Turner highlights NFL Players of the Week

Sep 10, 2008 - 5:40 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Finally out from under the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson, Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner responded in a big way.

Turner on Wednesday was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker took the honor in the AFC.

Chicago Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan were the respective Defensive Players of the Week, while Green Bay Packers returner Will Blackmon and Buffalo Bills receiver-returner Roscoe Parrish took Special Teams honors for Week 1.

After spending four years with the San Diego Chargers as Tomlinson's backup, Turner showed his skills as a starter in his first game with the Falcons since signing this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Turner set a franchise record with 220 rushing yards in Sunday's 34-21 triumph over the Detroit Lions. He also set an NFL record for the most rushing yards by a player in his first game with a new team.

A five-year veteran, Turner scored two touchdowns, including a 66-yard burst in the first quarter.

Parker had an equally impressive performance in leading the Steelers to a 38-17 win over the Houston Texans. Parker, who broke his leg in Week 16 last season, surpassed his touchdown total from 2007 in the first game of this season.

Reaching the end zone just twice last campaign, Parker tied a franchise record Sunday with three rushing scores. He finished with 138 yards on 25 carries.

Ogunleye helped the Bears spoil the Indianapolis Colts' first regular-season game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday night, making six tackles, three for a loss and one that resulted in a safety.

Finnegan's strong performance helped the Titans to a 17-10 triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He made a career-high two interceptions, highlighting Tennessee's dominating defensive performance that allowed just 189 total yards.

Parrish scored one of the Bills' two special teams touchdowns in their 34-10 rout of the Seattle Seahawks. Parrish had a 63-yard punt return en route to a franchise-record 120 punt return yards on six attempts.

Will Blackmon also had a punt return for a touchdown, helping the Packers pull out a 24-19 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. He returned a punt 76 yards for his third career TD.