Category: NFCS News

NFC South Review: Buccaneers force another early playoff exit for Saints

They did this to themselves.

The New Orleans Saints have probably had the most talented, deepest roster in the NFL since the 2017 draft. They’ve won their division handily all four years since and haven’t lost more than five games in a season. Along the way, New Orleans has dominated contenders and hung tough with dynasties. And yet they keep falling short in the playoffs.

Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bounced the Saints from the postseason before reaching the Super Bowl again, ending what was likely Drew Brees’ last game ever on a sour note. Here’s what happened around the NFC South this week.

Bucs beat Saints 30-20, advance to NFC Championship

During the regular season, Tampa had no answer for Sean Payton’s squad. They were beaten soundly by the Saints back in Week 1 by 11 points and again in Week 9 by 35. What was different?

This time, they got the benefit of some good fortune with turnovers and a collapse from a QB who has lost even a hint of zip on his throws. The Buccaneers picked off Brees three times in their divisional round victory and held him to just 134 passing yards. Devin White led the effort defensively as usual, posting a team-high 11 total tackles, the smoothest fumble recovery you’ll ever see and a massive fourth-quarter interception.

On offense, Tom Brady also showed his age on occasion by missing a few key throws. Brady has an obscene collection of insanely talented receivers though, which gives him a pretty big margin for error. This ludicrous catch by rookie wide receiver Tyler Johnson is perhaps the best example.

Brady finished the evening with 199 yards, two touchdowns and a 92.9 passer rating.

Next up, the Bucs will visit the Packers in the NFC Championship game. Green Bay probably will be the favorite with oddsmakers. It’s worth remembering that Tampa crushed the Packers by four touchdowns back in Week 6, though.

The Saints did this to themselves

How is it that the unquestionable best team in the conference can’t even get to the conference championship? Something went wrong.

Brees’ age may be the primary source of the loss this time – but it’s important to point out Payton’s role in this failure. Specifically, he did his team a great disservice by not putting the best quarterback he could on the field, save for one beautifully-executed trick play that resulted in a 56-yard touchdown.

Payton is a clever coach and extraordinary play-caller, but Jameis Winston was arguably the most physically capable QB on that field yesterday, despite the two future Hall of Famers who got all the attention. To only let him throw once while Brees’ arm kept on failing him speaks to an arrogance that has hurt Payton and the Saints before. It’s the same instinct that had Taysom Hill taking the QB2 reps all year when a far more talented option was relegated to third-string duties.

Put it this way, if Winston had started this game over Brees he probably would have thrown an interception or two. However, he would have produced a lot more yards and maybe even a couple more touchdowns, which would have been enough for a win.

They did this to themselves.

Falcons hire new head coach, GM coming

Atlanta missed the playoffs but they still made significant progress with a couple of huge front office moves. Former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been hired as their new head coach. If nothing else, he’s a clear upgrade over Dirk Koetter as an offensive play-caller. Smith did excellent work resurrecting Ryan Tannehill’s career and turning him into a borderline top-five QB. If he can do the same with Matt Ryan, the Falcons could be a thing again soon.

Now that the Saints are out of the playoffs, another move is likely coming. Atlanta is expected to name New Orleans executive Terry Fontenot their new general manager.

Panthers name new GM, still no Joe Brady hire

Carolina also made a huge change this week by naming a successor to former general manager Marty Hurney. On Thursday night, the Panthers announced that Seahawks executive Scott Fitterer has agreed to a five-year deal to be their GM. Fitterer has a scouting background and had a hand in drafting some of the great Seattle teams of the last decade.

The other story we’re watching is where offensive coordinator Joe Brady will land. Several of the league’s head coach openings were filled this week and the remaining options are far less enticing. Brady has interviewed with five teams during this hiring cycle.

[lawrence-related id=632930]

[vertical-gallery id=632869]

NFC South review: Saints and Bucs advance, Falcons and Panthers searching

Here’s what went down around the division during Wild Card week.

This week the Carolina Panthers got their first Sunday off since the beginning of the 2020 season. It ended with a 5-11 record, good for a third-place finish in the NFC South. Two of their division rivals made the postseason though and both have advanced to the next round.

Here’s what went down around the division during Wild Card week.

Buccaneers (11-5) beat Washington (7-9), 31-23

Former Carolina quarterback Taylor Heinicke put in quite an effort on Saturday night, but it wasn’t enough to topple Tom Brady and the Bucs.

