the Broncos' defensive effort with 6 tackles on Sunday. Linebacker DONNIE SPRAGAN (Amsterdam 2001) registered 4 tackles, while defensive backs NICK FERGUSON (Rhein 1999-2000) and CHRIS YOUNG (Frankfurt 2003) added 2 and 1 stops respectively.
Baltimore Ravens 23 Cincinnati Bengals 9
Defensive lineman MARQUES DOUGLAS (Rhein 2000) recorded 6 tackles and 1 quarterback sack as the Ravens improved to 2-1 with this key AFC North victory.
Seattle Seahawks 34 San Francisco 49ers 0
Running back JAMAL ROBERTSON (Rhein 2002) led the 49ers in rushing during a losing cause as he gained 24 yards on 5 carries. The former NFLEL Offensive MVP added 4 kickoff returns for 91 yards and also made 1 special teams tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers 13 Miami Dolphins 3
Running back LEONARD HENRY led the winless Dolphins with 41 rushing yards during Sunday night's loss to the Steelers. Defensive end JAY WILLIAMS (Amsterdam 1996) recorded 2 tackles for Miami.
Other NFL Week 3 Scores
Atlanta Falcons 6 Arizona Cardinals 3; Jacksonville Jaguars 15 Tennessee Titans 12; Minnesota Vikings 27 Chicago Bears 22; Indianapolis Colts 45 Green Bay Packers 31.
National Football League Europa Stories from September 27, 2004
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