Familiar faces are gone, new names and hope are there: is the NFC South returning to more successful times? Old master Tom Brady would be happy.
The playmakers of the NFC South.
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Tampa Bay Buccaaneers (previous year 13:4): Brady and the resignation of the resignation
In an offseason not shy of highlights and “breaking news”, the actually biggest news was almost forgotten. The seven-time Super Bowl champion and greatest quarterback of all time ended his career only to resume it just 40 days later. Even at the age of 45, Tom Brady’s hunger for success has not yet been satisfied. But how likely is a second ring with the Bucs?
Head coach Bruce Arians left following the playmaker’s return to the back. Todd Bowles, previously defensive coordinator, is now taking primary responsibility on the touchline. The offensive line has also been newly formed, in the case of center Ryan Jensen (knee injury) it was forced. Right guard Alex Cappa (to the Bengals) and left guard Ali Marpet (retired) are also no longer on board. If there’s one thing Brady hates on the football field, it’s pressure from pass rushers down the middle. So it will be exciting to see if Tampa Bay can solve this problem.
On the defensive side, the Bucs staff is beyond any doubt and continues to be an important part of why the team from the “Sunshine State” Florida is one of the big favorites in the NFC. Your own claims are greater than a defeat in the divisional round (27:30 once morest the eventual champion LA Rams).
New Orleans Saints (previous year 9: 8): As always in win-now mode
There was also a head coach change in Louisiana. After 16 mostly very successful years, Sean Payton announced his retirement at the end of the season. With defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, a long-time confidant follows Payton, who has always been ennobled as a brilliant play-caller. The loss weighs heavily, it is unclear how the Saints can absorb it. Hopes are placed in the hands of Jameis Winston in New Orleans. The quarterback, who often plays too wildly in Tampa Bay, stabilized last season. The Saints were tied 5-2 until Winston’s cruciate ligament rupture. The 28-year-old should build on these convincing performances once more.
Because the Saints have once once more gone “all in”. They gave up a lot of capital in the draft to land two picks. Tackle Trevor Penning (#19 pick) is designed to strengthen the O-Line. With Chris Olave (pick no. 11), the comeback of star receiver Michael Thomas and the commitment of slot weapon Jarvis Landry, the offensive possibilities are many times greater. Alvin Kamara in the backfield will also bring the opposing defensive rows to despair once more.
A big name might be landed for the defense: Former LSU player and safety bully Mathieu is back in Louisiana following years with the Cardinals, Texans and Chiefs. If the Saints remain largely injury-free this season and a smooth transition from Sean Payton to Dennis Allen can take place, the nine wins seen last season are well within reach.
Atlanta Falcons (previous year 7:10): How fast is the upheaval going?
Looking back at the past season, many football fans will probably wonder how this team managed to win seven games. Because the embarrassing performances once morest the Cowboys (3:43) and Patriots (0:25) remain in the head. But once morest teams that were supposedly a little worse, like the two New York teams, the Jaguars or Washington, the record was clearly improved. Was it because of head coach Arthur Smith? Or is it the former MVP Matt Ryan? In any case, the latter is history in Atlanta. The Falcons, like the Saints and Panthers, were among the teams that tried in vain for Deshaun Watson. After this public flirt, Ryan no longer saw his future with the Falcons and said goodbye to Indianapolis following 14 years.
For the superstar, the franchise steered two potential successors to Georgia. With Marcus Mariota (former #1 overall pick) from the Raiders and third-round pick Desmond Ridder (University of Cincinnati), there are now much more agile playmakers at work. After the preparation, the more experienced Mariota has the edge. The tight end Kyle Pitts, who already performed brilliantly last year, and first-round receiver Drake London are primarily available as pass recipients. Russell Gage was lost to the Bucs, while Calvin Ridley, the top player on offense, was suspended for a year.
The two new quarterbacks in “ATL”: Marcus Mariota (left) and Desmond Ridder.
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Question marks on the offensive, but the defense remains the big problem child. With pass rusher Grady Jarrett and cornerback AJ Terrell only two of the eleven positions are filled above average. The other roster spots were addressed once more in the last draft, but defensive coordinator Dean Pees will have a lot of work to do to form a reasonably competitive group out of them.
In any case, the Atlanta Falcons should focus on long-term development and success. Means: use the season to test Mariota and Ridder. If the project doesn’t work out, the all-important search for a quarterback must go on.
Carolina Panthers (previous year 5:12): Will Mayfield save his coach’s job?
Quarterback searches are well known in Carolina. Neither the dearly paid Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold were the long-term answer. Cam Newton’s return was not crowned with success either. After Deshaun Watson didn’t want to become a Panther, they signed former Browns QB Baker Mayfield.
At sixth position, the Panthers selected a left tackle in Ikem Ekwonu to protect Mayfield’s blind side. Guard Austin Corbett should also stabilize the hitherto shaky line. Traditionally, high hopes rest on running (and receiving) back Christian McCaffrey, who has been struggling with injuries lately.
The team from Charlotte was able to bring a lot of young talent to the defense. But this talent development takes time and patience. Does owner David Tepper have that patience with head coach Matt Rhule? Somewhat surprisingly, this one is allowed to go into its third year. But the air is getting thinner. The development of the Panthers in recent years might be benevolently described as stagnation. So now it’s up to Mayfield to decide how Carolina will continue.