New England Patriots back-up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who might see significant playing time early in the year in place of Tom Brady, got a full workout against the New Orleans Saints.

The 23-year-old signal caller, who saw limited action as a rookie last year, played most of the game after coming in early for Brady.

Garoppolo completed 28 of 33 passes for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception, to lead the Pats to a come-from-behind 26-24 victory.

The Philadelphia Eagles unleashed two new offensive toys for the hometown fans, with quarterback Sam Bradford and running back DeMarco Murray making their debuts.

Murray and Ryan Mathews both scored TDs, and Bradford completed three of his five passes on his one possession to help set the stage for the Eagles' 40-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Giants defence suffered an unreal run of injuries in their 22-12 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Starting safety Bennett Jackson suffered a knee injury and rookie safety Justin Currie fractured his ankle.

Starting linebacker Jon Beason sprained his left knee and left the game early, as did fellow linebacker Mark Herzlich, who suffered a concussion in the first half.

Meanwhile in Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers overcame a miserable start by both their first-team offence and defence, riding a fourth-quarter rally behind third-team quarterback Joe Webb to beat the Miami Dolphins 31-30.

In Minnesota, the weather took centre stage when a thunderstorm forced the stoppage of play and fans had to evacuate the grandstands in the second quarter. When play resumed, the Vikings and Oakland Raiders skipped half-time to help finish the game in a timely fashion. The Vikings won 20-12.

The San Diego Chargers beat the St Louis Rams 22-19, the Denver Broncos edged the Houston Texans 14-10 and the Chicago Bears overcame the Indianapolis Colts 23-11.

INJURY RECAP
Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander suffered a torn achilles on a first-quarter play, according to coach Ron Rivera. He will miss the entire season.

Centre Ryan Kalil left the game with a knee injury.

Colts rookie wide receiver Phillip Dorsett stayed on the ground momentarily after a third-quarter catch. He suffered a bruised right knee and is day to day.

The Eagles reported that veteran receiver Riley Cooper (thumb) and rookie wide receiver Rasheed Bailey (right shoulder) both had X-rays that came back negative. 

IMPACT ROOKIES
Former Michigan State star Jeremy Langford had a 46-yard run for the Bears and finished with nine rushes for 80 yards and a TD in Chicago's win

Cameron Artis-Payne broke off a 29-yard run for the Panthers, finishing with 33 yards on four carries.