It only took one week for fans of the Texans, Bears and Panthers to check if Vinny Testaverde was still available. Although the 46-year-old playcaller is waiting for his phone to ring, Matt Schaub, Jay Cutler and Jake Delhomme have solidified their special place in fans’ hearts after great bounce-back weeks from the three quarterbacks:
Matt Schaub, Texans
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Week 1 vs. Jets » 18-33, 166 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Week 2 vs. Titans » 25-39, 357 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
So apparently the Jets have a good defense under new coach Rex Ryan, just ask the Patriots. So there’s no shame in Schaub struggling against a team that held Tom Brady and New England to just nine points. The reason for Schaub’s turnaround: Utilizing the best wide receiver in football. Andre Johnson caught 10 balls for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the 34-31 win over Tennessee after being completely shut down by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in the Week 1 loss.
Jay Cutler, Bears
Week 1 vs. Packers » 17-36, 277 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT
Week 2 vs. Steelers » 27-38, 236 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Chicago’s “Savior” looked more like the reincarnation of Rex Grossman in his Bears debut. But Cutler actually threw to his own teammates in Week 2 and led his first game-winning drive in Chicago as the Bears stunned the Super Bowl champs. He learned how to win in Chicago: Take care of the football and rely on the defense.
Jake Delhomme, Panthers
Week 1 vs. Eagles » 7-17, 73 yards, 0 TD, 4 INT
Week 2 vs. Falcons » 25-41, 308 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Delhomme’s numbers weren’t jaw dropping in the Panthers’ 28-20 loss to the Falcons, but after throwing nine interceptions in his previous two games people were questioning if the Monstars from “Space Jam” stole his ability. Being on the same page as his go-to-guy (Steve Smith had eight catches for 131 yards) helped Jake kick the yips.
