Akers kicks overtime winner for perfect Eagles
Published on October 25, 2004 under National Football League Europa (NFLE) News Release
PRO Bowl kicker DAVID AKERS (Berlin 1999) landed a 50-yard field goal with 5:02 remaining in overtime to hand the Philadelphia Eagles a 34-31 victory over the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week 7 action.
Akers' heroics helped Philadelphia improve to 6-0 - their best start since 1981 - and remain as one of two unbeaten teams in the league this season. He also converted a 38-yard effort and four PAT's for a 10-point haul in Ohio.
After seeing his game-winning kick barely clear the crossbar in testing conditions, Akers said: "Whew. I knew it was straight but I didn't know if it was going to get there. Before overtime, I told the coaches that 50 yards was all I had."
Linebackers NATE WAYNE (Barcelona 1999) and KEITH ADAMS (Berlin 2002) contributed to the close win by recording 3 and 5 tackles respectively.
In Minnesota, wide receiver MARCUS ROBINSON (Rhein 1998) maintained his outstanding form by scoring on a 2-yard pass from Daunte Culpepper during the Vikings' 20-3 defeat of the Tennessee Titans. Robinson, who caught 3 passes for 33 yards, has now scored five touchdowns in his last three games.
Another former NFL Europe League standout to enjoy success on Sunday - and for the first time this season - was Miami Dolphins quarterback JAY FIEDLER (Amsterdam 1997), who led his previously winless club to a 31-14 battering of the St. Louis Rams.
Fiedler looked sharp as he completed 13 of 17 attempts for 203 yards, two touchdowns and a mammoth 154.8 quarterback rating. His scoring strikes covered 42 yards to tight end Randy McMichael and 71 yards to wide receiver Chris Chambers.
MATT BRYANT (Frankfurt 2002) kicked a 43-yard field goal and added four conversions for the Dolphins, while defensive lineman JAY WILLIAMS (Amsterdam 1996) made 2 stops on defense. DANE LOOKER (Berlin 2002) caught a 9-yard pass for the Rams.
The New England Patriots remained unbeaten at 6-0 with a 13-7 victory over the New York Jets in Week 7 and kicker ADAM VINATIERI (Amsterdam 1996) provided the margin of victory with field goals of 41 and 27 yards. Defensive tackle KEITH TRAYLOR (Barcelona 1995) added 2 tackles on defense for the Pats.
Other NFL Europe League veterans in NFL Week 7 action
Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Indianapolis Colts 24
Safety DEKE COOPER (Rhein 2001-02) recorded 3 tackles as the Jaguars improved to 5-2 on the season with victory over division rivals, Indianapolis.
Kansas City Chiefs 56, Atlanta Falcons 10
Starting offensive guard BRIAN WATERS (Berlin 2000) was a part of NFL history on Sunday as his blocking helped the Kansas City Chiefs rush for 271 yards and an NFL record 8 touchdowns against Atlanta. Scottish kicker LAWRENCE TYNES (Scotland 2002) nailed 8 conversions, while wideout DANTE HALL (Scotland 2001) caught 2 passes for 27 yards, returned 2 kickoffs for 31 yards and added an 11-yard punt runback.
Baltimore Ravens 20, Buffalo Bills 6
Defensive linemen KELLY GREGG (Rhein 2001) and MARQUES DOUGLAS (Rhein 2000) were influential in Baltimore's fourth victory of the 2004 campaign. Gregg registered 4 tackles, while Douglas added 3 stops. Tight end DANIEL WILCOX (Rhein 2004) caught a 7-yard pass for the Ravens.
Detroit Lions 28, New York Giants 13
Quarterback KURT WARNER (Amsterdam 1998) completed 23 of 34 attempts for 270 yards and a 62-yard touchdown to running back Tiki Barber in a losing effort with the New York Giants.
Arizona Cardinals 25, Seattle Seahawks 17
Fullback OBAFEMI AYANBADEJO (England 1998) caught 2 passes for 14 yards and added a special teams tackle for the victorious Cardinals.
San Diego Chargers 17, Carolina Panthers 6
Quarterback JAKE DELHOMME (Amsterdam 1998/Frankfurt 1999) completed 17 of 36 passes for 155 yards and an interception for the injury-ravaged Panthers during their loss to the Chargers.
New Orleans Saints 31, Oakland Raiders 26
Defensive end BOBBY HAMILTON (Amsterdam 1995-96) recorded 5 tackles during a losing effort with the Silver and Black.
Other NFL Week 7 Scores
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19 Chicago Bears 7; Green Bay Packers 41 Dallas Cowboys 20.
National Football League Europa Stories from October 25, 2004
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
