NFC South Week 12 Recap
Photo Credit: Bucsreport.com
All 4 NFC South teams saw action this weekend, and for every team besides the Falcons, it was largely a disappointment. After this weekend, not a single team in the division has a winning record, leading many to feel that the NFC South is the weakest division in football.
Atlanta Falcons 24, New Orleans Saints 15
Photo Credit: Todd Kirkland via Getty Images
This past Sunday, we saw two bitter rivals in the Falcons and Saints face off in a matchup nicknamed ‘hate week’. The big theme in this game was turnovers, as both teams had multiple that resulted in big plays for the opposing team.
Desmond Ridder threw two interceptions to star safety Tyrann Mathieu that were both in field goal range for the Falcons, but despite these two interceptions, the Saints were unable to capitalize on either of the following drives.
The Falcons, on the other hand, made the most out of the Saints’ two turnovers, with Jessie Bates running a Derek Carr interception back for a 92-yard pick-six, and then also forcing a fumble from Taysom Hill that was recovered by the Falcons. Standout rookie running back for the Falcons Bijan Robinson had his best game to date with 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown on the ground, as well as 3 catches for 32 yards and another touchdown through the air. If Bijan Robinson can produce in a similar manner in the future, as well as get more consistent touches, the Falcons offense will be a much harder one to stop.
Derek Carr and the Saints’ passing game looked solid for most of the game but struggled when it counted in the red zone, being unable to convert in the red zone in addition to the interception. Chris Olave continues to look like a rising star at the receiver position for the Saints as he exploded for 114 receiving yards against the Falcons. Overall, after this game, both teams have lots of things to improve on as they both chase the division lead with 5-6 records.
Indianapolis Colts 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Photo Credit: ESPN
In Indianapolis, the Colts came out on top against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday with a score of 27-20. A dominant rushing attack was the key for the Colts in this one, as Jonathan Taylor looked like his old self, running the ball 15 times for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns while Zack Moss has continued to look capable as the second-string running back. Running the ball has been the Colts’ bread and butter over the past few seasons, and with Jonathan Taylor back fully healthy and playing better, their offense takes a major step up that should only improve when rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson eventually returns.
The Buccaneers’ offense struggled in this matchup, mainly due to lackluster quarterback play from Baker Mayfield. Mayfield threw an interception in the first quarter and then fumbled the ball in the 4th quarter on what could have been a game-tying drive. One of the main reasons for Baker Mayfield’s struggles was the immense amount of pressure he was under throughout the game as he was sacked 6 times and pressured on many other plays as well.
Mike Evans’ and Rachaad White’s stellar performances helped keep the Buccaneers’ offense in the game, as Evans hauled in 6 catches for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns and White ran the ball 15 times for 100 yards. After this loss, the Buccaneers fall to 4-7 and 3rd in the NFC South, although they are still close behind the Falcons and Saints.
Tennessee Titans 17, Carolina Panthers 10
Photo Credit: AP Photo
The Carolina Panthers continued their abysmal season with a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday. Both teams' offenses struggled in this matchup with a combined 13 punts and 7 of them being in a row. The only standout player on either team’s offense was Derrick Henry, who ran the ball 18 times for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns, carrying the Titans to a victory.
Defensively, the Titans’ defensive line showed their prowess, sacking Bryce Young 9 times with both Denico Autry and Jeffrey Simmons having 3 a piece.
Following the game, the Carolina Panthers fired their head coach, Frank Reich as their record sits at a dismal 1-10. With no head coach and poor play from numerous key positions, it’s safe to say that things look bleak moving forward for the Panthers.
NFC South Standings:
Atlanta Falcons (5-6)
New Orleans Saints (5-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Carolina Panthers (1-10)
