This week the Saints were far from their best, the Panthers shanked a golden opportunity, Chris Godwin was unstoppable and the Falcons defense turned back into a dumpster fire.

Here’s our review of what went down around the NFC South on Sunday.

Saints (9-2) beat Panthers (5-6), 34-31

Sean Payton told reporters after the game that this wasn’t his team’s best performance and he’s absolutely right. Drew Brees was outplayed by Kyle Allen and was lucky he didn’t throw several more interceptions. If not for three missed kicks from short range by Joey Slye, New Orleans would have lost this one. This “victory” doesn’t bode well for their playoff hopes, especially considering how strong other conference contenders like the 49ers and the Seahawks look right now.

Panthers (5-6) lost to Saints (9-2), 34-31

To pin it all on Joey Slye isn’t fair. If Carolina’s defense had played even an average game, New Orleans would not have won. Eric Reid struggled in coverage mightily and Donte Jackson continues to make mistakes by gambling or biting on misdirection plays. Luke Kuechly was not much of a factor (when’s the last time he had just three solo tackles?) and the pass rush only managed to get two sacks and four QB hits on Brees. This was a waste of an excellent offensive performance – particularly by Allen, Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore.

Buccaneers (4-7) beat Falcons (3-8), 35-22

So much for that impressive, new-look Atlanta defense. Jameis Winston threw two more picks but he also posted three touchdowns and 313 passing yards. The Falcons had no answer for wide receiver Chris Godwin, who caught seven of eight targets, totaling 184 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, first-round pick Devin White continues to impress and Shaq Barrett had another monster outing, picking up five quarterback hits.

Falcons (3-8) lost to Buccaneers (4-7), 35-22

Barrett wasn’t the only Bucs pass rusher who had his way on Sunday. The Falcons allowed Matt Ryan to get sacked six times and gave up 13 QB hits. Atlanta’s run game was also pathetic. Qadree Ollison led them with just 20 total rushing yards. This was an unacceptable performance from an offensive line that has been regressing ever since the team’s epic fourth-quarter collapse in Super Bowl LI.

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