NFL fans in London have had plenty of reason for excitement at the prospect of the sport crossing the Atlantic for another series of matches in London, and the first game has delivered in style.
Jacksonville Jaguars gave their UK fans a treat with an emphatic 44-7 win over the Baltimore Ravens, continuing their run of success at the national soccer stadium.
Indeed, while London based soccer team Tottenham Hotspur have struggled at the venue while their White Hart Lane stadium is rebuilt, the Jaguars have made Wembley a home away from home. Making their fifth successive London appearance, the team recorded a third Wembley triumph on the bounce and did so in emphatic style. How they must wish they could roll the turf up and take it home with them.
Marcedes Lewis seemed to enjoy the magic more than most. He had not scored a touchdown since the second week of last year, but crossed into the end zone three times for what will surely be one of the most memorable hat-tricks of his career.
Allen Hurns and Leonard Fournette also scored touchdowns as the Jaguars dominated throughout. Leading 10-0 after the first quarter and 23-0 after the second, the result was never in doubt. Indeed, the Ravens, who made just 186 yards in offense all game, only avoided being the victims of a shutout when Benjamin Watson scored a touchdown with just four minutes left. It was their worst defeat since they lost 37-0 to Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997.
The first game may really whet the appetite for those thinking of booking corporate hospitality for the two big matches across London at Twickenham, when Arizona Cardinals take on Los Angeles Rams on October 22nd and Minnesota Vikings face Cleveland Browns on October 29th.
Before that, Wembley will stage its second game on October 1st, with New Orleans Saints taking on Miami Dolphins.
In the third round of fixtures, Los Angeles Rams sneaked home 41-39 against the San Francisco 49ers, while Minnesota Vikings beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-17. However, Cleveland Browns were edged out 31-28 by Indianapolis Colts.
Arizona Cardinals will be playing tonight (September 25th) away to the Dallas Cowboys.
Image: Getty, from Keith Prowse subscription