By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Stephen Nicholas is racking up the tackles for the Atlanta Falcons this season.

USF's former linebacker posted 12 tackles in Atlanta's season-opening blowout of Kansas City and Nicholas stepped up Monday night by making eight more stops and forcing a fumble in the Falcons' 27-21 win over Denver.

Nicholas also has an interception and a fumble recovery to his credit this season thanks to his huge performance against the Chiefs. ESPN's fantasy football experts project the sixth-year pro to post triple-digit tackle numbers by the end of the season. Nicholas' top single-season total was 80 in 2009.

Here is an update on what other former Bulls did in week 2 of the NFL season:

Jason Pierre-Paul, N.Y. Giants, DE: The third-year pro had four tackles, four assists and a sack in the Giants' wild 41-34 over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Season stats - 12 tackles, one sack.

Jacquian Williams, N.Y. Giants, LB: The second-year pro had three tackles in New York's win over the Bucs. Season stats - nine tackles.

Nate Allen, Philadelphia, S: Allen posted 10 total tackles in the Eagles' 24-23 win over Baltimore on Sunday. Season stats - 15 tackles, one pass breakup.

Mike Jenkins, Dallas, CB: Made his season debut in the Cowboys' 27-7 loss at Seattle on Sunday. The fifth-year pro did not record a tackle while playing eight snaps.

Tyrone McKenzie, Minnesota, LB: The second-year pro recorded a tackle in the Vikings' 23-20 loss at Indianapolis on Sunday. He missed time at the end of the game because of dehydration, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Season stats - two tackles.

Mistral Raymond, Minnesota, S: The second-year Viking posted two tackles in Sunday's loss to the Colts. Season stats - five tackles, one pass breakup.