Canal Street Chronicles
Finally, the Buccaneers are back on track after their win against the Arizona Cardinals, but it was not an easy victory. For most of the game, Tampa Bay led, and in the fourth quarter, Arizona fought back and nearly completed the comeback. This did not happen, but the Buccaneers had many opportunities to seal this game and did not, which seems like the theme of this season. The defense really stepped up throughout this game, and if it wasn’t for that side of the ball, Tampa Bay may have lost this game. Next on the schedule is the New Orleans Saints, and the Buccaneers may be getting WR Mike Evans back for that game.
This team is way too confusing. After winning last week against the Saints, the Falcons had some confidence going into week 13, even with QB Michael Penix still being out. Their opponent, the New York Jets, should have had a pretty easy way to start a win streak… well, that did not happen. Instead, the Jets and Falcons were going back and forth, scoring points all game, until New York scored the game-winning field goal on the last drive. This game was really on the Falcons’ defense, which allowed a Tyrod Taylor-led offense to drive down the field for most of the day.
By far, the NFC South team that had the best weekend was the Panthers. Somehow, some way, this team that lost to the Saints only a few weeks ago was able to beat the Super Bowl favorite Los Angeles Rams. Carolina’s defense gave up some massive plays, but was able to get two interceptions (one resulting in a touchdown) on Matthew Stafford. Also, Bryce Young looked confident, accurate, and finished with three passing touchdowns on the day. Now, the Panthers are 7-6 and are still fighting for the playoffs.
The Saints continue their losing ways in week 13, but it was actually a really great outcome for the team’s future. Looking at the first half of the game, it really felt like a copy of New Orleans’ performance against the Falcons, but once the second half started, this felt like a different team, especially on offense. QB Tyler Shough really looked great. He was confident in throws, made plays on the run, and created many opportunities for this team to win. In the end, that did not happen, but with the Jets in, the Saints’ draft pick was bumped up a bit. So, the Saints looked like a fighting team, coaching improved in the second half, their rookie QB had another great performance, and their draft pick improved.
Current NFC South Standings
