Much has been made about how Bucs S Sabby Piscitelli, victimized on multiple big plays by the Cowboys in Week 1, will have something to prove this week. But Piscitelli is not the only NFL player with a target on his chest after a forgettable opener. We rank the players — and one team — most in need of redemption today and their prospects of doing that.
1. Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers
Delhomme's drop into the doghouse has been dramatic. The same Pro Bowl player who led the Panthers to the Super Bowl is looking over his shoulder after committing 11 turnovers in his past two games. Recently signed A.J. Feeley could step in if the worst stretch in Delhomme's career continues.
Skinny: Delhomme will have a tough time reclaiming his form against the Falcons, who once again look strong and forced four turnovers (and picked up four sacks) last week.
2. Jay Cutler,QB, Bears
Cutler was treated as a savior in Chicago after getting acquired from the Broncos, billed as the Bears' first franchise quarterback in more than 50 years. But after throwing a career-high four interceptions in Week 1, Cutler could be hearing plenty of boos at Soldier Field if he continues to slip.
Skinny: The Steelers may not have Pro Bowl S Troy Polamalu, but they still boast one of the NFL's top defenses. But if Cutler can rebound in a big way, it could be a turning point for him and the Bears.
3. Lions defense
As if going 0-16 last season wasn't demoralizing enough, the Lions' season-opening defeat to the Saints must have been like another slap in the face. Detroit's defense gave up 28 first downs, 515 yards and six Drew Brees touchdown passes. "There's no silver lining in that performance," coach Jim Schwartz said.
Skinny: Yes, it's the Lions' home opener. And yes, they nearly beat the Vikings last year at Ford Field. But QB Brett Favre has feasted on the Lions throughout his career, having won 14 of his past 15 starts against them, and racked up 8,524 yards passing, his highest mark against any team. And the Vikings have RB Adrian Peterson. Enough said.
4. Leodis McKelvin,KR, Bills
McKelvin, one of the league's best kick returners, drew most of the blame (and a lot of it unfairly) for the Bills' 25-24 loss to the Patriots after he lost a fumble on a kick return with less than two minutes left. The Patriots drove for the winning score, and McKelvin went home to find his front yard vandalized with an obscenity painted on it.
Skinny: McKelvin said he wouldn't stray away from his aggressive ways, and don't be surprised if he has a big game against the Bucs today.
NFL WEEK 2
Power rankings
1. Patriots
2. Steelers
3. Ravens
4. Packers
5. Giants
Upset special
Bears over Steelers
The real QB Jay Cutler shows up, making the Steelers miss injured S Troy Polamalu all the more.
Milestone watch
Vikings QB Brett Favre, left, is one start away from his 271st in a row, a total that would break Jim Marshall's NFL record.
Quote of the week
"Yeah, I've got shackles on them. We have an electric current, and if they happen to change (the play), we do the Pavlov's dog thing. We hit them with a current on the way back to the huddle."
Vikings coach Brad Childress, left, jokes on the perception that he does not like allowing his quarterback freedom to change plays at the line
Number of the day
$1.2 billion Cost of the Cowboys' new stadium, which will host its first regular-season game tonight when the Giants arrive. Fun stadium fact: The Cowboys enter the field through a bar, the Miller Lite Club, surrounded by tons of fans.
What they're saying
“Jake Delhomme led the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, an NFC Championship Game and, last season, a 12-4 record. He played in a Pro Bowl. But his accomplishments suddenly feel so ancient they might as well be captured on video tape and in yellowed newspaper clippings."
Tom Sorensen, columnist at Charlotte Observer
Compliment of the week
"He's in the early stages of his career, and barring any injuries or anything, this guy can be as good as any running back that's ever played. It's just unbelievable what he can do."
Vikings QB Brett Favre on RB Adrian Peterson
Shoes to fill of the week
Hunter Hillenmeyer, left, on the Bears roster bubble a few weeks ago, has the unenviable task of taking over for injured MLB Brian Urlacher, the heart and soul of Chicago's defense. Not only does Hillenmeyer step into a position played by Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary, he's facing the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. "My job is not to go try to be Brian Urlacher," Hillenmeyer said. "My job is to go play the best I can. It's not my burden; it's the whole defense's burden."
The Associated Press, New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Philadelphia Daily News and ESPN.com contributed to this report.
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