The Falcoholic
A week after I asked whether the NFC South is good, everyone outside the Panthers lost — troubling. The Buccaneers ran out of magic, and the Falcons continue to yo-yo, while the Saints continue on their downward trajectory. Here’s the Week 7 NFC South Review:
Week 7 Result: Buccaneers 9 – Lions 24
Week 8 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
“A Chrysler 300 looks like a Phantom, until a Phantom pulls up” – Sir Kat Williams.
The Buccaneers ran into the buzzsaw known as the Detroit Lions and did not survive. After just getting the WR back, Mike Evans broke his clavicle and suffered a concussion in this contest, and his season is likely over. Baker Mayfield threw the football 50 times and barely managed a 50% completion rate; that early MVP hype could be crashing soon. Tampa Bay built a comfortable lead out of the gate, but it’s closing, and if they drop their Week 8 game to the Saints, their lead could suddenly vanish.
Week 7 Result: Panthers 13 – Jets 6
Week 8 Opponent: Buffalo Bills
It wasn’t a pretty win, but a win is a win, and Carolina is in second place in the NFC South after being a bottom-feeder for years. The Panthers fed their running backs as much as possible while once again asking very little of Bryce Young, a formula that is leading to wins. Unfortunately for Carolina, Young will miss time with an injury, and with the Bills on this week’s schedule, the timing couldn’t be worse. Carolina will have to hope it can hold off Josh Allen and pound the rock this week. If they can pull it off, they’ll be in good shape in the division and earn a lot of respect around the league.
Week 7 Result: Falcons 10 – 49ers 20
Week 8 Opponent: Miami Dolphins
The Atlanta Falcons are in third place in the South. Dropping two division games early has put a cloud over their .500 start, as has the team’s overall volatility. If this team can’t get out of its own way quickly, its playoff hopes will continue to dissipate. Not knowing how many men are on the field or when to go out of bounds is the basics, and the Falcons can’t be worrying about these mistakes on top of having to gameplan for opponents. Atlanta has a “favorable” matchup ahead, but favorability doesn’t matter when you’ve beaten yourself in all your games.
This is still a race; no one has done enough to claim the division title, and there have been opportunities for everyone to gain ground, but only one team will take advantage of them. Can Tampa Bay maintain its lead? Are these Carolina cats for real? Can Atlanta rid itself of volatility? Can New Orleans…? Tune in next weekend to find out.
Week 7 Result: Saints 14 – Bears 26
Week 8 Opponent: Tampa...
