The NFC is wide open for a surprise team to threaten the top dogs in 2023. And, going by past history, repeating as NFC champions is no guarantee. The last time it happened, the Seattle Seahawks did it back to back in 2013-14. Astonishingly, the Seahawks are the only team to go back-to-back this millennium. The New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons are just as prepared to make a run as any other team. To be honest, both teams are overdue.
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Falcons and Saints are Primed for an NFC Championship Run
Why Atlanta is Worthy
The Falcons, from top to bottom, show strong talent across the board. Besides the fact the team is overdue to compete at least for the NFC South, their schedule is set for a successful run. Coach Arthur Smith looks different this year too. Of course, that’s not just the mustache. Watching his actions over the offseason presents a coach who knows what is on the line in his third year. His whole persona looks different from the speed and intensity even in preseason. There is a renewed optimism to ensure this Falcons team cannot fail. Time will tell…
Riding Running Back Bijan Robinson
No one better tell Coach Arthur Smith the NFL is now all passing. Running is a thing of the past so they say. This quote may sound familiar. “We run to win, not just to be in the race.” — Vince Lombardi
The interpretation is irrelevant here. Yet the philosophy for the 2023 Atlanta Falcons is running the football. If done effectively, the pressure will be off of quarterback Desmond Ridder. Still, the defense will determine the Falcons fate. Ball control with a solid defense is enough to keep the team competitive.
The big question is can the Falcons close games out? Odds say the ball is destined to bounce their way this season. The ceiling is twelve games. The floor doesn’t matter.
The Case for the Saints
The 2023 New Orleans Saints possess plenty of firepower to contend for the NFC. It’s easy to point to quarterback Derek Carr versus the whole NFL South — nothing compares to him in the division. Moreover, the weapons at wide receiver are second to none. Additionally, the defense is right there. The defense slipped a bit in 2022 but overall, the unit as a whole has proven it can be a top-10 defense.
Two things jump out for the 2023 season. Health could be the number-one factor going into this season. And there’s no excuses. No bad luck or no what could have beens. This is it.
Whatever freakish injuries the Saints had in previous years don’t matter. Sean Payton took an injury-ridden team with less talent to a 9-8 season. Nothing special but coaching can squeeze out at least two or three wins. Dennis Allen in a word — is not walking the plank. Allen like Arthur Smith must present at least a 10-7 record to stay with the black and gold.
Dennis Allen’s Last Stand
With the schedule being more than cozy for a turnaround, the ultimate report card on Dennis Allen is coming after this year. Allen must get the best of the guys on the field. Whether it be Alvin Kamara or Alontae Taylor, Allen is the leader of this team. The players feed off the top. If the effort is there, the Saints are better now than ever to take over the NFC. Or at least compete for the top three seeds.
Who Dat Nation is ready. The city is clamoring for a winner. Allen’s decisions in multiple games decide the fate of the 2023 season. Fans seem mixed. The fact of the matter is, the locker room is all that matters and that win-loss column. Make no mistake, the Saints best not let the Falcons get close.
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