The NFC South division saw a shift in momentum after the New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14. With the Carolina Panthers on a bye, only three teams from the division played last week.
The Saints’ victory over the Buccaneers has tightened the race for the top spot in the division with four weeks remaining in the regular season. The Saints will face the Panthers next, while the Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons are set to play on Thursday night.
After Week 14, both the Buccaneers and Panthers have records of 7-6, while the Falcons stand at 4-9 and the Saints at 3-10.
In their recent game, Tampa Bay lost to New Orleans 24-20. Running back Bucky Irving was effective for Tampa Bay, rushing for 55 yards and catching two passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. Defensive tackle Vita Vea recorded five tackles and four quarterback pressures, including a sack. However, Tampa Bay struggled on third and fourth downs, converting only five of twenty attempts combined. Head coach Todd Bowles commented: “We’ve got to be big boys, we’ve got to get over it and own what we did, and we’ve got to get better at things we need to get better at.” The Buccaneers will host Atlanta on Thursday.
The Carolina Panthers had a bye week but will travel to play New Orleans on Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Seattle Seahawks 37-9. Tight end Kyle Pitts led all Falcons receivers with six catches for 90 yards. On defense, rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. continued his strong season with another sack, bringing his total to six—leading all rookies—and marking sacks in five consecutive games. Atlanta’s offense struggled on third down again, converting just one of thirteen attempts. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson described third downs as “the most disappointing part of our offense.” Head coach Raheem Morris said: “There’s no magic call. You’ve got to go out there and play. The guys have got to go back there and recapture the moment. Somebody’s got to go make a play, whether it’s on defense, whether it’s on special teams or whether it was on offense. Somebody’s got to go make a game-changing play, and that didn’t happen.” The Falcons will face Tampa Bay next.
New Orleans’ win against Tampa Bay featured quarterback Tyler Shough scoring two rushing touchdowns despite passing for only 144 yards with an interception. Cornerback Alontae Taylor contributed by limiting Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s effectiveness and securing an interception. The Saints were penalized ten times during the game, increasing their season total penalties to 104. Head coach Kellen Moore said: “It’s a good win for our guys, it’s awesome. Again, for our guys to be battling, playing December football – still playing meaningful December football. Maybe in a little bit of a different way than you’d hope. Obviously, I think our guys are battling for each other, they’re playing for each other, they want to win all these games. I thought just the way our guys responded for four quarters was really special.” The Saints will host Carolina next.
