NFC South Week 6 review: Bucs blast Packers, Falcons get first win

Here’s what happened around the NFC South Week 6.

There’s a new sheriff in town in the NFC South. Tampa took an unbeaten contender to the woodshed this week and remains on top in the division.

Here’s what happened around the NFC South Week 6.

Buccaneers (4-2) beat Packers (4-1), 38-10

The Bucs fell behind Green Bay 10-0 early and looked like they were on their way to a blowout loss. Their defense responded with a smothering performance. They picked off Aaron Rodgers twice, hit him 13 times and collected four sacks.

On offense, Ronald Jones II has become a serious rushing threat over the last few weeks. On Sunday, he totaled 113 yards and two touchdowns while averaging a healthy 4.9 yards per carry. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also got involved, catching his first touchdown pass of the year. Tampa visits the Raiders next week.

Saints (3-2) had a bye week

The Saints had an early bye week, which will help get them a bit healthier. Linebacker Kiko Alonso and running back Ty Montgomery have both been designated to return. They spent the bye productively and stayed on-brand. They will host the Panthers at the Superdome Week 7 with no fans despite a charm offensive that included publicly feuding with the mayor of New Orleans and doing their best to cause a COVID outbreak.

Panthers (3-3) lost to Bears (5-1), 23-16

Carolina got put behind the eight-ball against Chicago from the very first snap and could never really recover. Even still, despite spotting the Bears an early touchdown, they fought the whole game and kept it close. If wide receiver D.J. Moore had caught a couple of key passes they might have pulled off their fourth-straight win.

Falcons (1-5) beat Vikings (1-5), 40-23

Atlanta finally got into the win colum this week. All it took was finding an opponent even worse than themselves. Kirk Cousins threw three interceptions for the Vikings and Alexander Mattison (2.6 yards per carry) got shut down by a normally horrible Falcons run defense.

Todd Gurley (2.4 YPC) couldn’t get the run going, either but it didn’t matter. Julio Jones led the way with eight catches, 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Next up, the Falcons host the Lions.

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