Let’s take a quick look at the top Sunday morning headlines from around the NFC South:
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Bradley Handwerger has an extensive feature on Joe Vitt, who after serving a six-game suspension will have his first game as coach of the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night in Denver.
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has postponed the appeals hearings on player suspensions in the New Orleans bounty saga that were scheduled to be held Tuesday. The hearings were to be heard in Washington, D.C., but Hurricane Sandy is supposed to impact the region. No new date for the hearings has been set.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina reserve offensive lineman Lee Ziemba, who already is on injured reserve, issued a statement saying he will face a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Carolina coach Ron Rivera has been getting a lot of criticism from fans for his calm demeanor. They say he’s too laid back. Rivera said that’s about to change and he’s going to start showing more emotion. I’ve admired Rivera’s steadiness. But let’s face it: Rivera is fighting for his job and it might be time for him to make some drastic changes.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, who was raised in suburban Philadelphia, is looking forward to his homecoming against the Eagles.
Speaking of homecomings, Atlanta cornerback Asante Samuel said he expects a warm welcome from the Philadelphia fans. Samuel spent the previous four seasons with the Eagles before a trade to the Falcons. But I’m not sure if Samuel was joking about the greeting he expects to receive. Philadelphia fans aren’t known for their warmth.
