NFC South Morning Jog: Panthers' Luke Kuechly Impresses in Opener

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.

Carolina Panthers

Two Panthers.com staff writers chat about the rookies on Carolina's roster and the first impression they made in Saturday's preseason game.

Carolina head coach Ron Rivera was not terribly happy with the effort in Saturday's preseason game with the Houston Texans, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff joined "NFL AM" and gave the three things that would help Atlanta get the elusive playoff win that the franchise is looking for. [NFL Network]

Rookie fullback Bradie Ewing will miss the entire 2012 season after suffering a knee injury in Thursday's preseason game, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Atlanta signed two players and released two others Saturday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Fullback Lousaka Polite and tight end Chase Coffman were added to the roster, while tight end Adam Nissley and punter Dawson Zimmerman were released.

New Orleans Saints

Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune regroups after the Hall of Fame Game and the Saints' first preseason game to list five position battles to focus on.

New Orleans made a few roster moves over the weekend, according to WWL.com. The Saints re-signed cornerback Nick Hixson and signed guard Paul Fenaroli and tight end Daniel Graham. New Orleans also released linebacker Nate Bussey, cornerback A.J. Davis and guard Andrew Tiller.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pewter Report lists the Bucs' 2012 NFL draft class and notes how each rookie did in Friday's preseason game.

Former Rutgers receiver Tiquan Underwood, a player who hasn't tasted the kind of success in the NFL as expected, shined in Friday's preseason game. He lists confidence and a new mindset as a contributing factor to his success, according to the Tampa Bay Times.