The NFC South is the only division in the NFL without a home win. The division is 0-5 at home after 3 weeks. It was an ugly week for the division; Atlanta’s Thursday night win was the only success story.
The Panthers fell back to Earth, the Saints choked at home, and the Buccaneers are getting the full Zac Robinson experience. Here’s the Week 3 NFC South Review.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3)
Week 3 Result: Buccaneers 16 – Vikings 23
Week 4 Opponent: Green Bay Packers
The Buccaneers are in shambles after dropping to 0-3. Their newly
extended quarterback looks like one of the worst in the league, and their offense is so discombobulated that they can’t even hand the ball off without running into each other. Falcons fans saw this coming a mile away, just like opposing defenders can tell what play Tampa Bay is running pre-snap. Here in Atlanta, we call that the Zac Robinson special.
The Buccaneers defense played arguably their best game of the early season, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their abysmal offense. To make matters worse,Baker Mayfield left with a thumb injury that will keep him out for at least three weeks. The Buccaneers will start UDFA Jalon Daniels and host the 1-2 Packers, who desperately need a get-right game.
New Orleans Saints (1-2)
Week 3 Result: Saints 27 – Raiders 35
Week 4 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
The Saints had the worst fourth quarter performance of the week. After starting with the ball up five, their offensive drives went: fumble, interception, fumble, fumble. Tyler Shough remains an enigma; he had four touchdowns, but paired that with an interception and two fumbles. Kellen Moore’s team is undisciplined, and it’s cost the Saints in these early-season matchups.
New Orleans defense allowing 27.7 points per game is an unsustainable metric if this team has hopes of a winning season. If the Saints can’t curb their volatility on both sides of the ball, they’ll struggle to take control of this division. Their next chance comes this week in prime time against the Atlanta Falcons, who swept them in 2025.
Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Week 3 Result: Panthers 18 – Browns 21
Week 4 Opponent: Detroit Lions
The Panthers’ only win of the season is against the Cooper Rush-led Falcons. In their other two outings, the team has been outmatched and dysfunctional. Bryce Young fell back down to Earth in Week 3. The QB struggled to complete just over 50% of his passes, and when given two opportunities to drive his team down the field for a game-tying field goal, he couldn’t hack it.
The Panthers defense let Deshaun Watson turn back the clock, and Jaycee Horn left the game with a hamstring injury that could keep him out 6-12 weeks. Dave Canales and his squad better tighten up quickly because a 2-1 Lions team is coming to town, and they are averaging 31 points per game.
Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Week 3 Result: Falcons 35 – Packers 14
Week 4 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
It’s no coincidence the Falcons suddenly look like a different team with the return of Michael Penix Jr. It seems it was unwise and premature to write off a team starting its QB3. The Falcons didn’t just beat the Packers; they dominated them. Bijan Robinson and Drake London combined for 407 yards. Both teams were dealing with a handful of injuries, but only one overcame them. Atlanta’s defense finally got complementary play from the offense and delivered its best performance against the run during Jeff Ulbrich’s tenure.
This is the team the front office and fans envisioned in the offseason. A methodical offense that can take the air out of the football and an aggressive defense that doesn’t let the QB sit still in the pocket. Atlanta has a chance to tighten its grip on the division crown when it faces the Saints in Week 4.
It’s been a stumbling, bumbling start out of the gate for the division. Just how we like it. The NFC South promises one thing every season, and that’s entertainment. We’re in for another chaotic season, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
