Who needs to rebound after Week 1 flops in NFL?
The NFL'S opening week represented the long-anticipated returns to action for some leading teams and individuals as well as the highly publicized debuts of new faces.
While some produced impressive performances, others fell far short of expectations and suffered embarrassments of epic proportions.
But Week 2 offers opportunity for redemption. Strong responses to those struggles will help ease pressure and put players, coaches and organizations back on course.
Here's a look at some of the figures around the NFL most desperately needing rebound performances this week.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers — After all the offseason drama, Rodgers had been described by many close to the team as locked in and highly motivated, and Packers players and coaches entered the season with the belief that they could again contend. But Rodgers and Co. kicked off the season with a lopsided defeat by the New Orleans Saints, who haven't even been able to sleep in their own beds in weeks as they practice in Fort Worth, Texas, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
Rodgers delivered one of the worst single game performances of his career with two interceptions, no touchdowns and a 36.8 passer rating. It was only the second time in Rodgers' career that he opened the season with multiple picks. And last year, Rodgers threw only five interceptions all season.
Next up: Home opener on “Monday Night Football” against the Detroit Lions, a setting that should serve conducive to a much-needed rebound.
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer — The long-time college coach's team didn't have a strong preseason, but Sunday's debut with the Jaguars went even worse. Meyer, one of the most successful coaches in recent college football history, got thoroughly outcoached by Houston Texans counterpart David Culley, a long-time position coach whose name most NFL fans had never heard until this year.
Meyer's squad looked ill-prepared on every front. On more than one occasion, they couldn't get lined up properly and had to burn timeouts. Multiple times they had too many men in the huddle. The defense got shellacked by a Texans offense led by journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor. This certainly wasn't the kind of performance Meyer envisioned when he ended retirement to jump to the pro ranks and coach Trevor Lawrence.
Next up: Home opener against the Denver Broncos, whose defense just feasted on the New York Giants. Meyer must design the perfect game plan to keep Von Miller and the Broncos' pass rush from teeing off on Lawrence, while also better positioning Jacksonville as a whole for a competitive outing.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson — After following up his 2019 MVP campaign by leading Baltimore to its first playoff victory since 2014, the quarterback entered this season with great expectations. Jackson's team even upgraded the wide receiver position in both free agency and the draft to aid his development as a passer. But three fumbles (two lost) loomed large following Monday night's overtime defeat by the Las Vegas Raiders. Jackson had a chance to lead his team into scoring position and the victory, but on third down, he got hit and lost the ball. The Raiders recovered and won the game three plays later. The Ravens certainly need better outings from their defense and offensive line, but Jackson must do a better job of taking care of the ball while putting this injury-riddled team on his back.
Next up: A showdown against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs and nemesis Patrick Mahomes, who have won the teams' last two meetings.
Tennessee Titans OC Todd Downing — The Titans offensive coordinator has big shoes to fill with predecessor Arthur Smith now the head coach in Atlanta. But Downing, heralded as a bright offensive mind, also has a robust collection of weapons to work with. You would have never known that based on the final score and stat line from Sunday's 38-13 blowout by the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Top wideouts A.J. Brown and Julio Jones combined for just 78 yards and one touchdown on seven catches. Workhorse back Derrick Henry managed just 58 rushing yards on 17 carries. And quarterback Ryan Tannehill lost two fumbles and threw an interception. Downing can't account for the continued struggles of the Titans' defense.
Next up: What should be a challenging road trip to Seattle. Downing would do well to stick with the tried and true approach: Feed Henry and then build the passing attack off that punishing run game.
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith — Speaking of Smith, the rookie head coach was charged with elevating the Falcons' offense. Instead, Sunday's performance felt a lot like last season's lowest points. The Falcons mustered just two field goals in a 32-6 beatdown by the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for just 164 yards, and no pass-catcher recorded more than 52 receiving yards.
Next up: A visit to the defending Super Bowl-champion and division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. An upset seems unlikely, but at the very least, Smith has to be able to get his guys to at least challenge Tampa Bay.