NFC South Notebook: Newton on target to start; Jones a game-time decision
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.
New Orleans Saints
Payton thinks situations should be motivation enough. Saints head coach Sean Payton thinks bulletin board material is unnecessary when there's already so much at stake.
Saints secondary faces stiff test. The Saints' new-look secondary faces a stiff test on Sunday against one of the NFL's finest receiving corps.
"They're probably the best receiving corps in the league. I'm not gonna say probably - they are," Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis told ESPN of the Falcons' trio of Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas.
Brees to make 200th start. Quarterback Drew Brees will make his 200th career NFL start on Sunday when the Saints take on the Falcons in a game with serious playoff implications.
Carolina Panthers
Newton on target to start. Quarterback Cam Newton, who missed last week's game against the Buccaneers after being involved in a car wreck, is on track to start on Sunday when the Panthers face the Cleveland Browns, according to head Coach Ron Rivera.
Lotulelei's sophomore slump? Star Lotulelei's production has dropped significantly this season, but the former first-round pick is trying to see things in a positive light.
"It's disappointing, but I'm not going to be down on myself because we still have to play,” Lotulelei told The Charlotte Observer. “We still have two more games, and we still have a chance to make a run at this thing so I'm not going to be down on myself."
Anderson wants a shot at the Browns. Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson would love to get a chance to play against the Cleveland Browns. Anderson, a Pro Bowler with the Browns in 2007, said some unfortunate things about Dawg Pound on his way out.
Atlanta Falcons
Jones is a game-time decision. Football magnet Julio Jones missed practice Friday with a nagging hip injury, and will be a game-time decision Sunday against the new Orleans Saints.
Moore to Lewis: 'I put my money on our offense.' Falcons safety William Moore had some choice words for Saints cornerback Kennan Lewis.
"The last I checked, (Lewis) was a defensive guy. I mean, I won't see him. But if he's calling out my guys like Julio (Jones) and Roddy (White), I put my money on those guys. I put my money on our offense."
Ryan takes kids on a shopping spree. A group of Falcons, led by quarterback Matt Ryan, took some kids on a holiday shopping spree.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lansanah's built-in motivation. Linebacker Danny Lansanah is hoping to make the Packers regret cutting him way back in 2008.
"Yeah, there is definitely some motivation," Lansanah told ESPN. "I'm definitely going to try to put my best foot forward and show those guys that they missed out on a good player. I'm definitely going to talk trash. I've got a lot of friends that still play there."
McCoy wanted to face Rodgers. Gerald McCoy, who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, is disappointed he won't be able to play against Aaron Rodgers.
McCown's turnover trouble. Quarterback Josh McCown is having trouble holding onto the football this season, throwing 12 picks and losing four fumbles in nine games.