Jim Plunkett and Archie Manning had competed for the Heisman Trophy in 1970 and were high picks in the '71 draft (Plunkett earned both). This doubleheader shows the pro debuts of both QBs. Plunkett, leading the renamed New England Patriots in Foxboro's new Schafer Stadium, surprises Oakland with an overwhelming victory. Archie Manning of the Saints finds it more difficult, but he rallies New Orleans in the last minutes for the first-ever Opening Day win in Saints history.