NFC Notes: Packers, Panthers, Saints

Packers

Lions’ interim HC Darrell Bevell mentioned that Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers was above Washington QB Alex Smith on his 2005 NFL Draft board. Bevell, who was part of the Packers’ organization at the time, said that Rodgers could have come in and played immediately.

“You’re probably going to think it’s easy to say, but absolutely I did (think he would turn out to be this good),” Bevell said, via Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. “I remember breaking down the draft that year and Aaron was my top-rated guy for us there. I don’t know how we had him rated as a team, won’t talk about that. But as far as how I had them, Aaron was the No. 1 guy. I saw him as a guy that would be able to come in and play right away if he needed to. We were so far down in the draft, didn’t think that was going to be a possibility for us. But I thought if you were a team picking early, that he would definitely be a guy that could help you.”

• The Green Bay Packers hosted veteran DT Brian Price for a visit on Thursday, according to Albert Breer.

Panthers

• According to Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers are expected to fine players who broke COVID-19 protocols during their Bye week the bye week for at least $10,000. 
• Fowler notes that Carolina placed eight players on their COVID-19 list on Monday due to the recent outbreak within the organization. 

• The Carolina Panthers are bringing in three receivers for tryouts this week, according to Albert Breer. The receivers trying out include Ventell Bryant, Anthony Ratliff-Williams, and Amara Darboh.

Saints

Saints’ DC Dennis Allen is doing a great job in New Orleans this season presenting a problem for opposing offenses and he spoke about some of the things that have brought him success this year.

“One of the things you want as a coach is to do a good job and gain the respect of your peers,” Allen said, via Luke Johnson of NOLA.com. “Obviously there’s a lot of factors that are involved in the whole process in terms of what we’re doing defensively. I’m a lot better coach when I’ve got really good players. I’m fortunate that I’ve got a lot of good players that I get an opportunity to work with.”

• According to Tom Pelissero, the “next few days” are going to be important for Saints QB Drew Brees possibly returning from injured reserve in time for Week 15. 
• Pelissero reports that Brees is feeling better and going through “throwing motion rehab” drills with certain objects. However, no one has seen Brees passing an actual football.