4.) Falcons’ Defensive Makeover

 

Atlanta’s defense isn’t very good, but coach Dan Quinn had a massive project when he took over ahead of the 2015 season.

While it’s still early, it looks like they’ve found good, young linebackers in Vic Beasley and Deion Jones, September’s NFC Rookie of the Month. But Quinn needs more tools for his rebuild.

“He’s trying to find those long, lean corners. He’s got safeties that are very active and he’s trying to find those pass rushers. That’s what he’s trying to put together,” Rivera said. “I think they’re well on their way. It’s probably a matter of one or two more guys.

“There’s always that one big key that everybody would like to have, and for him, I’m not sure what his combination would be. But for us, it’s been being able to get a guy like Luke (Kuechly) and (Thomas Davis) together with a guy like (Kawann Short) in front of them and a guy like Kurt (Coleman) in the backfield. I think he’s trying to establish who those guys are going to be.”

 

5.) Investigations ‘Update’

 

The NFL and NFLPA still haven’t revealed findings from their separate investigations of how the Panthers and independent doctors handled the helmet-to-helmet hits quarterback Cam Newton took at Denver in Week One.

But for what it’s worth, Rivera hasn’t been contacted by either side yet.

“The only people that have questioned me has been you guys,” he said.

“I have no idea who they interviewed. I have no idea if they’ve finished it or anything like that. All I know is I have not been part of any discussion.”

 

6.) Quote of the Day

 

Rivera, on dealing with a surprising offensive line shuffle, which fills the opening for Panthers’ drama of the week:

“It’s never dull. That’s one thing I can tell you.”