NFC South Week 1 review: A tough start for Tom Brady in Tampa

Here is a review of what went down around the NFC South Week 1.

Ever since they hit a few home runs in the 2017 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints have been dominating this division, winning three straight NFC South championships. The Saints start the 2020 season on top again, as they were the only team in the division to win their first game of the year.

Here is a review of what went down around the NFC South Week 1.

Saints (1-0) beat Buccaneers (0-1) 34-23

The scariest thing about this team these days is that they have so many ways to beat you.

On Sunday, Drew Brees only threw for 160 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. They couldn’t run the ball either, managing just 2.4 yards per carry as a team against what’s become a truly-nasty Tampa run defense. It didn’t matter because they were able to shut down the Buccaneers offense when it counted. The Saints sacked Tom Brady three times, hit him seven times and picked him off twice, including a pick-six by Janoris Jenkins of all people.

They will be judged on how they deep they go in the playoffs, but this is still the team to beat around these parts. Next week, New Orleans will visit the Raiders.

Tompa (0-1) has work to do

Nothing will ever take away from what Brady accomplished over the last 20 years in New England. It’s also been clear for a couple seasons that he’s declining physically. That process seems to be accelerating and having to build chemistry with new receivers isn’t helping. Brady will bounce back from this loss as he always does, but it’s hard to see this Tampa team surpassing the Saints as presently constructed.

On the positive end, the Buccaneers got strong performances from a few key young pieces. Wide receiver Chris Godwin caught six of seven targets for 79 yards and linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David tallied 22 tackles together, including 4.5 for a loss.

Bruce Arians needs his other skill players to produce more, though. Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette and Mike Evans managed a grand total of just 18 yards from scrimmage. Tampa hosts Carolina next week.

Falcons (0-1) blasted by Seahawks (1-0), 38-25

It’s hard to believe this Atlanta team crushed Seattle in the playoffs just a few seasons ago. The Falcons got obliterated on Sunday by Russell Wilson, who threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns and completed a ridiculous 31 of his 35 pass attempts.

Atlanta’s defense had no answer for wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who combined for 12 catches, 187 yards and a touchdown.

On offense, the Falcons got terrorized by Jamal Adams all over the field. He posted 12 tackles (2.5 for a loss), a sack and two quarterback hits. They did get nearly 400 yards from their top three receivers, with Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage all going over 100.

Atlanta visits Dallas Week 2.

Panthers (0-1) lost to Raiders (1-0), 34-30

We’ve already combed over this loss pretty thoroughly. Most of their issues against Las Vegas are correctable. The most concerning elements were the awful run defense and the early ankle injury to cornerback Donte Jackson, who did not return to the field. While Rasul Douglas covered well in his place, this is the one position they can’t afford to lose anyone at, especially not Jackson.

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