The NFL season is approaching once again, and obviously we can’t wait for the best time of year. But the NFC South, and whatever that division is, obviously can.
If you ever tried to put makeup over cystic acne, you’d get the NFC South basically, so let’s dive into these teams.
Atlanta Falcons
Vibe Check
The one thing that really pisses me off about the Falcons is you spent $180 million on Kirk Cousins just for him to lose his job to Michael Penix Jr. and now we have an insecure Cousins who felt misled by this pick, despite probably just needing depth for an aging veteran quarterback.
And oh it gets worse. The Falcons ranked 31st in sacks last season, which is purely just self-sabotage.
The pass rush was more invisible than your ex’s apologies last season. Now, they’re praying two rookies – Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. – and Leonard Floyd can cause chaos? Okay.
To top this all off, four of the Falcons first five games are against 2024 playoff opponents. If Penix balls out, they could take the division, but I’m not confident in that.
Verdict: Red Flag
The Falcons are building a defense like they’re trying to pass a group project last minute, and I hope it turns in on time.
Carolina Panthers
Vibe Check
On a positive note, quarterback Bryce Young did improve in the 2024 season. That run defense? Tragic. They gave up 179.8 rushing yards per game which is dead last in the league. Luckily, they did bring in some talent to help with that, so let’s hope it works.
Now there’s a special teams battle in training camp with Jimmy Horn Jr and Trevor Etienne for returning roles. They also have a kicker battle between Matthew Wright and Ryan Fitzgerald.
The Panthers have Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson in secondary to look forward to at least. They’re still heavily reliant on rookies across the board, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing yet.
Verdict: Beige Flag
They’re giving sleeper team energy, but I just don’t know if they’ll wake up this season.
New Orleans Saints
Vibe Check
After Derek Carr retired, the Saints now have a quarterback battle…again. Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener will battle for the quarterback 1 spot. No veteran backup. No real direction. Just serious vibes.
What I’d be most excited about is this offensive and defensive coaching tandem with Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley. They were able to snag some key big guys in the draft, so I’m thinking the Saints could be near contention.
Despite being cap-strapped, the Saints made some moves this offseason that will play out in camp. They get Cam Jordan, Demario Davis and Pete Werner back as well as Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor and Julian Blackmon.
The Saints are still rebuilding, but are in this weird spot where they’re rebuilding and ready to compete.
Verdict: Green Flag
The Saints are going to figure things out this season, even if they don’t really get far or have a slow start.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vibe Check
I’m sorry, but Baker Mayfield leading the NFL with 69 touchdowns over the last two seasons was not on my bingo card. And yet—here we are. The Bucs basically said “run it back” and handed Baker the aux cord again, and honestly? He’s earned it.
They drafted Emeka Egbuka to join Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, which is actually rude to every other secondary in the NFC South. That wide receiver room is stacked like it’s 2019.
The Bucs needed a pass rush boost, though. They signed Haason Reddick and drafted a few hopefuls like David Walker and Elijah Roberts, which feels like a solid response to a pass rush that couldn’t pressure a soda can last year.
Also, rookie LB SirVocea Dennis is already turning heads in camp. When the vets are name-dropping you unprompted? That’s usually a good sign.
Verdict: Green Flag
Baker’s locked in, the receivers are elite, and the pass rush might finally stop giving quarterbacks a free yoga session in the pocket. Tampa’s still the team to beat. Honestly? They know it.
First & Jenn 
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