The NFC South is in complete disarray. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem to be their normal selves this year by following up an opening-week loss against the San Fransisco 49ers with an improbable win against the Carolina Panthers. Those Panthers, having already lost to the Buccaneers, are now facing the likelihood they may be without quarterback Cam Newton in Week 3. The Atlanta Falcons are continuing their underachieving ways despite narrowly defeating a broken Philadelphia Eagles team on Sunday Night Football. And the New Orleans Saints, well, we all know what state they are in without Drew Brees. Let’s look into each NFC South team in further detail.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians was supposed to turn the Buccaneers around this year, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Arians decided that Winston was going to be his guy this year despite underachieving last season. However, Winston continues to prove that he may not be the Buccaneers quarterback of the future with his consistent interception issues, and lack of play making ability.
The lone bright spot for the Buccaneers this year so far is their defense. The Buccaneers are boasting a top ten defense thus far during the season. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, they cannot quite put the whole package together and should be seen as the third best team in the NFC South.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had a lot going for them this season. Christian McCaffrey was an absolute revelation for the team last year, and looks to be picking up right where he left off this season. The Panthers are also putting a better than average defense on the field which ranks second for passing yards.That is about where it stops for positives in regards to the Panthers.
Cam Newton missed practice again on Thursday prior to the Week 3 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Signs are pointing towards a Kyle Allen start on Sunday, which does not bode well for an offense that is already struggling to produce. Those struggles were on full display against the Buccaneers during Week 2. With Newton battling injuries, and a defense that cannot quite makeup the difference, the Panthers should be viewed as the fourth best team in the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons looked great as they were slaughtered by the Kirk Cousins led Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. A sluggish offense led by quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones were unable to get the job done in Week 1, or even come close to it.
Week 2 brought the Falcons a bit more luck. The Eagles loss several key playmakers, and quarterback Carson Wentz went into the medical tent for several plays. Even with the Eagles playing with one hand behind their back the Falcons had a hard time taking advantage. Eventually, they did just enough at the end and pulled off the Week 2 win.
Not everything about the Falcons is bad. Theoretically their offense should be great, and their defense actually is great. The Falcons through Week 3 have a top passing defense, and are seen as one of the best all around defenses in the league. However, unless they can make significant adjustments, this team will once again face mediocrity. The Falcons are the second best team in the NFC South, but have a good chance of winning the division if they can make adjustments.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have one of the best offenses in the league, and the best in the NFC South. . . that is when Drew Brees is at the helm. The loss of Brees is a huge hit to the Saints, and what was once their division to lose may now turn into a dogfight with the loss of Brees.
The Saints have a great pass rush defense, but their run defense has not looked as stout as it did in previous seasons. Either Teddy Bridgewater or Taysom Hill will have to step up and lead the offense to perform. The defense will need to improve its play to cover the gap between a Brees led offense and a Bridgewater/Hill led offense. The defense will prove to be the “make or break” factor for the Saints. Until proven otherwise, the Saints are still the best team in the NFC South.
