NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians, who is a 67-year-old cancer survivor spoke about the precautions he may have to take while coaching this season.

“I got to be real careful,” Arians said, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “I’ll probably double with a mask and a (face) shield. You know, because l already had my scare out there (in Arizona) once a couple of years ago. For me personally, I’ve got a plan and I just have to be smart enough to stay with it.”

Arians also noted that there are other older coaches on the staff and that like QB Tom Brady, they will also have to do all that they can in order to stay safe this year given the fact that players will most likely get sick no matter what precautions are taken.

“Tom is probably the healthiest one of all of us,” Arians said. “We’ve got to be careful. The players, they’re going to all get sick, that’s for sure. It’s just a matter of how sick they get.”

Panthers

• The Athletic’s Joe Person would not rule out the Panthers taking a quarterback if they finish with a high draft pick in 2021.
• Person mentions to keep an eye on tight end, linebacker, guard and cornerback as areas the Panthers could still add players to address. 
• Panthers WR Curtis Samuel is a leading candidate to be the team’s starting slot receiver, according to Person.  
• Person says 2022 is when the organization will start looking for HC Matt Rhule to lead the team to the playoffs. 
• There’s a chance the Panthers bring in another punter to compete with UDFA P Joseph Charlton after placing starting P Michael Palardy on the reserve/NFI list. (Person)
• Person says Panthers OL Greg Little failed his physical with a knee issue. After missing a significant chunk of his rookie year with a concussion and ankle injury, Person notes Little also had a knee issue in November, though it’s unclear if it’s the same injury. 

Saints

• Per the Athletic’s Katherine Terrell, Saints LT Terron Armstead confirmed the Saints see 2020 as their own last dance: “It’s got to be Super Bowl or bust, in all honesty. That’s it. … If we don’t get to the big dance, it’s a failure of a season.”