Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental or wistful yearning for the happiness felt in a former place, time, or situation. Most nostalgic moments result from different sensations like smell, sight, or sound. As we look at the 2023 season for the NFC South, the word that best describes how fans feel about the division is nostalgic. The division on paper appears to be worse in football heading into the new season. The problem in the division is that it lacks proven top-tier quarterbacks. Fans of the four teams will look back and long to see Tom Brady, Drew Brees, a young and healthy Cam Newton, or Matt Ryan under center. Instead, they will hope that a rookie lives up to the hype and veterans finally live up to the promise they once showed. In this article, we will discuss the prospects of all the teams in the division and who will win the division.
1. Carolina Panthers: 10-7
The Panthers were a competitive team in 2022, but poor quarterback play prevented them from making the playoffs. The franchise decided to take a plunge to address this need by trading two first-round picks, second rounders in 2023 and 2025, and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the No 1 pick. The number 1 pick the team picked turned out to be Alabama product, Bryce Young. Young was an electrifying quarterback on the collegiate level, having won the Heisman trophy in 2021. However, his detractors feel that he could struggle to stay healthy due to his size, frame, and style of play. I am not one of those detractors, I think he will have some success in his rookie season, but there will be growing pains along the way. Thankfully, he will have a support system with a good defense, rebuilt offensive line, and a stable coaching staff. I think the combination will be enough for the Panthers to win this division.
2. New Orleans Saints: 8-9
It is a difficult and painstaking process to replace a legend in the quarterback position. The Saints are still struggling to find the right answer after the retirement of Drew Brees in 2021. Last season, the team hoped Jameis Winston would have been the immediate successor at the helm. However, Winston’s greatest weakness is that he is injury and turnover prone. In the off-season, the team decided to sign Derek Carr, and he is a slight upgrade over Jameis. However, there is a reason why the Las Vegas Raiders were willing to let him go due to his struggles with consistency. The team also lost some key pieces on both sides of the ball and is likely to lose their best offensive player Alvin Kamara for a multiple-game suspension due to a fight at the Pro Bowl. The roster has a lot of talent, but I am among the doubters that Carr will be able to exceed expectations in the Big Easy.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-10
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the last three seasons going all in with Tom Brady under center. They attracted veterans looking to win a Super Bowl ring, benefit from the state’s no-income-tax and bask in the glorious Florida weather. The ownership would not have regretted the results with a Super Bowl championship and back-to-back division championships. However, the retirement of number 12 will mean this season will be a rebuild for the Bucs. The team signed Baker Mayfield to fill the void of starting quarterback, and despite not living up to the hype of a number 1 pick, he is still a competent quarterback in this league when surrounded with talent. The roster still has talent at the receiving core with Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Russell Gage while the defense has quality in Lavonte David, Devin White, Shaquil Barrett, and Antonine Winfield Jr. Ultimately, I think the loss of Brady is too much to win the division, but I don’t project them winning 3 or 4 games compared to some people’s expectations.
4. Atlanta Falcons: 4-13
The Dirty Birds have fully converted from the team that aired the ball out during the Matt Ryan era to a team built to ground and pound the football. The future will depend on the development and brilliance of rookie running back Bijan Robinson. At Tight End, the team boasts a great player in Kyle Pitts and the recently acquired Jonnu Smith, who the Patriots failed to utilize properly. However, Desmond Ridder at quarterback and the struggling defense will make this a tough year in the Big A. However, it might be what the franchise needs as a high draft pick will have them in line to grab the top quarterback in the 2024 draft.