NFC South Notebook: Payton motivates Saints with cartoons; McCoy rips Bucs' defense
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.
Carolina Panthers
Godfrey's release sends message. Tuesday's release of veteran cornerback Charles Godfrey was viewed as a wake-up call by the Panthers' secondary.
Williams nearing return. Injured running back DeAngelo Williams is not expected to suit up Sunday, but could be back in time for the Panthers' Oct. 30 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
"All Yell Norwell." David Newton of ESPN.com profiles undrafted rookie guard Andrew Norwell, who is slated to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
New Orleans Saints
Payton motivates with cartoons. Saints head coach Sean Payton turned to cartoons this week in an attempt to motivate his team.
Not a must-win. Despite sitting at 2-4, quarterback Drew Brees doesn't view Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers as a must-win.
Brees needs to relax. Former coach Tony Dungy said Brees should take some advice from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and relax.
Atlanta Falcons
Cox encouraged by run defense. The Falcons rank 27th in the NFL in run defense entering Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, but defensive line coach Bryan Cox is optimistic they can turn things around.
Crunching the defensive numbers. Cox may be optimistic about his defense, but the numbers are a lot less encouraging.
London food gets mixed reviews. Antone Smith will be sticking with pizza during his time in London.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCoy rips Bucs' defense. Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy called out his teammates Thursday, telling reporters that the defense has been playing soft and is making too many excuses.
Why do the Bucs always defer? There is a method behind Lovie Smith's tendency to give the ball away.
Jackson doesn't want to be traded. Vincent Jackson is flattered by the trade talk surrounding him, but would prefer to stay in Tampa Bay.