NFC South Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

Falcons DE Vic Beasley is facing an uncertain future in Atlanta. However, he isn’t stressing about what will happen after the season. 

“When that time comes, whatever happens, happens,” Beasley said, via ESPN.com. “I’m here to help this team win, and that’s what I’m trying to do through the rest of the regular season. As long as I’m here, I’m trying to help this team win ballgames.”

Beasley came up as a potential trade candidate at the deadline, but he says this isn’t something that motivated him. 

“Nah, I just continued to work,” Beasley said. “My mindset don’t change regardless. I’m not going to sit there and act like I didn’t know about it. Everyone knows their circumstances and what’s at stake.”

• Falcons owner Arthur Blank told reporters that HC Dan Quinn will continue to have final say over the 53-man roster. (Kelsey Conway)
• Blank emphasized that Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff will continue to work together in unison. (Vaughn McClure)
• Blank explained that Quinn made some decisions too late in the season to change things around. (Vaughn McClure)
• Falcons president Rich McKay was asked about their difficult cap situation next year: “I’m not overly concerned about the salary cap situation.” (Kelsey Conway)
• Quinn said Dirk Koetter is his offensive coordinator but he plans to speak more about the staff next week. (Vaughn McClure)
• According to Quinn, he took on “too much” entering this season and wanted to correct that as the year went along. (William McFadden)
• Regarding the notion that the Falcons are in a tough situation, Dimitroff said they will get creative to get the pieces they need. (Kelsey Conway)
• OUT for Week 17: G Jamon Brown (illness), DE Adrian Clayborn (knee), WR Brandon Powell (wrist)

Panthers

• Albert Breer writes that the Panthers’ head-coaching search is expected to include a college coach or two.
• If owner David Tepper looks to the NFL, Breer says Patriots OC Josh McDaniels is a name to keep an eye on for the Panthers along with Patriots pro director Dave Ziegler to fill the assistant GM role.
• Breer has been told the next head coach of the Panthers will have “considerable say over the football operation, in areas like strength-and-conditioning, training and video.”
• OUT for Week 17: WR D.J. Moore (concussion), LB Shaq Thompson (foot, shoulder)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: CB Corn Elder (illness), LB Marquis Haynes (knee)

Saints

• Saints HC Sean Payton said of the decision to work out free agent WRs including Antonio Brown on Friday: “We worked them out. Gave them physicals. Mainly doing our due diligence on all of those players.” (Adam Schefter)
• Payton said they would need to get clarity from the NFL regarding whether Brown would be eligible to play this postseason if they signed him. (Mike Triplett)
• According to Payton, they will not be making a roster at this time. 
• OUT for Week 17: CB Eli Apple (ankle), S Vonn Bell (knee), S Marcus Williams (groin)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 17: FB Zach Line (knee)