NFL Preseason Preview: Someone has to win the NFC South…

The NFC South has four teams at different stages of their rebuilds. Each team will be starting the season with a different quarterback than the 2022 season, making it hard to predict who comes out on top. This is a division that is unlikely to set the world on fire in 2023 but that doesn’t lower the level of intrigue!

Arthur Smith likes big, powerful players on his offense, and entering his third season as the head coach of the Falcons, he has got his wish. The team selected running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft so expect him to be the centerpiece of this offense. Desmond Ridder was given the starting job this coming season, an intriguing watch.

On paper, this defense is looking greatly improved from previous seasons, with the additions of Jeff Okudah and Jessie Bates in the secondary and Calais Campbell at defensive end, they have added some real talent. Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell are already studs. There is a lack of pass rush which could be concerning but receivers shouldn’t be getting open too easily.

This looks for all the world like a 9-8 team. If Desmond Ridder at QB can find a groove, there is enough in the offense to be pushing for the division title, but a deep run in the playoffs would be a real surprise.

The Panthers sold the farm to move up and get Bryce Young with the number one overall pick, so everything this season is about his development. There is a very good network of coaches around the rookie as well the very solid Miles Sanders at running back and some good enough weapons in the passing game. Rookies can take some time, but it should be a fun watch.

The Panthers’ defense has the makings of an excellent unit in a year or two. With talented defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero taking the reins, expect a lot of sacks and not many passing yards. Brian Burns is one of the elite pass rushers in the league and should be feasting in 2023. Look for Jaycee Horn to take a big step towards becoming a shutdown corner.

The Panthers shouldn’t be expecting to win anything this season, with a new head coach and quarterback, this is a year to ensure they have the right people in the right spots. There is certainly optimism around the team right now as they keep making very sensible moves, but it will all ultimately come down to how good Bryce Young is.

The Saints offense has the potential to be good in 2023, with star wideout Chris Olave entering his second year and a healthy Michael Thomas providing receiving options for new QB Derek Carr. The issue is at quarterback as Carr has never shown himself to be anything other than a good player at a position where good often isn’t good enough.

It was no surprise to see the Saints go defensive line with their first two picks in the 2023 draft as they look to inject new life into an aging unit. Cameron Jordan is still a great player at defensive end, but at 35, his best years are probably behind him. Rookie DT Bryan Bresee should see the field a lot this season and could have an early impact.

This is a team that looks the best in the division, but beyond that, there shouldn’t be too many expectations. Never a team willing to take a down year and rebuild, the Saints will be looking to compete in 2023, but the roster just isn’t quite good enough to be mixing it with the elite teams in the league.

The Bucs are entering the 2023 season with Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback, and whilst Baker isn’t the worst QB option, he’s a long way from the best. It’s never easy to replace a great like Tom Brady (just look at the Pats) but the Bucs have dropped swiftly into mediocrity at the position. Elsewhere there is talent, but without a good QB, it’s wasted.

Lavonte David, Shaq Barrett, Jamel Dean, are just a few of the very good players featured on the Bucs' D. There is a bunch of talent on this side of the ball but last year they were mediocre in coverage and abysmal against the run. Still, this should be an above-average team in 2023.

There’s almost no chance the Bucs do much beyond mediocrity in 2023 with the quarterback options at their disposal. Whilst the roster is still very talented, without an elite player under center, it will probably result in a team ending the season somewhere around .500.

A tough choice here as Chris Olave is expected to have a breakout season in 2023, but when the number one overall pick is in the division, all eyes are going to be on them. Bryce Young needs to prove he has the physicality and arm strength to dominate in the league, and if he does, Panthers’ fans should get very excited.

Already highlighted as one of the Bucs’ best players, Jamel Dean is worth keeping an eye on. Dean is still only 26 so should be peaking as a player around now. Expect to hear his name mentioned any time you’re watching a Tampa Bay game this coming season.

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Atlanta Falcons
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Carolina Panthers