NFC South Morning Jog: Gerald McCoy as Bucs' Biggest Impact Player on Defense?

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what’s going on around the NFC South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A Tampa Tribune Q&A yields the name Gerald McCoy as the defensive player most likely to make the biggest impact in 2012.

Quarterback Josh Freeman dropped 20 pounds and transformed his body over the offseason. Will that lead to a turnaround in 2012? [Tampa Tribune]

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan isn't worried what outsiders think. He's only concerned with getting better every day. [Fox Sports South]

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will be calling the plays on defense this year, but it's his play-making skills that the team really needs to see in 2012. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

Carolina Panthers

The official Panthers.com website released some quotes and notes from Monday's training camp session. A few injuries are starting to pop up.

Among his teammates, Cam Newton is a just a regular guy, someone who hasn't let stardom creep into the equation. [Rock Hill Herald]

New Orleans Saints

Jonathan Vilma needs Judge Ginger Berrigan to rule in his favor and grant a temporary restraining order against his season-long suspension if he wants to step onto the training camp field anytime soon. According to the Times-Picayune, that ruling is unlikely before Aug. 10.

Sports Illustrated columnist Peter King thinks it's nuts to believe that the Saints will fall off in 2012 dramatically just because Sean Payton isn't around. Drew Brees is too good to let that happen.