NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

New Buccaneers DT Ndamukong Suh explained that DC Todd Bowles was one of the main selling points when it came to signing with Tampa Bay. 

“His personality, the way he looks at things, the way he wants to attack,” Suh said of Bowles, via ESPN. “Being able to attack, be very aggressive, play up the field — obviously people have their responsibilities and whatnot, but I’ve always enjoyed being in an ‘attack’ style defense.”

Regarding his reputation as being a “dirty” player, Suh mentioned that “it’s irrelevant in my life.”

“I think when you look at people in general, you’ve got to get to know them, you’ve got to have face time with them, you’ve got to be able to have the opportunity to interact with them,” Suh said. “Before you pass judgment on somebody, always take the time to get to know them, meet them, have coffee with them, whatever it may be and then be able to go from there.”

“I think when people have seen blips of me…it’s been in a negative light, rather than a positive light and that’s due to outlets of media, social media, whatever it may be. I can deal with that because I know who I am as a person, I know who my parents are, what kind of child they brought up — it’s irrelevant in my life. I think the people that know me the best see me always in a good light and see the troubles and tribulations that I’ve gone through, as any human being goes through in their lives.”

• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians mentioned that they’ll have a few veteran tryout players at the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp next week. (Greg Auman)

Falcons

Falcons WRs coach Raheem Morris told reporters that they aren’t worried about Julio Jones missing voluntary workouts again this year. 

“Julio hasn’t been here the last couple of years doing this type of stuff,” Morris said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We look forward to when he comes back. We love Julio. You know that. He knows we love him. We know he loves us.”

“It’s just an opportunity for more guys to show what they can do,” Morris added. “I don’t think you’re ever going to question what Julio can do. I don’t think anybody well. I just think they’re more opportunities for us to learn here.”

Panthers

• Jourdan Rodrigue reports that Panthers QB Cam Newton has begun throwing overhand with a regulation-sized football.
• According to Rodrigue, Newton remains on schedule to participate in workouts by training camp, but the Panthers won’t rush him.