This week marked the NFL entering the second month of play. A quarter-way into the season, how does the NFC South shape up following Week 4 action? A long road trip, a daunting visit to the defending Super Bowl champions, a torrential downpour, and unwelcome injuries highlight this week’s recap.
Atlanta 17, Buffalo 23
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The loss may have derailed the Falcons’ hopes of a perfect start to the season, but there were bigger concerns. Star receiver Julio Jones – already banged up this season – was forced to leave the game before halftime with a hip injury. On top of that, second receiver Mohamed Sanu picked up a hamstring injury.
Without his two favorite targets to throw to, Matt Ryan struggled to establish any rhythm in the second half in the face of the Bills’ pass rush. Down a score late, Ryan threw a costly interception and then failed to convert on 4th-and-1 in the red zone.
The bye comes at the perfect time for the Falcons, who now have time to heal before facing Miami. Following that, they have a visit to Foxborough for a Super Bowl 51 rematch against the New England Patriots.
Carolina 33, New England 30
Following a turnover-riddled performance at home against the New Orleans Saints in their NFC South opener last week, there was plenty of reason for the Carolina Panthers faithful to be skeptical heading into yesterday’s showdown against the New England Patriots.
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Nevertheless, an impressive showing on both sides of the ball secured an unexpected victory. Devin Funchess‘ career-high 7 receptions and two touchdowns highlighted a 300-yard day for Cam Newton, who showed signs of shaking off the rust and errant throwing that had plagued him in the early weeks of the season.
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Perhaps the most comforting sight for fans was seeing Newton avoid contact on a couple of quarterback scrambles. A healthy Newton is the key to the Panthers’ success, and they can ill-afford him taking big hits.
The road ahead is no easier for the Panthers, with games against Detroit and Philadelphia next on the schedule. With all three starting at 3-1, these next games may go a long way in shaping up the playoff picture.
Tampa Bay 25, New York 23
The Buccaneers emerged victorious in a rainy game that featured 3 second-half lead changes. Ultimately, the drama was decided by a last-second Nick Folk field goal.
Folk’s heroics notwithstanding, the offense appeared to move the ball well. The rushing game averaged 4.8 yards per carry and Jameis Winston was efficient in spreading the ball to seven different receivers en route to a three-touchdown day.
O.J. Howard‘s 58-yard catch-and-run provided a sneak peek of the rookie tight end’s abilities, and Winston will doubtless be looking for more ways to incorporate him into the vertical attack.
The Buccaneers have a short week to prepare to face the Patriots at home. Their defense is still missing key players due to injury, and that will be hanging over their heads this week.
New Orleans 20, Miami 0
A transatlantic road trip notwithstanding, the Saints cruised to a shutout victory on the back of a dominating second-half performance. Sloppy execution by both teams in the first half almost led to a scoreless half, but Wil Lutz broke the deadlock with the final play before the break.
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Following the break, the Saints held the Dolphins to just 18 yards of offense on their next three possessions as Drew Brees began to stretch the field.
Even with future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson vying for carries, it has always looked like only a matter of time before Alvin Kamara got a moment to shine. 96 total yards, 10 receptions, and a touchdown make his case even stronger.
This marked the second consecutive strong performance by the much-maligned Saints defense. In fact, going back to the second half of week 2, they have now conceded just one touchdown in ten quarters. Following a bye in week 5, they will greet the Detroit Lions at home.
SUMMARY
All four NFC South teams now boast of records of .500 or better, something that no other division can claim. The array of big names on both sides of the ball made this arguably the strongest division in the league, and the early returns seem to affirm that position.
Week 9 features two intra-division matchups as the Falcons visit the Panthers and Saints host the Buccaneers. Before that, each team faces tough matchups involving the Patriots, Bills, Cardinals, Eagles, and Lions. If the NFC South truly is a power division, its teams will have to stand up and answer the call.
Feature image: Greg Cooper, USA Today