Respect Their Elders – The 2025 NFC South Preview

Last year around these times, the NFC South division was highlighted by three veteran quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield, Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins. This time around, Mayfield at 30 is looking like a grandfather compared to the rest of the quarterbacks.

The other three teams’ quarterbacks have an average age of 24.5. Two of those teams are going in a different directionsfrom last year and the other team is looking to make a significant jump.

Here is your NFC South preview.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Record in 2024-245: 8-9

Key Player: Drake London – Wide Receiver

Player To Watch: James Pearce Jr. – Edge Rusher

Let’s start with the obvious, Michael Penix Jr. is at the helm at quarterback. He brings a different dimension at the position considering he’s more mobile and he has a stronger arm. His most underrated attribute, his leadership on and off the field, has been noticed by everyone. The player he’s bonded with off the field the most is Drake London. If their chemistry carries onto the field, then it will open up the entire offense.

Defensively, they will have a new swagger about them. After bringing in defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, the unit has a grittier and more aggressive feel. Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been making noise (in a good way) all camp long. If this continues this season, he might be the piece that can help get the division crown.

The word around training camp is the team is displaying a new persona and it might be what they need to get to the playoffs. Prediction: 10-7

 

Carolina Panthers

Record in 2024-245: 5-12

Key Player: Derrick Brown – Defensive End

Player To Watch: Tetairoa McMillan – Wide Receiver

At the end of the 2024-25 season, the Panthers gave a preview on how bright their future could be. Quarterback Bryce Young displayed his potential in the last three games by posting seven touchdowns, zero interceptions and a quarterback rating of 110.5. Running back Chuba Hubbard was five rushing yards short of 1,200 and scored 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing). Now that they’ve added McMillan to their receiver room along with veteran Hunter Renfrow, this offense should make noise in the division.

On the other hand, the defense ranked at the very bottom last year. The signing of defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and getting back former Pro Bowler Derrick Brown will help plug up the hole in the run defense, which should free up the linebackers to penetrate the running lanes. They also will help create a pass rush due to teams having to double-team, which should allow more spacing for blitzing and help the coverage in the secondary.

This young team is on the rise and they were able to address needs with better players and depth. Predictions: 7-10

 

New Orleans Saints

Record in 2024-25: 5-12

Key Player: Justin Reid – Safety

Player To Watch:Kelvin Banks Jr. – Left Tackle

The city of New Orleans was ecstatic when Kellen Moore was hired as the Saints coach. To be able to coach a young stud wide receiver, Chris Olave, a jack of all trades running back in Alvin Kamara and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr, the No. 9 overall draft pick, you would say “Let the good times roll.” However, the news of quarterback Derek Carr retiring has put a monkey wrench in the plan. Although they’ve named Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback, rookie Tyler Shough is hovering over his shoulder. The Saints’ offense might be in trouble.

On the defensive side, they are stacked with veterans. They signed safety Justin Reid who will bring championship pedigree to the team. They also signed defensive end Chase Young to pair with Cameron Jordan. With Kool-Aid McKinstry having a year under his belt, the defense will be looked upon to carry the team.

The quarterback room might not have the experience that is needed but don’t be surprised if the offense still competes every Sunday. Prediction: 5-12

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record in 2024-25: 10-7

Key Player: Haason Reddick – Outside linebacker

Player To Watch:Emeka Egbuka– Wide Receiver

Last year, the Buccaneers built character during an injury plagued season. With Chris Godwin missing 10 games, and Mike Evans missing three, we saw players stepping up on offense, including rookie running back Bucky Irving. He has taken over the starting job, and they drafted the highly talented wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka, who should come right in and be a factor. With Godwin off the PUP list and Jalon McMillan hopefully returning sometime in November, Baker Mayfield might top his best season as a pro last year (41 touchdowns, 106.8 quarterback rating).

The defense was also affected by injuries last year. Losing their heart and soul, safety Antoine Winfield for nine games, took a toll on the unit and they finished last year ranking 18th in the league. By adding outside linebacker Haason Reddick to bolster the pass rush, it should help the rest of the defensive line and the secondary.

Depth should allow this team to soar through the division. Prediction: 11-6