Leonard Fournette, Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown all scored touchdowns. Mike Evans continues to be Tampa’s No. 1 guy offensively, though. He posted a game-high 119 yards on six catches.

Aside from Heinicke’s production on the ground (46 yards, one score on six carries) Tampa clamped down Washington’s rushing attack, holding them to just 3.7 yards per carry.

That said, this was another concerning defensive performance from a unit that’s regressed a lot since early in the season. Getting Devin White back will help. There’s a lot of work to do, though.

Next, the Bucs face the Saints on Sunday evening.

Saints (12-4) beat Bears (8-8), 21-9

This one could have gone much different if not for an all-time cringe drop from Bears wideout Javon Wims on this gorgeous misdirection play.

Absolutely excruciating.

Mitchell Trubisky finished with just 199 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Drew Brees posted 265 passing yards and two scores for the Saints, who recovered well from that close call and never looked to be in danger again the rest of the game.

Alvin Kamara continues to carry their offense, totaling 99 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 attempts. Michael Thomas also returned to action, catching five passes for 73 yards and a score.

New Orleans’ defense didn’t get much pressure on Trubisky (one sack, three hits) but it didnt matter. They contained the run, limiting Chicago to just 2.5 yards per carry. They also covered well, effectively shutting down everyone but Allen Robinson, who only managed 55 yards on six catches.

Stopping Brady and the Bucs will be a far-greater challenge than the Bears. The Saints are healthy and peaking at the right time, though.

Falcons searching for new coach, GM

Atlanta is going through some turbulence in the wake of Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff’s firing in the middle of the season. Now, the organization is looking for a new head coach and general manager at the same time.

Right now, the rumored favorites are Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Saints executive Terry Fontenot.

Their other coach candidates include Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Panthers losing coaches, looking for GM

It’s a similar story in Carolina, where they’re wrapping up their search for former general manager Marty Hurney’s replacement. The team has interviewed 15 candidates, with 13 of them still in the running. A decision is expected this week.

Head coach Matt Rhule isn’t going anywhere, but he has lost several assistants already, including QBs coach Jake Peetz.

[lawrence-related id=632779]

[vertical-gallery id=632696]

NFC South Week 16 review, Saints clinch, Bucs roll, Falcons Falcon

Here’s what went down in Week 16.

The New Orleans Saints are NFC South champions again. Their most recent win clinched their fourth consecutive division title.

Here’s what went down in Week 16.

Saints (11-4) beat Vikings (6-9), 52-33

Call it a revenge game for two recent heartbreaking playoff losses if you want, what New Orleans did to Minnesota in the trenches on Christmas sent a message: they may have lost their previous two games but this Saints team is not going anywhere. The offensive line – especially right tackle Ryan Ramczyk – crushed the Vikings, helping Alvin Kamara to a ludicrous line of 155 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 22 carries.

Their defense had some issues with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, but they’ll do that to a lot of people. While they don’t look quite as complete as the Packers, this is still a serious contender. The Saints will finish the regular season on the road against the Panthers.

Buccaneers (10-5) beat Lions (5-10), 47-7

This total domination administered by Tom Brady and company on Saturday was about as decisive as wins get at this level. Detroit kept trying to play man defense against Tampa’s star-studded offensive playmakers and the result was an embarrassing blowout. Mike Evans led the way with 10 catches, 181 yards and two touchdowns.

Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski also did their part. It helped that Matthew Stafford was injured in the first quarter, but the Bucs defense was also more solid than it had been of late. Tampa’s last game is at home against the Falcons.

Falcons (4-11) lost to Chiefs (14-1), 17-14

Atlanta should have won this game. They played brilliantly on defense the entire afternoon, confounding Patrick Mahomes and limiting him to just two touchdowns, one pick and a 79.5 passer rating. Losing has a way of seeping into a team’s soul, though. Somehow, the Falcons managed to blow another close one. Kicker Younghoe Koo missed a chip shot field goal in the last minute that could have sent the game to overtime.

Koo is still at 94.6% for the season, so it’s tough to blame him too much. He and Calvin Ridley (five catches, 130 yards) are two sensational young players who should help Atlanta get back on track next year. Hopefully Raheem Morris will be coaching them.

Panthers (5-10) beat Washington (6-9), 20-13

There’s not much left to say about this one. While it’s technically a win, it’s beyond frustrating to see the team’s the offensive regression just as the defense is finally starting to hit its stride. Upgrades at tight end and left tackle would help. About 80% of the problem is at QB, though.

