NFC South Notebook: Newton is Superman at Preakness; Blank goes unrecognized on 'Ellen'
Every 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
Newton carries woman over mud at Preakness. Cam Newton lived up to his Superman nickname at the Preakness on Saturday. The quarterback carried a woman across the mud-soaked track, gaining respect on Twitter.
Davis refuses to be intimidated by Earnhardt Jr. Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will drive the pace car at Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 and NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. warned him about the dangers of auto racing.
Kuechly wins over fans in Brazil. Luke Kuechly is popular in Brazil, with fans putting together an excellent promotional video for the Panthers star linebacker in Portuguese.
New Orleans Saints
Grayson makes strong impression on Brees. Garrett Grayson gained an important vote of confidence in minicamp, with Drew Brees saying he was impressed by the Colorado State product. Grayson was selected in the third round of the 2015 draft and may be groomed as Brees's eventual replacement.
Anthony draws comparison to Vilma. New Orleans selected linebacker Stephone Anthony in the first round of the 2015 draft. The Times-Picayune breaks down how the Clemson product compares to former Saints standout Jonathan Vilma, who was was an integral part of the franchise's lone Super Bowl victory.
Payton says 2015 class modeled after 2006 group. The Saints' 2006 draft class produced many successful pros, including Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, Jahri Evans and Rob Ninkovich. Head coach Sean Payton explained how the 2015 group may end up being similar to that excellent class from nearly a decade ago.
Atlanta Falcons
Blank wins auction on 'Ellen,' goes unrecognized. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank bid $8,000 to win a dress worn by Ellen DeGeneres in the 1996 movie "Mr. Wrong." Blank won the dress on the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Thursday, but went unrecognized by the television star.
Bartu fined $50K after suspension rescinded. Joplo Bartu's two-game suspension was rescinded by the NFL, but he was fined $50,000. Bartu was originally suspended after pleading no contest to driving under the influence.
Smith recovering well from broken leg. Falcons running back Antone Smith began running again after breaking his leg on Nov. 16. Smith said he's almost at full strength but still needs time to get ready to suit up for action.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay a finalist to host 2019 Super Bowl. The Buccaneers are one of the finalists to host the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl. Raymond James Stadium has hosted two Super Bowls, most recently in February 2009.
Solicitation charge against Sapp dismissed. Warren Sapp's charge for solicitation of a prostitute was dismissed Wednesday. The Hall of Fame defensive tackle was fired by the NFL Network almost immediately after his arrest.
Rookies impress etiquette coach. Tampa Bay's incoming rookie class met with an etiquette coach and made a great impression. Patricia Rossi said the Buccaneers' class of 2015 were perfect gentlemen upon her visit.