Falcons see breakout coming from Calvin Ridley

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons saw a breakout coming from rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley. One of the reasons for that is that other coaches have to devise a plan to contend with Mohamed Sanu in the slot and Julio Jones -- who is double-teamed regularly -- outside. Head coach Dan Quinn said the offensive game plan is to take what the defense gives quarterback Matt Ryan. "When you turn the game film on, you look at 11 (Jones) and from a defensive perspective, (opponents) are asking, 'How is he not going to wreck the game?' " Quinn said. "... OK, there were 13 guys on Julio and he was open every play," Quinn joked. "We just try to make sure we attack in the very best way that we can. Cal is making progress. He's just hitting his stride."

Carolina Panthers: A bye week trade for offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse, a former fifth-round pick playing for his sixth NFL team, will not immediately remedy the blocking issues plaguing the Panthers, but veteran experience should not be undersold. He has 70 career starts and has played left tackle and right tackle. Carolina players were dismissed for the week following a win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Where Newhouse fits in entering Week 5, when the Panthers host the New York Giants, is to be determined.

New Orleans Saints: Wide receiver Michael Thomas is setting a breakneck pace for receptions with 38 in three games. The 25-year-old said he's not trying to be someone he's not, and instead plans to set the bar at the position. "I didn't have to be a prima donna to get where I'm at," Thomas told Bleacher Report. "Everybody else is chasing someone else. I'm not chasing anyone. I'm chasing what I'm focused on and my job. Everybody else can chase me."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback Jameis Winston is back from a three-game suspension but his exact role is not yet known. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for more than 400 yards in each of the first three games -- an NFL first -- and steered the Buccaneers to a 2-1 record. Winston, who spent time serving the community during his ban, said he returns to the team Wednesday a wiser man. "Over the course of me being a franchise quarterback or supposedly a franchise quarterback, I've learned a lot," Winston said. "I've been working hard ever since I stepped foot in this building."