With the top team in the NFC South, the Buccaneers, on bye in Week 9, the Panthers closed the gap with an upset victory over the Packers in Green Bay. The Falcons and Saints continued to struggle, each losing their respective games. Here are two takeaways for each NFC South team in Week 9.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) stands on the field during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Offense Recovers On the Bye Week
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Following a disappointing offensive performance in Week 8, Tampa was able to reset due to a bye Week in Week 9. The Bucs’ offense started the year hot, but then began to struggle with both injuries and consistency. If the bye week can get Baker Mayfield playing at a high level again alongside rookie phenom Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs will be back on track.
Bowles’ Defense Looks To Stay Strong
Tampa’s defense has been much-improved this season, and the unit’s success is a product of both great play and coaching. Bowles’ aggressive blitzes have helped Tampa Bay get to the quarterback, but those big plays are only possible with good coverage. The secondary is loaded with quality players, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr., cornerback Jamel Dean, and rookie nickel Jacob Parrish.
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Carolina Panthers:
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs with the ball during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
Rico Dowdle Continues To Thrive
The Panthers’ running game was strong last year with Chuba Hubbard and has become even stronger since Dowdle entered the lineup. On the road against a strong Green Bay defense, Dowdle handled 25 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Dowdle has been one of the best running backs in the league and helped Carolina earn a huge win this Sunday.
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Defensive Signings Pay Off
The Panthers’ running game may have been great, but the offense still only scored 16 points. Carolina’s defense did most of the heavy lifting, and some of its big-money free-agent signings starred in the performance. Safety Tre’von Moehrig snagged an interception of Jordan Love, and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton made seven tackles, including a crucial red-zone sack.
Atlanta Falcons:
Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) reacts after a pass interference call during the second half of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Drake London Delivers Incredible Hat Trick
The Falcons dearly missed Drake London in Week 8, and weren’t afraid to show it in Week 9. The star wideout was fed a whopping 14 targets and caught nine of them for 118 yards and three sensational touchdowns. While Michael Penix Jr. deserves credit for throwing those passes, London’s elite body control and strong hands are second to none. It’s a shame the Falcons lost despite this special performance.
Special Teams Woes Sink Atlanta Again
Parker Romo has been mostly solid for the Falcons this season, but he sank Atlanta’s chances at tying the game late on with a brutal missed extra point. The kick came back to haunt the Falcons, who were unable to rectify the mistake and lost the game by just a single point. The 24-23 loss sinks Atlanta to 3-5 and puts their playoff hopes on life support.
New Orleans Saints:
Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Shough Struggles, But Not Terribly
Spencer Rattler was benched for rookie Tyler Shough in Los Angeles against the Rams – far from an ideal first opponent. Shough predictably struggled in the game, throwing just one touchdown while also throwing an interception. But one turnover and just one sack taken made this performance far from the worst that Shough could have played.
Saints Defense Torn Apart
After a strong defensive performance in Week 8, the Saints were predictably torn apart in Week 9. New Orleans surrendered 34 points to the Rams and was unable to contain them on the ground or through the air. The Saints will have to put this performance in the rear-view mirror, as they play against the Panthers’ strong rushing attack in Carolina in Week 10.
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