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For the last three years, the NFC South has been won by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The big difference has been the quarterback play, which the Bucs had a chokehold on.
Now that the Atlanta Falcons have added Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr should be more comfortable with the New Orleans Saints and Bryce Young is entering his second year with one of the best quarterback whisperers, Dave Canales, head coach for the Carolina Panthers, this division might have more drama.
Atlanta Falcons
Record in 2023-24: 7-10
Key Player: Matthew Judon – Defensive End
Player To Watch: Drake London – Wide Receiver
The Atlanta Falcons looks like a completely new team. They brought in new head coach Raheem Morris, his staff and added multiple players, but none bigger than quarterback Kirk Cousins. His leadership will be the biggest upside for the Falcons but his passing ability will help players like Kyle Pitts and London finally breakout. Let’s not forget that this will allow Bijan Robinson to utilize every skill he has in his repertoire.
Within the last week, the Falcons have transformed into a stacked defense after adding defensive end Matthew Judon and All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. Paring Judon up with the standout defensive tackle Grady Jarrett along with the other young pieces on the line should allow one of the most decorated secondaries in the league to be able to be more aggressive. With Morris’ aggressive nature, this defense can win games for the Falcons.
Now that the Falcons have plugged in the holes that was hurting this team, a deep run should be the least of what is expected. Prediction: 11-6
Carolina Panthers
Record in 2023-24: 2-15
Key Player: Robert Hunt – Guard
Player To Watch: Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver
After an abysmal 2023-24 year, the Carolina Panthers finally get to start the process of getting better. Offensively, the Panthers have made what could be impactful moves on offense. Adding guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis will definitely shore up the line and keep quarterback Bryce Young off the grass. Also with signing wide receiver Diontae Johnson and adding wide receiver Xavier Legette and running back Jonathan Brooks through the draft, the Panthers’ offense might be able to compete offensively.
The Panthers also spent some money on defense by signing linebacker Jadaeveon Clowney. That will help mitigate the loss of Brian Burns. Also, free agent signing, cornerback Dane Jackson will begin the season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. So the Carolina Panthers defense might need to depend on the offense, at least the beginning of the season.
Any improvement by the Panthers is welcomed. Playoffs doesn’t appear to be in the near future but this team should be significantly better. Record: 5-12
New Orleans Saints
Record in 2023-24: 9-8
Key Player: Chase Young – Defensive End
Player To Watch: Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback
The 2024 New Orleans Saints were so close to winning the division, despite not having running back Alvin Kamara for the first four games. Derek Carr’s numbers didn’t look bad but he can’t get comfortable throwing it to Kamara every time wide receiver Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed aren’t open. Head coach Dennis Allen has to call a better game plan this year or the Saints will be watching the playoffs at home.
Last year, the Saints’ defense was ranked 28th in sacks, so they went out and signed defensive end Chase Young. They’re hoping that Young can go back to the past and provide a spark for this defense. Adding Super Bowl champion linebacker Willie Gay can help stop the run. These two signings alone have a chance to stop some bleeding and maybe return this unit back to a top tier defense. If they can’t score any points, they won’t be able to compete in this league. Prediction: 8-9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record in 2023-24: 9-8
Key Player: Rachaad White – Running Back
Player To Watch: Chris Braswell – Outside Linebacker
The 9-8 record doesn’t do what the Buccaneers did last year during the final stint of the year any justice. Baker Mayfield proved why the Bucs decided to go with him at quarterback. Basically, bringing everybody back from last year, the offense should get better and the chemistry should enhance. If Rachaad White can play better than 2023-24, the Bucs might be on their way to a fourth straight division title.
The defense, for the most part remained intact. One of the players that should make a huge impact now that he will be a full-time starter will be linebacker Yaya Diaby. He had 7.5 sacks and only started seven games last year as a rookie. Due to this team’s familiarity with one another, this defense should thrive and be the backbone of the team.
Mayfield will continue to play well and the team should compete for the division. Prediction: 10-7
