Dirk Koetter Wields His Weapons Extremely Efficiently, and More NFC South News

The new Atlanta Falcons offense was supposed to be great this season, but pardon me if I was a bit hesitant. Last year's offense was supposed to be electric, but the power bill when all was over was very manageable. And the weapons in Atlanta on offense are the same as last year.

But the man wielding the weapons, new offensive Dirk Koetter, is very, very different.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wondered how Koetter would use the weapons at his disposal.

He mixed and matched players' advantages into his game plan, utilizing past successes like the no-huddle offense and adding new twists like a screen game.

Cornerback Dunta Robinson said it best in an open locker room session Monday: “They looked amazing. That is as high-powered as it gets. I think we punted once. Any time the punter has the day off, you are doing pretty good as an offense and as a team. It makes our job a lot easier.”

Center Todd McClure said this offense was designed to take what the defense gives it. But after watching Sunday, I'm positive the offense can also impose its will when necessary. 

Atlanta Falcons

Tony Gonzalez was elated to be back in Kansas City and to catch a touchdown pass, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, even if the fans weren't so happy about the end-zone dunk.

Sean Weatherspoon told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the defense got off to a rough start because it didn't play tough in the first half.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers' report card from the Charlotte Observer was straight A's.

Any time one of the plays that mattered in a game (listed by the Charlotte Observer) is called "The Munnerlyn Penalty," things probably went bad.

New Orleans Saints

Times-Picayune columnists Jeff Duncan and Mike Triplett called Sunday's loss to Washington a wake-up call. [Video]

The Times-Picayune gave the Saints coaching staff a failing grade for Sunday's loss to the Redskins.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rookie safety Mark Barron's hit on Steve Smith Sunday was one of his top five most jarring ever, according to the Tampa Tribune.

The Tampa Bay Times wrote that Greg Schiano's NFL head coaching debut went perfectly. The Bucs were aggressive on defense and efficient on offense.