NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston had seemingly made progress before a disastrous six-turnover performance against the Panthers in London last week. Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians was brought in this offseason primarily to clean up Winston’s hero-ball tendencies, which is proving easier said than done. However, Arians hasn’t lost hope in Winston’s ability to eventually get with the program. 

“It’s knowing why the ball is coming out of your hand and knowing when to get rid of it,” Arians told WFLA-TV, via JoeBucsFan.com. “You know, we had a screen pass to [Ronald Jones] that broke down; throw it away, all right? We end up getting a fumble. We didn’t lose that fumble. The next one, [Jameis is thinking], ‘I have to make a play.’ Those situations we have to get rid of the bad decisions of when ‘I have to make a play,’ and you hold on too long and get a sack or a fumble. Just get rid of those plays, we’re going to be all right.”

• Arians said that it depended on what offers Tampa Bay received as to whether the team would be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline: “We’re not giving players away.” (Rick Stroud)
• Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul continued his progression in practice as he works his way back from an offseason spinal injury: “Everything is good right now. I’m on the right track. I’ve got a lot to do in a short amount of time.” (Carmen Vitali)
• Pierre-Paul, who suffered the injury in a car accident, said his experience coming back from another offseason accident with fireworks will help him come back from this injury: “Not a lot of people have come back from blowing off their hand, too.” (Stroud)
• Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard said he wasn’t surprised he received trade interest from the Patriots, as his limited usage so far this season hasn’t shaken his confidence in his talent: “It’s no secret I feel like I have a great talent, what I can do, mismatch, playing the tight end position. A lot of teams know that…It’s awesome…I wasn’t surprised at all.” (Stroud)

Falcons

• The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz reports the Falcons’ trade market for DE Vic Beasley is much weaker than the interest they received for WR Mohamed Sanu given how much Beasley has spiraled since recording 15.5 sacks in his second season. 
• While Falcons TE Austin Hooper‘s name has come up in trade speculation, the team is confident it will be able to re-sign him even with its currently low-projected cap space in 2020. (Schultz)
• Falcons traded WR Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots for a second-round pick. (NFLTR)

Panthers

• According to the Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, Panthers CB James Bradberry and LB Shaq Thompson are considered top priorities for long-term extensions. 
• Rodrigue adds it’s likely that Panthers OL Daryl Williams looks for a long-term deal somewhere in free agency, as he’s fallen into a depth role for Carolina. 
• Other players Carolina will need to make a decision on this offseason include DL Gerald McCoy, DE Mario Addison, WR Jarius Wright, LB Bruce Irvin, DB Ross Cockrell, CB Javien Elliott, DL Vernon Butler, G Greg Van Roten and S Tre Boston. 
• Panthers QB Cam Newton worked out with team trainers in front of the media for the first time since his injury in Week 2. (David Newton)
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera said TE Ian Thomas will be more involved in the offense, as he’s had to catch up after missing a chunk of time due to injury earlier this season. (Max Henson)
• Panthers placed S Natrell Jamerson on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Panthers waived OT Caleb Benenoch.
• Panthers promoted WR DeAndrew White to their active roster.
• Panthers signed WR Braxton Miller to their practice squad