The NFC South is an unknown commodity heading into the 2021 NFL season. To clarify, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl last season, are going to be great. However, the rest of the teams in the division leave me wanting more. In my first of several NFL previews, I’ll be looking at the NFC South and who could come out on top.
NFC South is Tampa Bay’s to Lose
There is a ton to like about Tampa Bay. For example, all 22 players from last season’s Super Bowl are returning to the Bucs in 2021. But, as Chris Godwin points out, “familiarity guarantees nothing”. Does it help? Surely. But don’t just assume that this is the same team from the year before.
Personally, I am excited to watch Devin White in his third year with the Bucs. He is a big reason why they won the Super Bowl and is going to be a significant part of their defense this year. Don’t be surprised if he wins Defensive Player of the Year.
Certainly, there is a lot to like about this team. Their schedule is respectable, travel is manageable, and it puts them in the position to be contenders again. The Buccaneers first game of the season is September 9th against the Dallas Cowboys.
No Brees, No Problem for New Orleans Saints?
This is a big year for the Saints. It is the first time since 2005 that Drew Brees is not on the roster as he retired in the offseason. That means that former Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston is the presumable starter for the Saints this season. How the Saints will perform with a new quarterback is still unknown at this point.
The rest of the Saints roster is surely one of the best in the NFC. They are led by Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, who are two of the top offensive weapons in the league. Cam Jordan and Marshon Lattimore continue to lead the defense and should remain the core of the defense for years to come.
In addition, the Saints getting under the cap is arguably the greatest accomplishment of the offseason. Will it lead to results on the field? We shall see.
Falcons Finding Life Difficult in NFC South
It’s a new era for the Atlanta Falcons. Julio Jones is not on the roster for the first time since 2010. Arthur Smith is the new head coach for the Dirty Birds. Atlanta even got Dean Pees to come out of retirement and run their defense. It’s a weird time for the Falcons.
After finishing last in the division in 2020, there is a good chance Atlanta finishes near the bottom this season. They are going through several changes as a team and are not quite close to competing. Plus, let’s be honest, this is the Atlanta Falcons we’re talking about here. No one consistently collapses as the Falcons do.
There are some positives with this team. Calvin Ridley is going to have a big season as the Falcons top receiver. Former Seahawk and Panther Mike Davis will be the starting running back for Atlanta. In addition, Kyle Pitts is the new franchise player that everyone will know by the end of the season. Expect the Falcons to win between four to five games in 2021.
Panthers Rebuild Going Quicker than Expected?
I was pleasantly surprised with the Panthers in 2020. They went 5-10 last season, although eight of their losses were by one possession. Personally, I am high on Carolina going into 2021 and there is an outside chance they make the playoffs this season.
Christian McCaffrey is going to be back for a full season after playing in just three games last year. Sam Darnold is getting a fresh start and finally getting out of the hell hole that is the Jets. Carolina’s defense is looking really strong all around, including my guy Jeremy Chinn in the free safety position.
In addition, Canadian Chuba Hubbard was drafted by the Panthers last May. This team is going to be fun and it’s all thanks to Head coach Matt Rhule and GM Scott Fitterer. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself enjoying watching the Panthers play in 2021.
Conclusion
Tampa Bay is the clear favourites in the NFC South. Outside of that, this division is unknown. The Saints and Panthers have bright futures ahead of them. Things are probably going to get worst for Atlanta before it gets better for them. It’s what makes football, and sports, great and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. I will be back with the AFC South next week.