Piscitelli rebounds with strong effort Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 21 September 2009 The poster child for last week's loss to Dallas grew up in a hurry Sunday. SS Sabby Piscitelli, who took the brunt of the blame when Tony Romo torched the Tampa Bay secondary, rebounded in a big way at Ralph Wilson Stadium as the Bucs dropped a 33-20 decision to Buffalo. Piscitelli returned a Fred Jackson fumble 72 yards (third longest in franchise history) to set up a historic TD catch by Cadillac Williams late in the opening half, then added a third-quarter interception against Trent Edwards deep in Tampa Bay territory to keep the Bucs within 20-14. "It really doesn't matter ... it wasn't good enough because we lost," said Piscitelli, who added nine tackles. "We didn't get it done." It had been a difficult week for Piscitelli, in his first season as a full-time starter. The 2007 second-round pick was singled out in the media for missing assignments in Week 1, but he said he never doubted himself, despite a barrage of criticism. "Coach (Raheem Morris) said keep your head up and stay positive," Piscitelli said. "I try to stay level." Defensive coordinator Jim Bates was eager to find anything positive following another disappointing effort. "It was good to see Sabby bounce back," said Bates. "Overall, he played a lot better." He's all hands Although he was stymied on the ground, Williams contributed to Tampa Bay's offense Sunday while attaining a personal milestone. An 8-yard catch late in the second quarter marked the first TD reception for Williams in his five-year NFL career, spanning 40 regular-season games. "It was good to get that first one because I've been labeled as a guy who can't catch the ball," said Williams, who ran for 97 yards against Dallas but gained only 9 yards on seven carries Sunday. Williams posted a career-high seven catches as Byron Leftwich threw nine of 50 passes in his direction. "We got down quickly on the road and that took us out of our game plan a bit," Williams said. "This is a loud stadium and they were able to pin their ears back, blitz and rush the passer." Dismal debut Tampa Bay had never played at Buffalo in the 34-year history of the Bucs and the Bills were hardly gracious hosts as a sun-splashed crowd of 70,318 roared in approval. "It's a privilege to play here," Bucs DT Chris Hovan said. "You talk about tradition. Think about all the greats who played here - from a Bruce Smith to Fred Smerlas, Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. The two places I'll look back in my career and remember as road stadiums are Lambeau Field and right here." Tampa Bay's opening road test proved to be a tough day for the Glazer family, which hails from Rochester, N.Y., 90 minutes to the east. The Bills are an original American Football League franchise celebrating their 50th year and they honored some of their most notable players during a halftime ceremony. It's a start Sunday's setback marks the 14th time in a non-strike season that the Bucs have opened 0-2. On all 13 previous occasions, Tampa Bay failed to produce a winning record. "We take it hard," said MLB Barrett Ruud, who led all players with 14 stops. "You've got to go out there and find a way to win each matchup more than the offense does." The only time the Bucs have yielded more than 67 points through Week 2 came in 1985, when they allowed a combined 69 points against the Bears and Vikings and finished 2-14 under Leeman Bennett. "Every man has to look themselves in the eye and just man up," Williams said. Missing weapon The Bucs played without their No. 1 downfield target, WR Antonio Bryant, who didn't make the trip due to a left knee that is giving him problems following surgery in August to repair a torn meniscus. "Anytime you don't have a player like Antonio, let's just be honest, it hurts," Leftwich said. "He can play the game of football, but that's not why we lost."