A head injury to veteran Dwight Lowery once again shifts attention to the Falcons’ group of inexperienced safeties, including Kemal Ishmael. He’s ready for the opportunity, writes ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.
Here’s a few more NFC South links:
- After struggling mightily to stop the run last season, the Falcons made a concerted effort to get bigger in the defensive interior, and the increased bulk is noticeable, says AP writer Charles Odum.
- Panthers rookie cornerback Bene Benwikere, who is competing with Charles Godfrey for the nickel back job, has stood out in camp because of his ball skills and playmaking, writes Jonathan Jones in the Charlotte Observer. Head coach Ron Rivera compared Benwikere to former Bears Pro Bowler, Nathan Vasher, who had a reputation as a ballhawk.
- Kenjon Barner, a Panthers sixth-rounder in 2013, was a non-factor as a rookie. However, he’s bulked up nearly 15 pounds and improved in pass protection in an effort to hold down a roster spot behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, according to Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer.
- Saints undrafted free agent receiver Brandon Coleman “has easily been the Saints’ most improved player since OTAs,” writes ESPN’s Mike Triplett.