The Oakland Raiders defeated the Seattle Seahawks 31-17 at Network Associates Coliseum in the 2002 regular season opener.
The Raiders won the opening coin toss as Terry Kirby returned the opening kickoff for 35 yards. On the Raiders 1st drive - 8 plays, 65 yards, and 4:13 later - a Rich Gannon pass to Tim Brown for 8 yards put the Raiders on top 7-0.
Seattle answered back on the next drive to tie the game at 7 with a Matt Hasselbeck pass to tight end Itula Mili for a touchdown. The Raiders then set the tone for the rest of the half by shutting down the Seahawk offense and putting 3 more touchdowns on the board to end the half on top 28-7.
Charlie Garner scored twice in the second quarter, with a 20-yard run for a TD and with a Rich Gannon pass for 26 yards, adding to the score 21-7. Running back Randy Jordan scored on a 12-yard run to finish the half.
"I thought our team came out and played physical today," Raiders Head Coach Bill Callahan said. "We wanted to be physical from the onset. I thought our units were cohesive. Our run defense was outstanding, and we limited Seattle a great deal."
Sebastian Janikowski put 3 more points on the score board by landing a 27-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter making the score 31-7 Raiders.
After a Shawn Springs fumble recovery and return, the Raiders defense then held the Seahawks deep in Raiders territory to prevent a touchdown, bringing them to 4th and 10 before a Rian Lindell 32-yard field goal to start the 4th quarter made the score 31-10. The Seahawks did not want to roll over yet as they scored again with a Matt Hasselbeck pass to Shaun Alexander for 11 yards and the touchdown.
The Raiders got the ball back late in the 4th quarter. Effectively mixing the run and the pass, the Silver & Black ran out the clock and the game ended with a score of Raiders 31 Seahawks 17.
The Raiders outgained the Seahawks 423 to 186, Garner led the Raiders with 15 carries for 127 yards and a TD, he also caught 5 passes for 64 yards and another score. QB Rich Gannon went 19 of 28 for 214 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT.
