NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Lions, Panthers

Buccaneers

• Per Football Scoop, Mississippi strength coach Anthony Piroli will join the Bucs in the same capacity. He worked for Bruce Arians as the Cardinals strength and conditioning coach from 2015-2017. 

Lions

Lions GM Bob Quinn mentioned during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio that they need to do a better job of putting QB Matthew Stafford in a position to succeed, which is why they made the decision to hire Darrell Bevell as their new offensive coordinator.

“We’re really excited to have Matthew Stafford. He really goes under the radar. When we’re not winning, he doesn’t get as much credit. When he does, he doesn’t get enough either,” Quinn said. “He’s in a tough spot, because he’s really talented and we need to do a better job of putting him in a position to succeed.”

Panthers

• According to Joe Person of the Athletic, the Panthers and HC Ron Rivera are considering transitioning their defense from a 4-3 unit to one that incorporates more 3-4 looks in an effort to generate more quarterback pressure.
• Rivera has run both 4-3 and 3-4 defenses over the years and has had success with both. The issue for the Panthers is going to be whether they have the personnel to fit a 3-4 scheme.
• Sources tell Person that Carolina will likely incorporate both fronts to be more multiple defensively and give offenses more to prepare for in 2019.