[lawrence-related id=632361]

[vertical-gallery id=632280]

NFC South Week 14 review: Everybody loses but the Bucs

Every team but the Buccaneers wound up losing their respective matchups.

Sunday was not exactly a banner day for the NFC South. Every team but the Buccaneers wound up losing their respective matchups.

Here’s a review of what happened around the division this week.

Saints (10-3) lost to Eagles (4-8-1), 24-21

Taysom Hill finally turned back into a pumpkin against Philadelphia, taking five sacks and throwing an interception. Far more concerning for New Orleans was their run defense, which had a 56-game streak going of not allowing a 100-yard rusher coming in. Both Miles Sanders and Jalen Hurts wound up going over the century mark as Philly racked up an insane 246 rushing yards and two touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

Next, New Orleans will try to get back on track against the Chiefs.

Buccaneers (8-5) beat Vikings (6-7), 26-14

Tom Brady is always going to get the headlines whether he deserves them or not. Tampa’s pass rush should get the credit for this victory, though. The Bucs were all over Kirk Cousins, collecting six sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Ndamukong Suh and Shaq Barrett led the way with three each.

The Bucs visit the Falcons next week.

Falcons (4-9) lost to Chargers (4-9), 20-17

Speaking of Atlanta, it doesn’t get much more embarrassing than losing a close game to the Chargers. That’s what the Falcons did on Sunday though despite Justin Herbert averaging just 5.5 yards per pass attempt. With Julio Jones out of the lineup, Matt Ryan wound up throwing three interceptions.

Atlanta’s run game was also pretty pathetic, as they averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.

Panthers (4-9) lost to Broncos (5-8), 32-27

Teddy Bridgewater still hasn’t led a game-winning drive this season and he seems to be getting worse as the year goes on. His conservative instincts are what’s dragging his game and his team down. Bridgewater throwing short of the sticks in crunchtime and hanging onto the ball too long on a few of the four sacks he took are unforgivable errors for a quarterback with his experience. It’s time to start thinking about finding a new franchise QB. For now, they should give P.J. Walker another shot.

[lawrence-related id=631720]

[vertical-gallery id=631696]

NFC South Week 13 review: Saints keep rolling, sweep Falcons

Here’s a review of what went down around the division in Week 13.

The NFC South is becoming less competitive with each passing week. On Sunday, New Orleans beat Atlanta to improve its record in division games to 5-0 this year. Another victory in the regular season finale against Carolina would make it a clean sweep.

Here’s a review of what went down around the division in Week 13.

Saints (10-2) beat Falcons (4-8), 21-16

The Saints have now won nine straight games. What should be most troubling to the rest of the league is that they’re winning ugly. Taysom Hill remains an extremely limited QB but he’s gone 3-0 during this stint with Drew Brees out. Put it another way, New Orleans keeps winning with an old-school formula: suffocating defense and a potent run game.

Both Hill and Alvin Kamara averaged 5.9 yards per carry against a Falcons defense that has made some tremendous strides since Dan Quinn’s exit. However, it just doesn’t seem to matter what their opponents do right now because the Saints have so much more firepower. This week’s defensive standouts included Demario Davis, Trey Hendrickson and David Onyemata. New Orleans now ranks No. 2 in defensive DVOA.

This is all hardly breaking news, though. The Saints have dominated the regular season the last four years and have had by far the most-talented roster in the NFC since the 2017 draft. Right or wrong, they will be judged on how far they go in the playoffs. Sunday’s win clinched a spot, though and right now it’s tough to see anybody outside of Kansas City beating this team. Philadelphia is next on their schedule.

Buccaneers (7-5) on bye

Two teams in the division were off this week. Tampa and Carolina were the last teams in the NFL this season without a bye. Next up, the Buccaneers will host the Vikings in a matchup with significant playoff implications.

Falcons (4-8) still have a window

While their record suggests things are trending in the wrong direction, these Falcons have a lot to be hopeful about. With Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley (who combined for 202 receiving yards yesterday) they have the top 1-2 punch at wide receiver in the NFL. They also have some young and underrated pieces on the other side of the ball.

The development of defensive end Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, linebacker Foye Oluokun and cornerback A.J. Terrell in particular have offered a lot of hope to build on. If Raheem Morris keeps his job (he’s earned it) and gets a better offensive coordinator, Atlanta could be back in the playoff race as soon as next year. As for Week 14, the Falcons will visit the Chargers.

