What if I told you the Carolina Panthers were actually not the worst team in the NFC South this season?
After three weeks of games, we have a new cellar-dweller, taking Carolina’s place at the bottom of the standings. Here’s what went down around the division in Week 3.
Buccaneers (2-1) beat Broncos (0-3), 28-10
For the first time in what feels like forever, the Saints are no longer in first place in the NFC South. Tampa took over the top spot with Sunday’s win in Denver combined with New Orleans’ loss. Tom Brady was sharp for the second straight game, throwing for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Bucs front-seven was all over Broncos backup QBs Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien. They totaled six sacks and 10 quarterback hits to go with eight tackles for a loss. Tampa won’t play another contender until Week 6 against Green Bay, so expect more wins to come.
Saints (1-2) lost to Packers (3-0), 37-30
While Aaron Rodgers was slinging the ball around deep to his no-name, non-Davante Adams receivers, Drew Brees played a much more conservative game. While he was accurate (29/36 for 288 yards) and matched Rodgers’ three touchdowns, he rarely threw more than five yards down the field. With Michael Thomas out, Alvin Kamara – as sensational as he has been – is carrying too heavy of a load. It’s not hard to imagine this offense being more dynamic if Jameis Winston was running it, instead. Either way, we expect this Saints team to bounce back. If they can’t win in Detroit, we’ll know they’re in real trouble, though.
Panthers (1-2) beat Chargers (1-2), 21-16
A win is a win but context is important, as well. Carolina made far too many mistakes and failed too take advantage of too many opportunities to get really excited about this win. LA had several chances to steal it at the end, including a 70.4% touchdown probability on the perfectly-designed hook-and-ladder play they failed to execute. There are some undeniably positive developments, here. However, the Chargers were the sloppier team yesterday and that’s what made the difference.
Falcons (0-3) did it again vs. Bears (3-0), 30-26
For the second straight week, Atlanta blew a significant lead in the fourth quarter, losing despite a 99%+ chance to win the game again. A lot goes into any one loss, but when this is happening consistently the key factor is atrocious clock management. The blame can only be pinned on head coach Dan Quinn, who has taken this team as far as he’s going to. Calvin Ridley, the injured Julio Jones and the other considerably talented players on this Falcons roster deserve better.
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