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One of the greatest opening day performances came in 1951 when Hall of Fame quarterback Norm Van Brocklin of the Los Angeles Rams threw for a record 554 yards.
The mark still stands as the greatest single passing effort in National Football League history. Van Brocklin received the start that day when veteran Bob Waterfield, also a member of the Hall, was injured. The two quarterbacks were entrenched in a fierce battle for the starting role.
The "Dutchman," as Van Brocklin was nicknamed, made the most of his opportunity. He completed 27 of 41 passes and tossed five touchdowns - four of which went to fellow Hall of Famer Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch - en route to a easy 54-14 win over the New York Yanks.