Panthers (4-8) on bye

Carolina also had a bye week. The big story has been the pandemic, with multiple players having to be placed on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. We know Yetur Gross-Matos and Bruce Hector are out. More names will be coming soon, as well. The Panthers will host the Broncos this week.

[lawrence-related id=631526]

[vertical-gallery id=631392]

NFC South Week 12 review: Buccaneers fall further behind Saints

Here is what happened around the NFC South in Week 12.

The Saints are starting to run away with what could become their fourth-consecutive division crown.

Here is what happened around the NFC South in Week 12.

Saints (9-2) beat Broncos (4-7), 31-3

Another week, another blowout win for New Orleans. It helped that Denver didn’t have a real QB available for this one. Taysom Hill still looks like nothing special as a passer, though – he was just 9/16 for 78 yards, one interception and a 43.2 passer rating. He was quite effective as a rusher, however – totaling 44 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Latavius Murray added two more rushing scores and 124 yards on the ground.

The Saints defense continues to look extremely impressive after a bad start to the season. This week, Cameron Jordan posted four QB hits, a sack and two tackles for a loss. Next up, New Orleans goes for nine straight wins against the Falcons.

Buccaneers (7-5) lost to Chiefs (10-1), 27-24

The Bucs made it interesting after falling behind 17-0 but their comeback fell short against the champs. Tom Brady threw two more interceptions in the loss, bringing his season total to 11. Far more worrying was Tampa’s total inability to defend Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who posted an absurd line with 13 catches, 269 yards and three touchdowns.

If the Bucs don’t fix their problems on the back end of their defense, they’re not going to get very far in the playoffs at all. They will host the Vikings after their bye week.

Falcons (4-7) crushed Raiders (6-5), 43-6

Atlanta has been far more competitive since they fired Dan Quinn and promoted Raheem Morris to interim head coach. Despite Julio Jones being ruled out and a mediocre game from Matt Ryan, they still managed to dominate the Raiders in every aspect of this game. The Falcons totaled five sacks on Derek Carr and Nathan Peterman plus eight tackles for a loss.

Panthers (4-8) lost to Vikings (5-6), 28-27

Getting destroyed by the Bucs back in Week 10 was easily the most embarrassing loss for Carolina this season so far. However, this one definitely hurts the most. This was the definition of a winnable game against a beatable opponent. However, the team’s shortcomings at the quarterback position and on the sidelines severely impacted the Panthers. This is the kind of loss that makes you question just how far this team can go with Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater leading the way. There’s a lot of soul-searching to do during this bye week.

[lawrence-related id=631356]

[vertical-gallery id=631296]

NFC South Week 11 review: Saints continue rolling with 7th straight win

This week, the man extended his lead in the division despite starting an overblown gimmick at quarterback.

To be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man. So says Ric Flair, who’s claimed to be a fan of at least two NFC South teams over the years.

Since finding a trove of riches in the 2017 NFL draft, the man has been residing in New Orleans. This week, Sean Payton and the Saints extended their lead in the division despite starting an overblown gimmick at quarterback, illustrating once again just how far ahead they are compared to their competition. Here is a review of what happened around the NFC South during an eventful Week 11.

Saints (8-2) beat Falcons (3-7), 24-9

Taysom Hill is going to get most of the headlines. New Orleans’ defense is deserving of more attention, though. This Saints unit has erased their early coverage foibles and is now firing on all cylinders. In Sunday’s victory, they held Todd Gurley to just 3.3 yards per carry and Julio Jones to two catches and 39 yards. They also sacked Matt Ryan eight times and picked him off twice.

Aside from Drew Brees’ ribcage, it’s difficult to see any weakness on this team. New Orleans has won seven games in a row and will go for eight against the Broncos.

Buccaneers (7-4) lost to Rams (7-3), 27-24

On Monday night Tom Brady and the Bucs were stymied by what’s become a brutally clever modern Rams defense. Jalen Ramsey was able to contain Mike Evans when they were matched up one-on-one, Ronald Jones II only managed 24 yards on 10 carries and Tom Brady (two interceptions) was unable to throw deep all game.

On the other side of the ball, Lavonte David put in another stellar effort, but their secondary could not contain Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, who combined for 23 catches, 275 yards and a touchdown. While Tampa is still a serious contender in the NFC, there seems to be a pattern of falling short in prime time games against other heavyweights. It won’t get any easier this week either, as the Chiefs are coming to town.

