NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

Bucs DB Carlton Davis said he wants to be “feared” as a cornerback when recently asked about his goals for the upcoming season.

“I want to be feared as a corner to all opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators,” Davis said, per Michael Giardi. 

• According to the Athletic’s Greg Auman, WR Jaydon Mickens, WR Jaelon Darden and WR Scotty Miller rotated as punt returners in practice.
• Auman also reports WR Chris Godwin didn’t practice today, but there doesn’t seem to be an obvious injury. 
• Buccaneers CB Sean Murphy-Bunting said he played last year with a hamstring injury and sprained his ankle twice. (Rick Stroud)

Falcons

• According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons OL Matt Gono arrived at training camp in a neck brace after undergoing offseason surgery.
• Aaron Wilson reports the Falcons worked out LB Dylan Cole.

Panthers

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey praised new QB Sam Darnold‘s leadership abilities.

“I think he’s really good at talking through things with guys, whether it’s receivers, or running backs in protection stuff, and kind of getting a feel for each guy and what their ability is and what their capabilities are,” McCaffrey said, via Pro Football Talk. “And with that, adjusting his game — or if he needs me to run a route at a different depth, he’ll let me know and nothing goes unsaid.”

• Panthers RT Taylor Moton called it a “no brainer” to re-sign with the team and added he’s open to playing on the left side if asked. (Joe Person)

Saints

• The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell thinks if the Saints really want a veteran backup, they can keep QB Trevor Siemian around on the practice squad, leaving the third roster spot for fourth-round rookie Ian Book.
• Terrell projects the Saints keeping four running backs, including Ty Montgomery and Dwayne Washington.
• At defensive tackle, Terrell thinks Shy Tuttle and Malcolm Roach are the logical starters while David Onyemata is out, with Jalen Dalton and Ryan Glasgow rounding out the group. 
• Linebacker is fairly wide open for the reserve spots but Terrell highlights former CFL LB Wynton McManis as someone to watch to nab the final spot.