The Atlanta Falcons return to work for a Wednesday practice, preparing for their second-consecutive road game, facing the New York Giants on Sunday. Despite his team sitting tied at atop the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers at 2-2, Falcons head coach Mike Smith was very clear in his weekly press conference on Monday that he hasn't concerned himself with what's going on in the division "because there's a lot of football to be played"; so, instead of an in-depth look at the standings, here's a really quick glance at the NFC South, entering Week 5.
Carolina Panthers (2-2)
- The Panthers are coming off a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the team's second-straight defeat of the season. During the loss, Carolina's rushing attack took a hit as star RB DeAngelo Williams left the game with a foot injury; he is listed as doubtful this week against the Chicago Bears.
- Carolina's defense was unable to contain their former WR Steve Smith, who now stars for the Ravens, as he grabbed seven receptions for 139 yards and two TDs in the 38-10 win.
New Orleans Saints (1-3)
- The Saints dropped to 1-3, following Sunday night's loss to Dallas. The Cowboys kept New Orleans out of the end zone into the fourth quarter, eventually winning 38-17.
- Dallas netted 445 yards of offense against the Saints, highlighted by 149 yards and two TDs by RB DeMarco Murray.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
- Bucs head coach Lovie Smith earned his first win as the team's head coach, helped by WR Louis Murphy's efforts, including six receptions for 99 yards. Bucs RB Doug Martin scored his first TD of the year, a 3-yard run in the third quarter and the game's deciding factor was a 5-yard TD pass from QB Mike Glennon to WR Vincent Jackson.
- In the 27-24 victory, Bucs rookie WR Mike Evans left the game with a groin injury and is expected to miss two-to-three weeks.
