Arm tackles are not going to bring Duce down. In his fourth season from South Carolina, this is Staley's first Player of the Week honor. The hit caused a fumble that was recovered by Tampa Bay safety John Lynch , who returned it to the New England 24. In his sixth season from Florida State, this is Brooks' second Player of the Week award. Andersen tied an NFL record for most field goals in a half by kicking five in the first half of the Falcons' 36-28 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Statistics show that winning the first game is huge.
You double your chances of having a winning season. You double your chances of getting to the playoffs. In his 19th season from Michigan State, this is Andersen's seventh Player of the Week honor, tying him with San Diego's John Carney for most in the special teams category. Cardinals wide receiver David Boston , who had nine catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper , who rushed for three touchdowns and 73 yards, and passed for 190 in the Vikings' 30-27 win over Chicago.