Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Five random thoughts as Week 3 turns into Week 4:
- I know Atlanta's two wins came against Detroit and Kansas City and I know the Falcons got thumped by Tampa Bay. I still think a reality check is coming soon, but the Falcons are better than anybody thought. If you looked at the schedule a month ago, did you honestly think the Falcons would have two wins right now?
- One thing stood out as I made the rounds through NFC South training camps this summer: the Saints ran, by far, the most grueling camp. Although they were cautious with several guys coming back from injuries, you can't help but wonder if the tough camp factored into some of the new injuries that have helped the Saints get off to a 1-2 start.
- Contrary to some reports, the Bucs aren't shopping Jeff Garcia. The Bucs realize it's a long season and anything can happen with coach Jon Gruden's quarterback carousel. But, with each game Brian Griese wins, I wonder more if the Bucs might change their thinking as the trading deadline draws near.
- Carolina running back/fullback Nick Goings is one of the true standup guys in the NFL. Goings admitted to reporters Sunday that he was at fault for not picking up Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield on a blitz that resulted in a sack, a forced fumble and a Vikings touchdown that changed the whole momentum of the game. Coach John Fox wasn't going to single out Goings because he never singles out any player for a mistake. But Goings stood up and pointed the finger at himself.
- Has age finally caught up to Tampa Bay receiver Joey Galloway? It's sure looking that way.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.