Panthers (4-7) beat Lions (4-6), 20-0

This victory for Carolina followed another familiar narrative. The Panthers have mostly beaten the teams that they’re supposed to. However, in all four of their wins their opponents played particularly sloppy. The Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons and Lions all sustained cringeworthy, self-inflicted wounds that contributed a lot to their losses. If Carolina can’t come out on top against a mediocre-at-best Minnesota team (no matter who starts at QB) it will be a disappointment.

Falcons have a long way to go

Raheem Morris has done a great job turning this Atlanta team around since he took over for Dan Quinn. They’ve certainly been playing with far more energy and competitiveness these last few weeks. However, this latest loss to New Orleans underscored just how deep and wide the chasm is between these teams. The Saints have won five of six in this rivalry and their roster is vastly superior at practically every position except wide receiver. Atlanta (and everyone else in the division) has a whole lot of work to do to catch up. The Raiders visit the Falcons next.

[lawrence-related id=631170]

[vertical-gallery id=631094]

NFC South Week 9 review: Saints embarrass Bucs, sweep series

Here’s a review of what went down in Week 9.

So much for the Buccaneers being the team to beat in this division. Sunday night’s utter embarrassment at the hands of the Saints showed where the real power in the NFC South lies.

Here’s a review of what went down in Week 9.

Saints (6-2) crushed Buccaneers (6-3), 38-3

This was such a thorough beating that it shifted the balance not only in the division, but in the entire conference. New Orleans dominated offensively, racking up four touchdown passes for Drew Brees, who completed passes to 12 different receivers. They were just as dominant defensively, holding the Bucs to a pitiful eight rushing yards and Tom Brady to a ridiculous 3.8 QBR.

With Michael Thomas back in the lineup the Saints are at full strength. They have won five games in a row and now lead the league in DVOA. Whoever comes out of the NFC will have to go through them. Next up, New Orleans hosts the 49ers.

The Bucs hit their head on the ceiling (hard)

As good as the Saints looked, this was a two-way street of a loss. Tampa suffered what Shaq Barrett called a “total team collapse” after the game. Their supposedly-fierce front seven managed only three hits and one sack on Drew Brees, their resurgent secondary made several grotesque communication errors, their quarterback got frustrated with the way things were going and went on tilt and their coach got completely outmaneuvered by the guy on the other sideline. The Bucs will try to get back on track against the Panthers next week.

Falcons (3-6) beat Broncos (3-5), 34-27

It seems Raheem Morris is much more capable of leading this Atlanta team than Dan Quinn was. The Falcons scored their first home-win under Morris on Sunday, headed by a couple of surprise performers. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheus led them in receiving, totaling 103 yards and a touchdown on just four catches.

Meanwhile, kinebacker Foye Oluokun led them with 10 combined tackles and four QB hits. After their bye week, they’ll visit the Saints.

Panthers (3-6) lost to Chiefs (8-1), 33-31

There’s no shame in bein’ beaten by the best. While the Chiefs certainly did not play their best game of the year, Carolina deserves a lot of credit for keeping this game close. The Panthers embraced an aggressive gameplan, they defended the run well and they held it together despite missing Jeremy Chinn. A moral victory is better than nothing and the future looks bright under coach Matt Rhule.

[lawrence-related id=630648]

[vertical-gallery id=630623]

NFC South Week 8 review: Saints keep pace with Bucs, add Kwon Alexander

Let’s catch up on what happened around the NFC South in Week 8.

The NFC South has become a two-team race. While the Panthers have a lot of moxy and the Falcons remain talented offensively, it’s clear that it will either be the Buccaneers or the Saints winning the division this season.

Let’s catch up on what happened around the NFC South in Week 8.

Buccaneers (6-2) beat Giants (1-7), 25-23Β 

True contenders have to be able to win ugly. Tampa checked that box this week. Despite a bad start against the lowly Giants, the Bucs rallied back on Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium to improve to 3-2 on the road this year. Tom Brady threw two more touchdown passes, one each to Rob Gronkowski and Mike Evans.

Brady now has a 20/4 touchdown/interception ratio for the season.

Meanwhile, Tampa’s ferocious defense totaled five tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, two interceptions and three sacks on Daniel Jones. Next up, they have a huge showdown with the Saints on Sunday Night Football.

