Behind Enemy Lines is a weekly look at Tampa Bay’s NFC South foes every Tuesday. Let’s spy on the Bucs’ division rivals, shall we?

Atlanta Falcons

• The Falcons were blasted by Russell Wilson and the Seahawks at home on Sunday and will now travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a match-up of 0-1 teams. Despite losing 38-25, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had an outstanding day statistically, going 37-of-54 for 450 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. But Atlanta struggled to put enough points on the board.

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson – Photo by: Getty Images

CBSSports.com’s John Breech offered up his game grade for the Falcons following the loss.

“No team shoots themselves in the foot better than the Atlanta Falcons, and that’s exactly what they did in this game,” Breech wrote. “Although the Falcons put up some impressive numbers on offense (506 total yards), they just couldn’t come through on any clutch plays. Not only did they go 0 for 4 on fourth-down conversions, they also fumbled the ball away on a fake punt that they would have converted if the fumble didn’t happen. Their defense also had no idea how to stop Russell Wilson.”

• Former Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta native Todd Gurley made his debut with his hometown Falcons on Sunday and had an excellent start to the game, but as the Falcons fell further behind the Seahawks, the less running of the football they did. Gurley rushed 14 times for 56 yards and a touchdown.

• How hot is Falcons head coach Dan Quinn’s seat getting after only one loss? It may not be on fire yet, but it is warming up. Owner Arthur Blank has made it clear he expects a playoff team in 2020 and likely won’t settle for anything less. Quinn himself wasn’t pleased with the play of the Falcons on Sunday, telling the media, “We’re mad as hell.”

Dan Quinn: We’re disappointed we didn’t play the game we wanted to play, but I give credit to Seattle in that space … We’re mad as hell and we look forward to coming back and playing better next week.

— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) September 13, 2020

• The Falcons, as expected, added Laquon Treadwell to their practice squad this week. Treadwell was a former first-round pick by Minnesota, who was cut last week as Atlanta got down to its 53-man roster limits.

Carolina Panthers

• The Panthers joined the Falcons and Buccaneers as Week 1 losers after falling to the Raiders, 34-30, at home on Sunday. The Panthers travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers on Sunday in an important NFC South match-up.

Not much is expected from the Panthers in 2020 as they transition into a new scheme on both sides of the ball under first-year head coach Matt Rhule. Despite expectations around the league not being very high for Carolina they took the Raiders down to the wire and had an opportunity to take the lead late in the fourth quarter before a questionable play call saw their drive stall. On fourth-and-1, the Panthers decided to run it up with middle with seldom used fullback Alex Armah, who was stuffed for no gain.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey – Photo by: Getty Images

Immediately fans and media were wanting to know why the Panthers wouldn’t utilize superstar running back Christian McCaffrey who has 134 yards from scrimmage on the afternoon.

Rhule took the heat and the blame.

“That’s something I have to think about walking away from this,” Joe Person of TheAthletic.com reported. “When you write up who to blame for that, the only person you can blame is the head coach.”

• The Panthers were nothing but respectful when talking about facing Tom Brady this week on the road. Shaq Thompson said on Monday, “First of all, he is the GOAT. He’s very smart. He knows how to pick you apart whether you’re in man defense or zone defense.”

Rhule told ESPN’s David Newton he wasn’t sure what he would tell his team about Brady this week, other than it will start with respect.

“I have nothing, nothing but respect for Tom Brady.”

Rhule also mentioned he shook Brady’s hand once, but he’s sure Brady doesn’t remember it.

• Rhule told the media on Monday one thing he wants to see when the Panthers travel to Tampa this Sunday is a better pass rush. The Panthers only had five total QB pressures against the Raiders with no sacks. The run defense also gave up 87 yards in the first half and 133 yards for the game.

New Orleans Saints

The Saint won round one of their two-round season battle with the Buccaneers on Sunday but came out of the game a little bruised. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas suffered a high ankle sprain late in the Saints’ 34-23 win when running back Alvin Kamara rolled up on the back of his leg. Despite the injury, Thomas plans to play through it when the Saints travel to Las Vegas for a match-up with the Raiders on Monday night.

• Saints head coach Sean Payton spoke with the media on Monday about the opening day win over Tampa Bay.

Saints QB Drew Brees and HC Sean Payton – Photo by: Getty Images

“Well a couple things. First off, defensively, I thought we played really well. We limited the touches by Gronk (Rob Gronkowski), I thought we affected the quarterback the way we hoped to. We won the line of scrimmage we felt. There were a couple of pass interferences that were tough calls, but unfortunately I thought overall on that side of the ball it was really good.

“Offensively, there were some positives. Obviously, we were able to win the game. Alvin (Kamara) played well. I put us in some tough spots. I said this after the game, especially with some run calls, there’s a lot we will be able to clean up. When you look at the third down numbers, or even the red zone numbers, those are going to have to be better. But overall, it was good to get the first. There’s a ton that we have to clean up and we’re going to be able to here in this long week. So, overall, it was good to get the win and now it’s really correcting these mistakes and then getting ready for Las Vegas.”

• Saints running back Alvin Kamara, despite being held to under two yards per carry on Sunday still was a factor in the win with 67 total yards on 17 touches and two touchdowns.

It was a big week for Kamara first with getting a new contract done to stay in New Orleans and then to cap it off with a win on Sunday.

“It’s definitely a blessing being in this organization,” Kamara said following the game. “Thanks to (general manager Mickey Loomis) and that whole crew … working behind the scenes to get it done. I’m here, and I’m thankful.”