Like most teams around the league, the division has been hit hard with injuries across the board. Whoever overcomes theirs will be the last team standing. This week, those teams were the Falcons and Panthers, who put on a display of offensive firepower. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the Saints and Buccaneers, who are now multiple games under .500.
Here’s the Week 4 NFC South Review.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)
Week 4 Result: Buccaneers 14 – Packers 17
Week 5 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
The Buccaneersare off to their
worst start since 2013. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has been unable to get anything going, and Todd Bowles’ seat looks hotter than ever. UDFA Jalon Daniels looked like a UDFA, and Bucky Irving and company have looked quite pedestrian after having success in prior seasons.
Fans are sick of Bowles, but his defense hasn’t been the main issue; with Antoine Winfield Jr. expected to miss 2-4 weeks with a broken rib, that could change quickly. There is no rest for the wicked, as the Buccaneers have a quick turnaround against the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers (2-2)
Week 4 Result: Panthers 32 – Lions 26
Week 5 Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
Coming into the game, the Panthersinjury report had to be posted on two pages. Luckily for Carolina, all they needed was Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan. The duo was unstoppable, racking up 14 completions for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns. The defense did just enough to hold off the Lions, and they kept Jahmyr Gibbs in check on the ground.
This team hasn’t been able to stack these performances multiple weeks in a row, but they are in position to win this division. Their next test will be on the road in Philadelphia against an Eagles team that looks like a shell of its former self.
New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Week 4 Result: Saints 24 – Falcons 45
Week 5 Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
The Saintshave been a volatile product through the first quarter of the season, but they had no high moments in this rivalry game. What started as a celebration ended as a travesty. They had no answer for Atlanta’s run game and surrendered big plays when the Falcons dialed up the deep ball. Kellen Moore’s seat is heating up as the team falls two games below .500.
Their season isn’t over, but it will be soon if they can’t sort out their struggles. They’ll host the undefeated Vikings next Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Week 4 Result: Falcons 45 – Saints 24
Week 5 Opponent: Baltimore Ravens
Week 2 feels like it happened a year ago. The Falcons have been a completely different team with Penix under center. Atlanta spoiled the Saints’ “Domecoming” and dominated from the opening snap. The Robinsons are the league’s best running back duo and accounted for 5 rushing touchdowns and nearly 200 yards.
Penix is doing his part by taking care of the football and hitting shots when called upon. You can’t say enough about what Jeff Ulbrich is getting out of this hobbled defense. They pressured Tyler Shough all night and maintained the lead through all four quarters. Everything looks like it’s finally coming together. The Falcons return home for their 3rd straight primetime game and will face off against the Ravens.
The division is starting to take shape, and the early favorites for the division crown are the Falcons and Panthers. If both teams keep things going, the rest of the league will have to respect the South.
