Buccaneers
The Saints and Buccaneers again fell short of the hype given to the matchup between Drew Brees and Tom Brady. Brees was exceptional but Brady and the Bucs were abysmal, going three-and-out on their first four possessions. Brady ended the game with three interceptions and the 38-3 dismantling was the worst loss of his career.
“We didn’t play well in any phase of the game,” Brady said via Pro Football Talk. “Everyone’s got to do a lot better. And it starts with me.”
- Buccaneers G Ali Marpet remains in the concussion protocol. (Rick Stroud)
- Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said LB Lavonte David is “fine” after hyper-extending his knee Sunday night. (Greg Auman)
Falcons
- The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz lists Falcons DT Grady Jarrett, WR Calvin Ridley, G Chris Lindstrom, RT Kaleb McGary, CB AJ Terrell, LB Foyesade Oluokun, OL Matt Hennessy and LT Jake Matthews as players who should survive Atlanta’s rebuild heading into 2021.
- Because of their contracts, Schultz thinks LB Deion Jones and DE Dante Fowler will be safe as well, as even though they haven’t played outstanding the Falcons have limited options.
- Schultz expects S Keanu Neal and RB Todd Gurley to end up elsewhere this offseason after their contracts expire. He adds the team likely needs to see more from TE Hayden Hurst, whose deal expires in 2022.
Panthers
- Per the Athletic’s Joe Person, Panthers HC Matt Rhule confirmed RB Christian McCaffrey injured his shoulder late in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He said he’d have more information Wednesday but for now he considers McCaffrey day-to-day.
- Panthers OC Joe Brady moved from the booth to the sideline Sunday and Rhule confirmed the plan is for him to stay there the rest of the season. (Person)
Saints
Saints WR Michael Thomas spoke to the media for the first time since being injured Week 1, which gave him his first opportunity to answer questions about the fight in practice with teammate Chauncey Gardner-Johnson that delayed his return even further. Thomas acknowledged it was a learning experience for him.
“My emotions got the best of me in that situation,” Thomas said via Luke Johnson of the Times-Picayune. “I’ve grown from that, and I’m here to help my team win games and finish the mission: To win a championship.”
Thomas hasn’t just dealt with injuries and conflict with teammates. There were reports that Thomas could be on the trading block, with some indicating those rumors originated with Thomas’ camp. However, he brushed past questions about that topic.
“I can’t pay attention to any of that,” Thomas said. “I’m just trying to put my head down, get back and get out there and help my team.”
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