Buccaneers
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin was asked in the locker room what the team could change after their loss to the Falcons.
“That’s a great question,” Godwin answered, via Pro Football Talk. “I’m not exactly sure what needs to change. We’ve just got to be better. You know, we’re not doing a good enough job scoring in the red zone. That’s a crucial area for us. Like you said, we did a better job of getting some explosives, but you know, it didn’t turn into many points. When the defense gives up 13, or 16 points, as an offense you expect to put up more than that. And we didn’t do that, so we have to be way better.”
Falcons
Falcons HC Arthur Smith defended QB Desmond Ridder, who had ball security issues despite the team’s win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
“We just won the game, 16-13,” Smith said, via the team website. “The guy played phenomenal in the pocket. Let’s give [Ridder] some credit. Let’s give this team credit for winning. There’s always things but we’re not going to run away with some negative narrative. We found a way to win. I’m not worried about Desmond Ridder. He’s tough and he finds a way to win.”
- Ridder on losing three fumbles: “There’s no magical potion to fix fumbles. It’s just strapping up and knowing that you have to protect the football … The ball is the key, the ball is the issue. … We just have to do a better job.” (Greg Auman)
Panthers
- The Athletic’s Joe Person notes the Panthers have privately been putting out the word they are not in fire sale mode like they were last year ahead of the trade deadline. However, he adds the team doesn’t have a lot of draft capital to make meaningful additions if they’re even available.
- Person mentions veteran WR T.Y. Hilton is still available and has some ties to Panthers HC Frank Reich if the team is looking to add to its receiving corps. They could also swing a trade for a player and have been exploring their options.
- The sense is the Panthers want to hold onto OLB Brian Burns through the trade deadline, per Person, who does add trading Burns would be the best way to recoup a first-round pick in 2024 for Carolina.
- Person adds Carolina isn’t flush with other players who could be moved. They’ve called to shop CB Donte Jackson but he’d likely fetch only a mid-round pick at best. The injury to S Jeremy Chinn damaged his market as well despite Carolina seeming willing to trade him, and Person writes the Panthers might have to include a pick in a swap to trade WR Terrace Marshall.
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