Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson had a great coming-out party Sunday, and Jon Gruden got a nice welcome home to Green Bay.
Woodson’s ferocious first-quarter hit on Antonio Freeman forced a turnover that ignited the Oakland Raiders to a 27-21 victory over the Packers.
Returning to the city where he began his NFL coaching career as an assistant on Mike Holmgren’s staff in 1992, Gruden saw his Raiders hand the Packers their first loss at Lambeau Field since Sept. 17, 1995, a span of 33 games, including five exhibitions.
Woodson had an unforgettable day too. On Brett Favre’s first pass in his direction, the rookie from Michigan hammered Freeman just as the ball arrived. Eric Turner grabbed the deflection and returned it 35 yards for a TD.
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In his first start for Green Bay, former Bear Raymont Harris had very few holes to work with and finished with minus-1 yard on six carries.
– Jacksonville defensive end Tony Brackens will miss the Jaguars’ season opener against the Bears after severely spraining his ankle in an exhibition game against the Giants.