NFC South: Preseason News and Notes

In the second preseason game of the year against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Cam Newton had a mediocre effort, completing eight of 17 passes.

“I thought he did some nice things,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He got us down there twice in scoring position. We did miss a couple of throws but he was running for his life twice and both times he overthrew the ball. I’m not sure you can put that on the quarterback.”

If the Panthers want to accomplish anything this season, they’re going to need to do it on the sizable shoulders of Newton, who had a sensational second half of the season last year.

“There are just some things we have to wrinkle out,” Newton said. “We were moving the ball effectively. We can’t have self-inflicted penalties. It takes a little more focus. And on my part I feel like I can put the offense in a better situation with a couple of throws I feel got away from me. We moved the ball but we can do better and we will do better as this preseason progresses.”

Will the Carolina Panthers make the playoffs?     

• Yes                  +195
• No                    -250

Carolina Panthers – 2013 Regular Season Win Total 

• Over                            7 (-160)
• Under                          7 (+130)

Tampa Bay Bucs Have a Strong Ground Game

Against the Patriots in a preseason game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers racked up a ton of yards on the ground, including 81 from Mike James and 73 from Peyton Hillis. Doug Martin, the team’s workhorse running back, took a knee to the helmet early in the action and sat out the rest of the game.

“He got hit in the head but he cleared really quickly,” coach Greg Schiano said. “I saw him at halftime and he was fine. He was going to play one more play.”

“We just found our holes and tried to make our money where we could,” James said.

Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the playoffs?        

• Yes                  +250
• No                    -325

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2013 Regular Season Win Total    

• Over                            7½ (-140)
• Under                          7½ (+110)

Saints’ Young Wide Receivers Come Up Big

Nick Toon and Kenny Stills, two young wide receivers on the Saints’ roster, could take on bigger roles in the offense this season. Against the Raiders on Saturday, they did, impressing quarterback Drew Brees.

“We asked them to do a lot. They were having to think a lot on the move,” Brees said. “They did a great job adjusting to that and played with a lot of confidence.”

Will the New Orleans Saints make the playoffs?  

• Yes                  -175
• No                    +145

New Orleans Saints – 2013 Regular Season Win Total         

• Over                            9 (-145)
• Under                          9 (+115)