As always, the NFC South brings a bit of intrigue as the 2024 season nears. Like previous years, there will be new faces in the division. After the closure of the 2023 campaign, two out of the four teams in the division changed coaches. Along with their new head coach, the Atlanta Falcons decided to sign a new quarterback who will take reigns as their starter for the upcoming season. Their hated rival, the New Orleans Saints, cleared out an entire offensive staff and added personnel during free agency that has yet to give the fanbase much to be excited about. The Carolina Panthers added a familiar face when they hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach. With the free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft in the books, it is now time to discuss the overall landscape of the NFC South and address the most significant questions that remain as the 2024 campaign slowly approaches.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Question Remaining: Is Kirk Cousins the Missing Piece?
The NFC South is brimming with talent and high expectations, and at the heart of the conversation lies Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback. The Falcons made a significant investment in Cousins, with a hefty contract reflecting their belief in his ability to elevate the team to championship contention.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris once stated that improved quarterback play could have preserved jobs, underscoring the signal-caller’s critical role in the team’s success. The Question arises with a roster primed for victory: Is Kirk Cousins the missing link? Can he be the catalyst propelling the Falcons to a deep playoff run?
However, amid these aspirations looms uncertainty. Cousins, now approaching 36, face the realities of age and the specter of injury, having recently grappled with an Achilles heel setback. While his career boasts impressive statistics, playoff success has proven elusive—a fact not lost on fans and analysts alike.
For Cousins, this juncture marks more than a pivotal season; it’s a quest for validation. Will this be the organization that furnishes him with the supporting cast necessary for postseason triumph? The Falcons’ fortunes hang in the balance, with Cousins at the epicenter of their championship ambitions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest Question Remaining: How much will Baker Mayfield miss Dave Canales?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a significant transition as Liam Coen steps into the offensive coordinator role, succeeding Dave Canales, who departed to helm the Carolina Panthers. The rapport between a quarterback and his playcaller is a delicate yet pivotal aspect of NFL success. It hinges on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared vision for on-field execution. The synergy between Baker Mayfield and Canales took time, as evidenced by their early struggles upon Mayfield’s arrival in Tampa Bay. However, as the season progressed, their collaboration flourished, culminating in Mayfield’s standout performance and subsequent lucrative contract extension.
Peaks and valleys have characterized Mayfield’s NFL journey. From his stellar rookie campaign to periods of inconsistency and adversity, he has experienced the full spectrum of quarterbacking challenges. Yet, amidst the turbulence, Mayfield has found stability with the Buccaneers, rejuvenating his career and rekindling hopes for sustained success.
However, the success of Mayfield and the Buccaneers partly hinges on the symbiotic relationship between quarterback and playcaller. With Canales’ departure, questions arise regarding how seamlessly Mayfield will adapt to Coen’s offensive schemes and play-calling style. The continuity and chemistry developed with Canales may prove challenging to replicate, potentially impacting Mayfield’s performance and the Buccaneers’ offensive efficiency.
As the Buccaneers embark on a new season, all eyes will be on the evolving dynamic between Mayfield and Coen. Their ability to forge a cohesive partnership will be instrumental in determining the team’s success and Mayfield’s continued resurgence in the NFL.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest Question Remaining: Have They Done Enough to Propel Themselves Forward?
The New Orleans Saints faced a challenging offseason, grappling with salary cap constraints that curtailed their ability to make significant roster moves. As the dust settles, questions linger: Have they bolstered their squad sufficiently? The acquisition of Chase Young, albeit a cost-effective addition, addresses defensive needs but falls short of a splashy offseason overhaul.
Derek Carr’s role as the Saints’ quarterback adds another layer of uncertainty. Carr’s performance is intricately linked to the quality of his supporting cast, a concern compounded by his injury woes last season. Despite Carr’s anticipated impact, the Saints came tantalizingly close to success yet fell short of expectations. The offseason saw notable additions, such as Taliese Fuaga fortifying the offensive line and Kool-Aid McKinstry shoring up the defense. However, relying on rookies like McKinstry to make immediate, substantial contributions is a gamble with uncertain outcomes.
As the Saints gear up for the upcoming season, the spotlight shines brightly on head coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr. Their performances will be scrutinized as indicators of the team’s trajectory. Failure to meet expectations begs the Question: What next? The competitive landscape of the division demands a proactive approach, with the Saints poised to contend for the title. Yet, uncertainty looms, prompting reflection on the team’s readiness to seize the opportunity.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest Question Remaining: Will the Offensive Line Be Efficient Enough to Protect Bryce Young?
As the Carolina Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, the spotlight shines brightly on their offensive line—a critical piece of the puzzle. Despite notable additions through the draft and free agency, including Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and Ja’Tavion Sanders, concerns persist regarding the protection of quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers tried to shore up their offensive line during the offseason, signing two potential starting guards and drafting a tackle in the later rounds. However, these acquisitions lack the pedigree of established Pro Bowlers or marquee names. Moreover, Young faced considerable pressure last season, ranking as the league’s second-most-sacked quarterback.
While the Panthers boast an array of offensive playmakers, including Legette, Brooks, and Sanders, their effectiveness hinges on Young’s ability to operate behind a secure pocket. Without adequate protection, the potential impact of these dynamic talents could be stifled, hampering the Panthers’ offensive prowess in 2024.
Despite the Panthers’ emphasis on skill position players in the draft, the relative lack of investment in bolstering the offensive line raises concerns. With competition for roster spots primarily focused on younger prospects, questions loom regarding the immediate efficacy of the line in safeguarding Young. As the Panthers navigate the challenges of the upcoming season, the efficacy of their offensive line remains a pivotal factor in determining their success. The protection afforded to Young will ultimately shape the trajectory of the offense and the team’s aspirations for the 2024 campaign.
