OAKLAND RAIDERS RAP
FLASH RECAP:
Andre Rison catches a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rich Cannon with 2:37 remaining as the Raiders rally to defeat San Diego before an announced crowd of 56,373 at Network Associates Coliseum on Sept. 3, 2000. Oakland runs out the clock after linebacker William Thomas intercepts Ryan Leaf at the San Diego 37 with 1:31 left. The Raiders open a season with a victory for the first time since 1995.
PRIME-TIME PLAYERS:
WR Andre Rison -- Besides catching the game-winner, Spiderman also contributes four other receptions for 39 yards. Two of his catches come on Oakland's 53-yard touchdown drive.
P Shane Lechler -- Averages 42.4 yards on 10 punts, dropping five inside the 20 including one at the 2. The rookie has efforts of 53, 52 and 50 yards.
CB Eric Allen -- Breaks up four passes and makes six tackles. Arguably his finest game since tearing a knee ligament in November 1998.
DT Darrell Russell -- Stops San Diego's Robert Chancey in the end zone midway through the third quarter for Oakland's first safety since 1997. Also contributes five solo tackles.
QB Rich Gannon -- After struggling for over three quarters, he hits 3-of-4 passes for 31 yards and a touchdown on Oakland's winning drive.
LB William Thomas -- The former Eagle has a game-high nine total tackles and thwarts San Diego's final drive with an interception.
LB Junior Seau -- Contributes a sack, seven total tackles and helps limit Oakland to 67 yards rushing.
RB Robert Chancey -- His 3-yard touchdown run 5:19 into the fourth period gives San Diego a 6-2 lead. He finishes with 74 yards runsing on 23 carries.
SS Rodney Harrison -- Has a sack and eight total tackles.
TURNING POINT:
Oakland's Darrell Russell snaps a scoreless duel when he tackles San Diego's Robert Chancey for a safety with 7:23 left in the third quarter.
KEY DRIVE:
Trailing 6-2, Oakland moves 53 yards in eight plays for the winning score. Rich Gannon throws a 10-yard touchdown pass to Andre Rison with 2:37 left. Gannon also completes a 9-yard pass to Rison and a 12-yard pass to Tyrone Wheatley to help advance the ball to the San Diego 10. On the drive's second play, Gannon rushes 17 yards after he recovers his fumble in the backfield.
BY THE NUMBERS:
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1: Interceptions by Oakland CB Charles Woodson, equaling his total of last season.
5: Shane Lechler punts downed inside the San Diego 5.
6: Interceptions by San Diego QB Ryan Leaf in two starts vs. Oakland.
12: Catches by Oakland wide receivers. Tim Brown and Andre Rison each have five while James Jett and Jerry Porter contribute one each.
THEY SAID IT:
DT Darrell Russell
"The fact that the fans were loud played a big part in us being successful (today). We haven't really had it that loud here in a long time."
DID YOU KNOW?:
With his touchdown against San Diego, Andre Rison becomes the first player in NFL history to have a scoring reception for seven different teams. He also has caught touchdowns for Indianapolis, Atlanta, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Green Bay and Kansas City.
Andre Rison celebrates after scoring a touchdown
by The Associated Press
