The NFC South is on fire after Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season. After the Monday Night Football game, the division will have a combined six wins (regardless of who wins). Considering the winner of the division in 2023 finished 8-9, the hot start is beyond comprehension.
Is the NFC South’s hot start a fluke? Probably not. The Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints were the overwhelming favorites coming into the 2023 NFL season but they have been stunned by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ fierce start to 2023.
New Orleans Saints Must Get Moving in Competitive NFC South After Week 2
Tampa Bay’s Shocking Start
No one expected the Bucs to go 2-0 to start the year. It would have been a ridiculous thought after Tom Brady left. Even the fanbase would have scoffed at any postseason hopes. And make no mistake, Baker Mayfield is no Tom Brady. In fact, he fought quarterback Kyle Trask to get the starting job.
Plenty of teams are tossing money at young quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Mayfield is leading the Buccaneers on a one-year $4 million dollar deal. Mayfield’s contract contains incentives up to $8.5 million but, right now, the deal looks to be a steal. At the end of the season, Mayfield may force front offices to pause and think before offering a $100 million contract to their perceived franchise signal-callers.
Saints Carr is in Driver’s Seat of NFC South After Week 2
On the other hand, the Saints remain the overwhelming favorites to win the NFC South. Derek Carr is the highest paid quarterback in the division.
Still, that first half in Week 2 was awful. Missed throws. Miscommunication. Right now, the Saints are a huge mess on offense. The Saints sit at 2-0, albeit barely.
Second-year coach Dennis Allen must win the division. With all the pieces added, along with the defense playing at a high level, the bar is set to at least 10 games for the 2023 season.
At 2022’s end-of-season press conference, Allen gave some final thoughts:
“Obviously we are disappointed in the record. […] I feel like that’s not the standard we want to be. Our goal is to win championships here.”
The standard Sean Payton set, by winning a Super Bowl, means that competing in the playoffs have become an expectation in New Orleans. The old Saints expectations left the building a long time ago.
Playing Catch-up is Risky Thanks to Hot NFC South
The fast start of the Falcons and Bucs give an added importance of starting quickly. Allen is fortunate to have a team as talented as the 2023 roster in New Orleans. The front office approves of Allen’s character. Players enjoy playing for him. Some in the building are thankful for the laid-back Allen compared to Sean Payton. Again, this is no secret.
All in all, the Saints are ready to take the next step with Allen. Allen simply has a job to do. As Vince Lombardi said “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing”. Winning the NFC South is the only thing that matters.
Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer:
Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
