Falcons

The Falcons made significant changes to the coaching staff this offseason with DC Jimmy Lake taking charge. Lake has been pleased with the players’ dedication during OTAs.

“I want these guys to play fast. I want them to play free. I want them to play physical,” Lake said, as reported by Terrin Waack of the team’s website. “We don’t want to hold these guys back by overloading them with information on the football field. That’s the last thing I want them to do.”

“You can see the emphasis on playing violently and physically in our game plan. You can see guys running to the ball with the intent of making an impact, which is not something you can teach.”

Panthers

Panthers HC Dave Canales mentioned that he has not been in touch with K Eddy Pineiro during OTA’s absence but trusts that Pineiro has a plan for his time away from the team.

“I have not talked to him,” Canales stated, according to PFT. “We’re just focusing on the players we have. I’m glad we have Harrison Mevis here so we can continue with our field goal, field goal block sessions. So, we’re really focusing on the players present. And I’m sure Eddy has a plan for this situation.”

Saints

Saints QB Derek Carr indicated that he is not bothered by the low expectations for the team in 2024 and simply wants the team to consistently perform well.

“No, no. I’ve been on teams where that was the case and that was our best team,” Carr expressed, as per Katherine Terrell of ESPN. “Then you come in and you play good football and you just try to string good days together. … That’s the exciting part about this game, you always get another chance. Not every time, but this group of guys will get another chance to showcase what Saints football is this year.”

Carr believes they are “so far ahead” compared to this time last year.

“We’re way ahead of where we were last year, as a team, as a group of guys,” Carr highlighted.

Carr feels that last season was a humbling experience after starting with high expectations.

“Last year we were so pumped up. Everyone was excited, but we didn’t really show why we were excited until it was too late,” Carr mentioned. “So we’ve learned from that. It’s unacceptable given the talent we have in that locker room.”