FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn never likes to look ahead, but he isn't oblivious to what's going on around him.
As a coach who preaches taking care of division play first, Quinn certainly understands how the complexion of the NFC South might have changed to his team’s benefit. Injuries suffered by New Orleans star quarterback Drew Brees (thumb) and Carolina quarterback Cam Newton (foot) make the Saints and Panthers more vulnerable on paper.
Brees won’t be placed on injured reserve immediately following surgery and could be back on the field when the Falcons face the Saints on Nov.