Let's take a run through some odds and ends from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Wide receiver Roddy White said he wouldn’t want the Falcons to ever be the featured team on HBO’s "Hard Knocks." That’s somewhat of a surprise because White is perhaps the most outgoing member of the Falcons and likes attention. But White said he wouldn’t want the cameras to capture too much strategy and help out other teams.
The Falcons will practice with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday and Tuesday before playing a preseason game. Part of the reason the teams are working together is because their coaches have a strong friendship. Mike Smith and Marvin Lewis worked as assistants together in Baltimore for four years.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jonathan Jones writes that linebacker Chase Blackburn could play a big role for the Panthers. Blackburn’s signing from the New York Giants was one of the most underrated moves in free agency. He has started some games and can play all three linebacker positions. Given the injury histories of Thomas Davis and Jon Beason, Blackburn could end up being a very valuable player.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Larry Holder reports that free-agent receiver Laurent Robinson will visit with the Saints on Monday. Marques Colston has been sidelined since the start of camp and Joe Morgan got banged up in Saturday’s scrimmage. The Saints are scrambling for depth and Robinson is a guy with some experience.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Roy Cummings writes about the evolution from college basketball player to starting right tackle by Demar Dotson. Although the Bucs brought in Gabe Carimi in the offseaon, that move was just to add depth. Dotson is secure as the starting right tackle and the Bucs believe he’s only just starting to hit his full potential.
