NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

Regarding Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston‘s performance this season, Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said it’s not all on the quarterback, even though there are corrections they can make. 

“For me, it’s just play it all out and let’s see,’’ Arians said, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “Can we correct mistakes? Can we get better? Can we play like we did in Los Angeles six weeks in a row? Or in Carolina? And not have that game (in London) at the end of the day. Then again, that’s a lot of guys around him. Part of being disappointed is sometimes guys around him are making mistakes that are affecting him.”

Arians said he will be honest in terms of his evaluation of Winston when it comes to speaking with ownership and the front office about a potential extension. 

“I will not lie, that’s for sure,’’ Arians said. “They’ll get my honest evaluation. That’s just who I am. I don’t think they have to worry about that.’’

Falcons

Regarding the decision to trade WR Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots, Falcons HC Dan Quinn said he’s comfortable with their receiving corps and believes second-year WR Calvin Ridley is ready for a “bigger role.”

“We’ve always had a mindset on developing players,” Quinn said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This was one of those cases that it was worth it to do that. We certainly have pushed Cal, and he’s ready to take on the bigger role and (Russel) Gage is another one that’s certainly into that space. If we didn’t think it was best for the team, we wouldn’t have done it.”

Quinn added that the Falcons felt that acquiring a second-round pick for Sanu was simply what was “best for the team.”

“No. 1, we’re always going to try to do what’s best for the team in that moment,” Quinn said. “That was the case here.”

Panthers

• Panthers HC Ron Rivera was “noncommittal” when asked if QB Cam Newton (foot) will travel with the team to their Week 7 game against the 49ers. (Joe Person)
• Person notes that Newton has yet to practice this week, meaning he would not be active in Sunday’s game. 

Saints

Saints HC Sean Payton said RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) is “day to day” and will be evaluated throughout the week. 

“We’ll keep you posted. Day to day here, and he’ll be much like Drew. We’ll see how much he can do this week. We’d love to have him back as soon as possible. He’s a real good player for us,” via Bob McManaman.