- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,193,040
- Reaction score
- 59
The NFC South is one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL. With several ties among the top of the division in recent years, any team can win it. The expectations seem to be that the Atlanta Falcons or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win the division every season, but now things have changed with Bryce Young's play for the Carolina Panthers, and Tyler Shough may be the real deal for the New Orleans Saints. Let's look at each NFC South team's biggest reason for optimism heading into 2026.
Atlanta Falcons - Penix Jr. has the tools for the future, but who will start under center?
There is an old saying: "If you have 2 quarterbacks, you have one," or something along those lines. Either way, the Falcons need a playoff appearance and longevity with a franchise QB. Team president and former Falcons QB Matt Ryan helped bring in Tua Tagovailoa from the Dolphins to relieve some stress at the position. Now, you have another QB controversy on your hands. The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, drafted Michael Penix Jr. soon afterward, paid Cousins $100 million to sit, and Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. See where I'm going with this?
The position has been an issue since Matt Ryan left, but the 2 quarterbacks on the roster give them an opportunity to win every week. The defense is completely revamped, with studs at wide receiver and one of the league's best backfields. As is every season for Falcons fans, "this is our year!"
Carolina Panthers - Bryce Young finally has the momentum
Not too long ago, a ton of questions surrounded Bryce Young at QB; now the conversation is very different. The Panthers may not yet be elite, but if the trajectory stays upward, the NFC South could have its perennial king at the top every season. It is time for the training wheels to come off. They beat the Rams during the regular season and lost to them 34-31 in the Wild-Card round. Being in a game with a team like the Rams gives hope for the future.
As the Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young, he should keep improving and maintain his newfound momentum as an NFL QB.
New Orleans Saints - Is Tyler Shough the Saints' next generation Drew Brees?
That's a bit of a stretch, or an exaggeration, but Shough came on so strong last year and looked like a veteran QB. Shough didn't start until the ninth game of the season, and he completely lit a fire for the Saints and their fans, giving them immense hope. New Orleans also improved the run game by signing Travis Etienne and has several other explosive playmakers. NFL QBs typically do not hit their stride until age 27, usually in their fifth season or so, but Shough will turn 27in his second season. Could be something to it...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Can Baker Mayfield cook without Mike Evans?
The Buccaneers finished tied for the top spot in the NFC South last season at 8-9. Historically for the Bucs, these types of finishes are followed up by division titles or Super Bowl appearances. What does that mean now? Absolutely nothing, but Tampa Bay has another great offensive line and a very good receiving corps, even with 12-year vet Mike Evans bolting for the 49ers. Emeka Egbuka comes off a very good rookie season, and Chris Godwin takes over the position as the most accomplished wide receiver on the roster.
Buccaneers fans can rest easily. I do believe that they will be at the top of the division come season's end, and Baker Mayfield will cook up something spicy as usual this year.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Every NFC South team's biggest reason for optimism in 2026
Continue reading...
Atlanta Falcons - Penix Jr. has the tools for the future, but who will start under center?
There is an old saying: "If you have 2 quarterbacks, you have one," or something along those lines. Either way, the Falcons need a playoff appearance and longevity with a franchise QB. Team president and former Falcons QB Matt Ryan helped bring in Tua Tagovailoa from the Dolphins to relieve some stress at the position. Now, you have another QB controversy on your hands. The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins, drafted Michael Penix Jr. soon afterward, paid Cousins $100 million to sit, and Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. See where I'm going with this?
The position has been an issue since Matt Ryan left, but the 2 quarterbacks on the roster give them an opportunity to win every week. The defense is completely revamped, with studs at wide receiver and one of the league's best backfields. As is every season for Falcons fans, "this is our year!"
Carolina Panthers - Bryce Young finally has the momentum
Not too long ago, a ton of questions surrounded Bryce Young at QB; now the conversation is very different. The Panthers may not yet be elite, but if the trajectory stays upward, the NFC South could have its perennial king at the top every season. It is time for the training wheels to come off. They beat the Rams during the regular season and lost to them 34-31 in the Wild-Card round. Being in a game with a team like the Rams gives hope for the future.
As the Panthers continue to build around Bryce Young, he should keep improving and maintain his newfound momentum as an NFL QB.
New Orleans Saints - Is Tyler Shough the Saints' next generation Drew Brees?
That's a bit of a stretch, or an exaggeration, but Shough came on so strong last year and looked like a veteran QB. Shough didn't start until the ninth game of the season, and he completely lit a fire for the Saints and their fans, giving them immense hope. New Orleans also improved the run game by signing Travis Etienne and has several other explosive playmakers. NFL QBs typically do not hit their stride until age 27, usually in their fifth season or so, but Shough will turn 27in his second season. Could be something to it...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Can Baker Mayfield cook without Mike Evans?
The Buccaneers finished tied for the top spot in the NFC South last season at 8-9. Historically for the Bucs, these types of finishes are followed up by division titles or Super Bowl appearances. What does that mean now? Absolutely nothing, but Tampa Bay has another great offensive line and a very good receiving corps, even with 12-year vet Mike Evans bolting for the 49ers. Emeka Egbuka comes off a very good rookie season, and Chris Godwin takes over the position as the most accomplished wide receiver on the roster.
Buccaneers fans can rest easily. I do believe that they will be at the top of the division come season's end, and Baker Mayfield will cook up something spicy as usual this year.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Every NFC South team's biggest reason for optimism in 2026
Continue reading...
