NFL Notes: Eagles, Panthers, Rams & Saints

Eagles

• Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com reports that the NFL Players Association is reviewing the Eagles’ decision to cut Pro Bowl G Evan Mathis.
• As of now, the NFPLA is just gathering information, but they could be trying to determine if team’s decision to release Mathis was related to him skipping offseason workouts.

Panthers

Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer named CB Josh Norman as the MVP of the Panthers’ OTAs, while DBs coach Steve Wilks said he could be on the way to a breakout season.

“He’s on the verge, in my opinion, of being one of the top corners in the National Football League,” Wilks said. “He’s gotten to the point where he understands the details of the game. He’s been a student of the game. He’s letting the game come to him. He’s not trying to do things outside the defense, and it’s really showing in his play.”

Rams

• Nick Wagoner of ESPN believes that HC Jeff Fisher is “much safer” than GM Les Snead beyond this season, though Snead’s job could be safe with a winning season in 2015.
• Wagoner expects the deep pass to be a “big part” of the offense with QB Nick Foles.
• WR Kenny Britt could be a benefactor of the deep ball, since he was targeted largely on passes that were over 20-yards last season.
• According to Wagoner, WR Brian Quick is expected to start as an outside receiver if he is fully recovered from shoulder surgery.
• Wagoner writes that undrafted rookie DT Louis Trinca-Pasat has a “really good” chance to make the active roster.

Saints

• Mike Triplett expects the Saints’ focus to be on “running the ball better” instead of running more often in 2015.
• Triplett can see first-round pick LB Stephone Anthony having the biggest first year impact for the Saints.
• Second-round OLB Hau’oli Kikaha could have an impact in year, but Triplett mentions that it will likely be in smaller doses as a rotational pass rusher.
• According to Triplett, first-round selection OT Andrus Peat has quickly impressed the coaching staff due to his size and agility.