On to the next division… The NFC South is a division near and dear to the locals. Our hometown Carolina Panthers are in the division and it will be a tough division to compete in considering Tom Brady is still around. The Panthers and Falcons are the teams that have undergone the most change this offseason, so it will be interesting to see how they react to those changes. To give an overall opinion about this division. It appears that there is only one real contending team with 3 other teams that will probably not be contender worthy. It’s difficult to give a good prediction because with all of the changes that have taken place in this division. I’ll try my best though, here is my preview for the NFC South.

1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)

The Bucs have the benefit of being in a weak division and the benefit of having the greatest QB of all-time leading your squad. That’s a win-win. It’s not the Bucs fault that they have weak opponents, but it is huge benefit when you know that good, bad, or ugly, the division will likely be yours. Tom Brady is back for his 23rd season in the NFL and he just turned 45 a few weeks ago. The insane thing about it is that he just keeps getting better. He had his best season of his career last season statistically and it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. He announced his retirement at the end of the season, but it was short-lived. He has nothing else to prove, but he just keeps playing and why wouldn't you if you can keep playing at an elite level. The Bucs lost Rob Gronkowski and some other good talent, but they will still be a force to be reckoned with in January. They retained Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and Gio Bernard and they also added Shaq Mason, Logan Ryan, Russell Gage and Julio Jones to the mix this offseason. Despite the head coaching change, it should be business as usual for the Bucs, so expect them to be at the top of the food chain, yet again.

Difference Maker: MLB, Devin White

Devin White had somewhat of a down year last season, but it was still a very productive season. He will be entering his 4th season with the Bucs and I think he will have the opportunity to be a cornerstone for the Tampa Bay defense. In 2020, he recorded 9 sacks and in his rookie season the year before, he had 3 forced fumbles. I think he will have a big year.

2: Carolina Panthers (8-9)

The big news out of Carolina this offseason was obviously the arrival of new QB, Baker Mayfield. After the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield was left to either be a backup or to leave town. He is now a Panther and I think the fans are eager to see what he can do. Sam Darnold was clearly not a good option for them last season and Christian McCaffrey’s health is a major concern. Looking at the roster though, I like what they have. Will they be serious contenders? Probably not, but I think they could sneak into the playoffs. Baker Mayfield isn't elite, but he is definitely an upgrade from last season and if they can take some pressure off of McCaffrey, I think they will be in good shape. DJ Moore is a borderline superstar and Robbie Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. are solid backup options. The O-Line looks different from last year, but I think they will definitely be better this season thanks in large part to the draft. Ikem Ekwonu will be a big addition to that offense in more ways than one. As for the defense, they look decent. Not great, but pretty decent. The additions of Donte Jackson and Xavier Woods to the secondary was much needed and that was the biggest glaring need for the defense. I think the Panthers have a ton of potential this year, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see them in the postseason if they can have a healthy season.

Difference Maker: CB, Jaycee Horn

I think there are a lot of different guys I could’ve chosen for this, but Jaycee Horn makes the most sense here. Horn only played 3 games last season in his rookie campaign but looked pretty good in those 3 games. Look for him to make a huge impact for the Panthers defense.

3: New Orleans Saints (7-10)

A lot of people are predicting the Saints to do better, but I think there are too many question marks in that offense. Alvin Kamara is really the only solidified option there and to be fair, I think he’s trending downward. Michael Thomas has been riddled with injuries over the last 2 seasons and Jameis Winston isn't exactly the safest option at QB. Their O-Line isn't fantastic by any means and it just feels weird to think they will have a winning record this season. Sean Payton, their head coach of 16 years is gone, and they have a new head coach in Dennis Allen and that definitely isn't an upgrade. Their defense is definitely their strongest asset and they will have to rely upon them in a lot of games this season. The additions of Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu will be a tremendous help to the secondary and Cameron Jordan will continue to be a beast on the D-Line. I think the Saints will have a down year and I think they will have a lot of work to do in the next offseason.

Difference Maker: DE, Marcus Davenport

Davenport had a breakout season in 2021 and he will look to ride that momentum into 2022. He finished the season with 9 sacks and I think he will improve upon that this season. He has yet to play a full NFL season, so if he can stay healthy, look for him to reach double digit sack numbers in 2022.

4: Atlanta Falcons (4-13)

The Falcons have talent, but they have no identity. Nothing makes them special and nothing sets them apart from any other team. I could see them finishing somewhere between 2 and 7 wins. Nobody is expecting them to be good and I don’t really see a reason to believe that they will be. They selected Drake London 8th overall and I think he will be a good fit, but the offense seems to be a bit disorganized. I am a fan of Marcus Mariota and I really liked him in Tennessee, but there was no trust that he could stay on the field. With that being said, I think they have the real deal in backup Desmond Ridder. I am all-in on Ridder. In the next year or two, I think the Falcons have the potential to be competing in this division, but not now. I am not sold on their head coach either. Arthur Smith was the Titans OC for Derrick Henry’s 2K Rushing season and that’s the only reason he got the job. The defense is on its way to becoming decent, but they’re not very good right now. I don’t think they will be competitive this season, but I do think they have the potential to shake things up for some competitive teams this year.

Difference Maker: TE, Kyle Pitts

I’m not really going out on a limb here, but Kyle Pitts will be the most important part of the Falcons offense. Pitts had a great rookie season and he’s only going to continue to improve. He’s only 21 years old, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Just a little heads up, Marcus Mariota liked going to a safe TE in his time in Tennessee and Arthur Smith involved the TE quite a bit in his offense in that same tenure. With Drake London banged up already and Calvin Ridley suspended for the year, Pitts will be the main target. He likely would’ve been regardless, but still. Pitts will be the beneficiary of a lot of targets this season.

Yacs

AFC North

NFC North

AFC South

2022 NFC South Preview