RZ43: NFC South Review

by Ajschamps | 7 years ago | 0 Comments

With Season 43 coming to a close, I wanted to take a look back and give each team a grade based on their performance thus far. I hope to make it through all 8 divisions, but let's be honest...I'll probably do two and then quit. With that being said, let's start with my favorite division, the NFC South. Let's start with the cycle-long dominant team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-4)

Preseason Prediction - 13-3
MVP - QB Jameis "Crablegs" Winston: 67% Completion Percentage, 3881 Yds, 29 TDs, 13 INTs
Overpaid Bum - WR Mike Evans - 6 REC, 136 YDs, $9.84 MIL 

In a division that has primarily been dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bucs actually struggled in the division games going 2-3 through Week 14. Some would say that "they were due" and suffered some "freak" game winning touchdowns to lose to both the Saints & the Falcons. Regardless of their success in the division this season, they are once again the likely divisional champion and should finish the season 12-4 and potential first round bye. The Bucs have once again relied on their offense to win games and have been a top 10 offense across the board. The defense has been sneaky consistent with finishing top 10 in Sacks and INTs. Turnovers are the name to the game and while the Bucs give up a lot of yards through the air, they make plays when it matters. 

Season Grade: B+ - The Bucs got off to a somewhat slow start but have picked up steam lately. I don't like the 3 division losses as it gives your rivals "hope" but it's not how you start, it's how you finish. The Bucs are always around and in the mix Week 17. 

Carolina Panthers (8-6)

Preseason Prediction - 7-9
MVP - QB Marcus 'Why Am I in Carolina?" Mariota: 65% Completion Percentage, 4134 Yards, 29 TDs, 21 INTs 
Overpaid Bum: QB Teddy Bridgewater: 33% Completion Percentage, 8 Yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, $7.08 MIL

Oh, the Carolina Panthers... Where to begin. There are a couple different ways you could go with this team. Losing 6 games by 4, 3, 2, 5, 3, 7 points shows that they are in each game and have come a long way in competitiveness. You can also look at it as, they haven't been able to close out games and what "could have been". If the Panthers can close out the season with 2 wins, they'll finish 10-6 and have an outside shot at the Playoffs. For a team that won 5 games last year, you'll absolutely take that as improvement. There was a lot of discussion over the decision to bring Mariota in at starting QB over Teddy. Hindsight is 20/20 and the Panthers protected themselves from a QB injury that would have ruined their signing of OBJ to the squad. Mariota has come in and provided a spark and made the Panthers a top 10 offense overnight. One area for improvement would be the interceptions. In the Panthers 6 losses, Mariota has thrown 18 interceptions. In their 8 wins, 3 interceptions. Ball security is everything for this team and I look forward to seeing him improve next season. 

Season Grade: A- - The Panthers went into this season with nothing to lose and ended up having a fairly successful season. Losing their last 3 will be looked at as a disaster and choke job but the Panthers have greatly improved in their competitiveness and should continue to rival the #2 spot in the division for the next couple seasons. I can't help but think, however, what could have been... 

New Orleans Saints (3-11)

Preseason Prediction - 6-10

MVP - RE Khalil "Who Needs Retirement?" Mack: 45 Solo Tackles, 10 Sacks
Overpaid Bum - Starting Offensive Line: 56 Sacks, 26th Ranked Rushing Attack, $50 MIL

Speaking of what could have been, let me introduce you to the New Orleans Saints and GM/Coach James Panos. When the Saints hired him 8 years ago, many expected him to take over for Sean Payton and continue the NFC South dominance. Unfortunately, it's been the exact opposite. The Saints have continued to finish 3rd/4th for a majority of his tenure and at some point, you have to wonder, will they make a change? With a weaker schedule this year, I thought perhaps the Saints would be able to put together some wins and string along a bit of a run. Their offense hasn't been awful but another team that is prone to turnovers and in many cases, have cost them the game. Tucker Martin has continued to struggle in RZ and some have to wonder if he will get a new contract next season. In his 7-year career, he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns just once (his rookie year). 

Season Grade: C- - There wasn't a whole lot of expectations for this team this year but at what point do you just cut everyone and push the restart button? The OL contracts have killed their ability to develop/keep talent and it clearly hasn't paid off as they haven't been able to run the ball since 2017 Kamara/Ingram duo. Panos days as HC of the Saints have to be numbered...

Atlanta Falcons (6-7)

Preseason Prediction - 10-6

MVP - MLB Deion "User Pick" Jones: 62 Solo Tackles, 2 Sacks, 7 INTs, 2 TDs
Overpaid Bum - QB Andrew Luck: 60% Completion Percentage, 3098 YDs, 21 TDs, 22 INTs, $17 MIL

After coming off one of their best years in recent memory and finally winning a divisional title, the Falcons have taken a bit of a downslide. Some estimated they would be competing for a back-to-back divisional title but after starting 1-4, those expectations were quickly tampered. The Andrew Luck experiment has had ups and downs throughout the year but overall, they have to be disappointed with his ball security. This offense also really misses Julio Jones as Tystreak Hill can only do so much. The offense is the reason this team has had a down year and I expect Coach Jim to make some improvements in the offseason. With $28 Million coming off the books with Vic Beasley and potentially another $17 Million if they don't re-sign Luck, expect the Falcons to be huge players in the Free Agency market. After tasting success last season, 6 wins is completely unacceptable. 

Season Grade: C+ - The Falcons had an up and down season and unfortunately couldn't overcome their 1-4 start. Since the awful beginning, they have gone 5-3 respectfully. If it wasn't for the Bucs getting hot, the Falcons could have found their way back into the divisional race. Look for this team to have a bounce back season and don't be surprised to see double digit wins next season.