The New Orleans Saints won a hard-fought matchup with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but where do they slot into the NFC South? Three of the division’s teams won their Week 1 games, including the Saints, but the variety of opponents gives us an early look at each team’s placement.
Here’s how the Saints stack up:
1
Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
The Falcons were the only team to win a game against another NFC South team, having beaten the Carolina Panthers by two touchdowns. But it was hardly an offensive explosion. Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had negative net passing yards for much of the first half due to taking several sacks early on. Their defense showed up, though, intercepting Bryce Young twice (both interceptions by free safety Jessie Bates III) and sacking him twice, too.
Week 2: at home vs. Green Bay Packers (1-0)
2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Baker Mayfield wasn’t very efficient while completing 21 of his 34 pass attempts for just 173 yards, but he did enough to help the Bucs win the day against a fraudulent Minnesota Vikings squad that made the playoffs last year. Tampa Bay’s defense still has a lot of playmakers at each level, and they shouldn’t be underestimated. We’ll see if they can keep up the momentum next week.
Week 2: at home vs. Chicago Bears (0-1)
3
New Orleans Saints (1-0)
The Saints won a close one against the Titans, and it’s because of their defense — Dennis Allen’s unit left the game with 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, and just 2 conversions allowed on a dozen third downs. They were outstanding, and their efforts allowed the offense to skate by after putting up just 16 points.
Week 2: on the road vs. Carolina Panthers (0-1)
4
Carolina Panthers (0-1)
Welcome to the NFL, Bryce Young. The first overall draft pick completed just 20 of 38 pass attempts for a mere 146 yards, without a single reception of more than 15 yards. Young was intercepted and sacked twice, and he was lucky to recover a fumble. At least Carolina’s pass rush was active with 4 sacks of their own. Right now they’re in last place in the NFC South. A Saints win next Monday night could bury them further.
Week 2: at home vs. New Orleans Saints (1-0)
