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NFC South Notebook: Record-setting night for Hester and Ryan, Newton still dealing with soreness

Dale Zanine / Reuters

Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NFC South Notebook. 

Atlanta Falcons

Devin Hester sets return record. Hester ran into the record books Thursday night, scoring his 20th career return touchdown, breaking Deion Sanders's record.

Matt Ryan sets franchise completion percentage record. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes that Thursday night's 56-14 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a memorable victory for Matt Ryan, who set the franchise record for highest completion percentage, connecting on 21 of his 24 passes.

Hester reveals he wasn't happy in late stages of time in Chicago. Following Thursday's win, Hester let out some frustration with his former team, saying he "wasn't happy his last 3-4 years in Chicago."

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton still dealing with soreness. Newton continues to deal with nagging injuries. After dealing with a surgically repaired ankle for four months, Newton now has a nagging rib injury, the Charlotte Observer notes.

Newton doesn't believe Hardy case has been a distraction. The ongoing Greg Hardy saga in Carolina hasn't bothered the Panthers' quarterback, as he told ESPN.

Panthers fans are looking forward to Sunday night. The Charlotte Observer compares Sunday night's prime time matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers to a reward for Panthers fans who will see their undefeated team spotlighted.

New Orleans Saints

Rob Ryan says the Saints' defense is "killing the team right now." At 0-2, the Saints have been one of the league's biggest disappointments. Ryan blames his defense.

The Saints remain confident despite their struggles. As if the team's 0-2 start isn't bad enough, they're now 7-8 over their last 16 game. ESPN points to their difficulties finishing games as the culprit.

Darren Sproles found out the Saints were letting him go on Twitter. The diminutive running back was left with a bad taste in his mouth as he went out the door in New Orleans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A quarterback controversy may be looming. Josh McCown was seen with a brace on his right hand after Thursday's loss, and fans got a look at backup Mike Glennon, who looked good in relief a year ago. ESPN wonders aloud if a change is coming at quarterback for the Bucs.

Ahmad Black can't believe he was cut by a team losing 56-0. The former Buccaneers linebacker since deleted his tweet, but SB Nation caught it.

Evan Dietrich-Smith fumbled a ball off his butt. Yeah. Another butt fumble. As if losing 56-14 wasn't bad enough.

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