We simply cannot wait for the new NFL season to start, and we are counting down the days until the very first kick off. If you are like us and love the NFL, then you definitely need to have a read on below, as we take a look at each and every team from the NFC South and analyze their chances for success in this brand new season.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons started the 2021 season with a trio of setbacks in their first four games. But first-year head coach Arthur Smith’s squad posted a 6-7 record over the final 13 games to finish the season with a 7-10 record.
Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts to officially begin a rebuilding plan that was long overdue. The Falcons will be hard-pressed to match their win total from a year ago but will be able to develop a group of young players that should pay dividends in 2023.
Veteran signal-caller Marcus Mariota will open the season under center but third-round pick Desmond Ridder is an intriguing prospect that could see action early if Mariota falters. Versatile running back Cordarrelle Patterson enjoyed his best season a year ago with 1,166 total yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
The best of #8 from AT&T Training Camp 2022 ⭐️@kylepitts__ pic.twitter.com/wksjlHskZU
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 29, 2022
Former BYU standout Tyler Allgeier was selected in the fifth round and is a hard-nosed running back that played linebacker for the Cougars in 2019. Tight end Kyle Pitts is a budding superstar who caught 68 passes during his rookie campaign, and the Falcons drafted USC wideout Drake London with the 8th overall pick.
An uninspiring defensive front will be led by veteran end Grady Jarrett, who tallied just one sack in 17 games last season, and second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie. Linebacker Lorenzo Carter along with rookies Troy Andersen and DeAngelo Malone should improve a pass rush that was almost non-existent last year.
The strength of the defense will be a secondary that includes cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward Jr. The Falcons will be in transition this year with low expectations for a team that will be developing players for the future.
Carolina Panthers
The 2021 Carolina Panthers opened the season with three consecutive victories before a total collapse resulted in just two victories in their final 14 games to end the season with a 5-12 record. Third-year head coach Matt Rhule is on the hot seat after two underwhelming seasons.
The Panthers have upgraded a woeful offensive line but an unsettled quarterback position, and the availability of superstar running back Christian McCaffrey, remain huge question marks. Carolina should be in the hunt for 8-9 wins this season if quarterback Baker Mayfield can stay healthy and play at a high level.
The offense has some elite weapons if Mayfield and McCaffrey can avoid the injured reserve. Wideouts DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. all have big-play abilities, while second-year running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 612 yards and five scores during his rookie season.
.@ChinnJeremy2 and fans 🦊 pic.twitter.com/bRGQJTpxhU
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 29, 2022
But if Carolina is to rebound from back-to-back five-win seasons, McCaffrey needs an injury-free campaign. The sixth-year running back has played in only 10 games over the past two seasons after signing a $64 million contract.
The Panthers’ defensive unit made significant strides last year and is led by a youthful group of talented playmakers. Fourth-year defensive end Brain Burns has posted nine sacks in back-to-back seasons and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl a year ago.
Defensive backs Donte Jackson, Jeremy Chinn, and Jaycee Horn are rising stars, and linebacker Shaq Thompson has produced double-digit tackles the past three seasons. Fifth-year linebacker Frankie Luvu tallied 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks in four starts last year and will have a bigger role this season. The Panthers could be a Cinderella team if key players on offense can stay healthy and be productive.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints opened the 2021 season with five wins in their first seven games and appeared destined to challenge for a playoff berth. But, quarterback Jameis Winston tore his ACL in Week 8, and the Saints dropped five consecutive games before regrouping to win four of their final five games to finish the season with a 9-8 record.
The Sean Payton era ended and the Saints tabbed defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to lead the franchise in 2022. New Orleans faces a myriad of questions on offense but still features a stout defense. However, a tough schedule will make it difficult for the Saints to improve on last year’s win total.
Winston will be under center for the Saints and veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton will be the backup instead of Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill, who has been moved to tight end. Running back Alvin Kamara is facing a possible suspension for an off-season arrest.
Craziest catch of the preseason? 🤯@CallawayMarquez | #Saints
📺: Saints at Falcons · Sept. 11/Noon CT · FOX pic.twitter.com/1RVyOwAdN8
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 27, 2022
Veteran Mark Ingram and undrafted rookie Abram Smith could share backfield duties if Kamara is suspended. Former Pro Bowl receiver Michael Thomas is expected to return after missing the entire 2021 season due to an ankle injury. The 29-year-old wideout caught an incredible 149 passes in 2019.
The defense will once again be the calling card for New Orleans. A stout defensive front anchored by edge rusher Cameron Jordan has consistently stopped opposing teams from running the ball with much success. Linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner are both tackling machines, and the Saints also boast playmakers in the secondary including cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo.
Free agent safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye fill a huge void and complete a defensive backfield that could be on the NFL’s best this season. The Saints have talent on both sides of the ball, but too many questions on offense will ultimately doom New Orleans this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers racked up six wins in the first seven games and looked primed to defend their Super Bowl title. The Buccaneers suffered back-to-back losses to the New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders before reeling off seven victories in their final eight games to finish the regular season with a 13-4 mark.
Tampa Bay’s season came to an abrupt end in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Bruce Arians opted to step down for a front office job and was replaced by defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Although tight end Rob Gronkowski retired, legendary quarterback Tom Brady returns for his 23rd season. The Buccaneers remain a Super Bowl contender and should win the NFC South with little pushback this season.
Brady led the league with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdowns last year but has been adamant during the offseason that the offense must use the running game more this season. A backfield committee consisting of Leonard Fournette, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Giovani Bernard, and pass-catching rookie Rachaad White should help Tampa Bay have a more balanced offense. Free agent Julio Jones joins Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage to form a dynamic receiving corps.
😎 @TomBrady days until kickoff pic.twitter.com/hdW7Xr5Hvz
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 30, 2022
Defensively, 2021 first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and rookie defensive end Logan Hall join Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea on a revamped defensive front. Linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David return to help bolster the Buccaneers’ top-ranked run defense, while free agent safeties Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal improve a secondary that also features safety Antoine Winfield Jr. along with cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean.
Tampa Bay continues to be a championship-caliber squad that has a chance to win their second Vince Lombardi Trophy in three years if their key players can stay healthy. Many fans are expecting they will continue their recent great form.
When the 2022 NFL season does eventually kick off, make sure SportsTips is your go-to destination for NFL picks. We will provide NFL picks for each and every game of the season from our experts, so you can place your bets with more confidence!
