NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians was predictably thrilled about the addition of DT Ndamukong Suh.

“A dominant player, inside, penetrating. He’s a good run-stopper,” Arians said via the Athletic’s Greg Auman. “He’s a pass-rusher, but he’s a good run player. With him and Vita (Vea) it’s going to be real tough to run the ball inside against us. And they both can rush the passer.”

Falcons

The Falcons and QB Matt Ryan are hoping a reunion with OC Dirk Koetter helps smooth out some of the kinks they had in their offense last season. 

“I’m excited to work with Dirk again,” Ryan said via Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I learned so much from him the first time around. He’s kind of picked up a few things along the way, too, come up with some really good stuff. It’s been a lot of fun the last couple months of getting back to work with Dirk.”

Koetter was the Falcons offensive coordinator from 2012-2014 early in Ryan’s career and helped jump-start the quarterback’s growth. 

“I learned a lot in the passing game, a lot about how to process information at the quarterback position in the passing game from him. How to eliminate certain things early, pre-snap,” Ryan said. “I felt like I made a big jump during those years in terms of learning keys and really understanding about eliminating certain parts of progression to make you play faster to make you play more clear-headed.” 

Panthers

• According to the Athletic’s Joe Person, HC Ron Rivera referenced the Panthers “making the move to a little bit of a 3-4 base.”
• When asked about the possibility of signing DT Gerald McCoy, Rivera said McCoy is a guy who could help them this year, but it’s a question for GM Marty Hurney. (Joe Person)