FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Detroit Lions in his Atlanta Falcons debut.
In the regular season opener against the Lions, Turner set a Falcons single-game rushing record with 220 yards on 22 carries for a 10.0 yards per carry average. The five-year veteran also added two touchdowns in a Falcons 34-21 winning effort, which marked his first multiple-touchdown game of his career. Turner also contributed with a 66-yard touchdown run on Atlanta’s second offensive possession of the game, which is the fourth-longest rush in his career and the eighth-longest carry in Falcons history.
Turner’s single-game record of 220 yards surpassed the previous mark of 202 yards set by running back Gerald Riggs on September 2, 1984. Coincidently, Turner becomes the first Falcons offensive player of the week following an NFL season opening weekend since Riggs earned the honor after setting his record in 1984. Dating back to the 2007 season finale, the Falcons have earned back-to-back NFC Offensive Player of the Week accolades after quarterback Chris Redman earned the honor after his performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Turner’s 220 yards against the Lions marked the second-highest opening day rushing total behind O.J. Simpson’s 250 yards (1973) and his rushing total is also the most in NFL annals by a player in his first game with a new team.
The Falcons will battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 2 match-up on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Raymond James Stadium. The game will mark the first road contest and first NFC South meeting for Atlanta this season. Game time is slated for 4:05 p.m.
