By George, Falcons Roll Past Raiders

Playing after only four practices, Jeff George completed 17 of 24 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns in the first half Thursday, sparking the Atlanta Falcons to a 27-6 exhibition rout of the Oakland Raiders.

George signed a one-year, $3.6-million contract last week. He becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

George connected with Eric Metcalf on an 11-yard scoring and hit Tyrone Brown on a 48-yard scoring play.

Oakland quarterback Jeff Hostetler, who also played only the first half, struggled in completing four of 12 passes for 81 yards and one interception.