Saints (5-2) beat Bears (5-3), 26-23

Remember, New Orleans actually beat the Bucs in Week 1 and they’re only technically in second place because of an early bye. The Saints still look vulnerable, though. It took overtime to beat the overrated Bears this week and they’re still without star wide receiver Michael Thomas. Maybe that’s part of the reason they traded for 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander, who could add a critical element to their defense if they can fix his issues. Pairing him with Demario Davis can help the Saints keep pace with the Bucs, who now have the league’s top linebacker duo. Alexander would have been a good target for the Panthers, as would have Avery Williamson of the Jets, but he’s been dealt to the Steelers.

Panthers (3-5) lost to Falcons (2-6), 25-17

A trade in the next few hours could dramatically change the outlook for the second half of the season – especially if general manager Marty Hurney can swing a deal for a defensive playmaker with a talent for forcing turnovers. It’s starting to look unlikely, though as several of their best potential options have already been traded. If this is the roster they want to roll with for the rest of 2020, Sunday’s game against the Chiefs will give the front office a good idea of where they stand compared to the NFL’s most-loaded team.

Falcons (2-6) not dealing stars

Given how this season has gone so far, you could make a case for the Falcons to continue the rebuilding that began by firing Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff and start trading away their star players. Atlanta is resisting that idea, though. Reports indicate that the Falcons will not be trading Matt Ryan or Julio Jones, who posted 137 yards on seven catches Thursday night and turned Donte Jackson into a meme.

This is probably the right idea. With a (much, much, much) improved defensive unit, the Falcons could still be a contender before the Ryan/Jones window closes. Next up, they’ll host the Broncos.

[lawrence-related id=630523]

[vertical-gallery id=630445]

How does Antonio Brown joining the Buccaneers change the NFC South?

The Buccaneers are deadly serious about going all the way this year.

The Buccaneers are deadly serious about going all the way this year. As if we needed any more proof, on Saturday Tampa signed free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown to a one-year deal. Brown has been suspended by the NFL for the first eight games this season. When that’s over, he’ll join a loaded Bucs team that has wrestled control of the NFC South away from the Saints despite losing to them Week 1. How big of an impact will Brown’s arrival make, though? Let’s take a look at how Brown could change the race in the division (and conference) in 2020.

Coach Bruce Arians told reporters this offseason that Brown wasn’t a good fit for Tampa’s locker room, even going so far as to call him a diva.

So, what changed?

Did Tom Brady and Tony Robbins (yikes) convince Arians that Brown will behave himself with the Bucs?

More likely, Tampa is admitting that its situation at wide receiver isn’t as solid as they thought.

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are supposed to be the toughest 1-2 punch at that position in the league. While Evans is eating in this new offense (281 yards, six touchdowns), Godwin has been slower out of the gate. Injuries have already kept him out of three games and he has just 191 yards and one touchdown going into Week 7.

Signing Brown is all about replacing that lost production from Godwin and offering more firepower and depth at one of the modern game’s most important spots. That’s an understatement, as Brown is better than either Evans or Godwin when he’s healthy and not being a complete lunatic – and both of them are top-10 wideouts.

If we knew for certain that Tampa is getting Brown for the entire second half of the season then that would make them the favorite to win not only the division, but the conference as well.

The Buccaneers just crushed the formidable PackersΒ 38-10, which takes care of our projected winner in the NFC North. We can also safely assume that no team in the NFC East is going to make any noise in the postseason. That only leaves one more contender to worry about.

Seattle was the other team that was in the running to sign Brown and it was likely the undefeated Seahawks that Arians and company had in mind when they made the move. Adding Brown helps Tom Brady keep up in the arms race with Russell Wilson, who has the exceptionally underrated Tyler Lockett and another Julio-Jones-in-the-making with D.K. Metcalf. Tampa likely correctly sees Seattle as the only other contender with a legitimate chance to take them down in the NFC-playoffs right now.

There’s no guarantee Brown will be around from Weeks 9-17, though. His off-field behavior the last few years qualifies as alarming to say the least and it’s not difficult to imagine a scenario where Brown gets into trouble and is suspended once again. That said, the Bucs only signed Brown to a pittance above the league minimum, so it’s a relatively low-risk move from that perspective.

If Brown commits and doesn’t take himself off the field, Tampa will be a tough out in the postseason.

[lawrence-related id=630139]

[vertical-gallery id=630078]