The Buccaneers took down the Panthers, while the Falcons held off the 49ers, turning the tide in this division race. The Saints went marching into France and marched out with a loss.
Here’s the Week 7 NFC South Review.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
Week 7 Result: Buccaneers 43 - Panthers 13
Week 8 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
The Buccaneers steamrolled the Panthers and spooked Dave Canales so badly that the head coach could barely process what happened. Baker Mayfield was back, but the Buccaneers didn’t really need him; their defense and run game stole the show.
Tampa Bay ran for 258 yards and three rushing touchdowns, while the defense forced four turnovers and added a touchdown of their own. It was an impressive win against the division leaders, and the Buccaneers will face another division rival as they prepare to host the Falcons.
Carolina Panthers (3-3)
Week 7 Result: Panthers 13 - Buccaneers 43
Week 8 Opponent: Green Bay Packers
The Panthers gave up 33 points in the first half and never recovered. Bryce Young turned in his worst performance of the year; the quarterback had two interceptions and a fumble returned for a touchdown. The Panthers defense was no better. The Buccaneers ran wild, allowing them to protect Mayfield in his return and dominate the time of possession.
If all that wasn’t bad enough, the offense also lost OT Taylor Moton for the year to a fractured fibula. This loss felt like a punch to the gut, and Carolina has to rebound quickly on Thursday against the Packers.
New Orleans Saints (2-5)
Week 7 Result: Saints 10 - Steelers 16
Week 8 Opponent: Bye Week
The French expedition proved fruitless as Kellen Moore’s team keeps disappointing. The Saints defense finally showed up, but their offense disappeared. Tyler Shough threw a costly interception in the 3rd quarter that swung momentum back to the Steelers, but it’s fair to say Shough didn’t get much during the game.
He led the team in rushing yards with seven, as the Saints running backs combined for 14 carries and 11 yards. This season has gone off the rails, and Moore could be coaching for his job if things continue. The bye week has arrived just in time because this team needs a hard reset.
Atlanta Falcons (3-4)
Week 7 Result: Falcons 29 - 49ers 20
Week 8 Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Falcons held off the previously undefeated 49ers and secured their bounce-back win. Kendal Daniels came up big in the clutch, forcing an interception and recovering a fumble. Jessie Bates III had an impressive interception of his own and forced the fumble Daniels recovered. Bijan was held in check on the ground, but Michael Penix Jr. delivered an impressive performance that led to the win.
Penix has done a great job protecting the football through the air all season, and he hit his layups today. Raheem Morris’s plan was to force everything underneath, and Penix took what his old coach gave him. The Falcons can get to .500 and gain ground next week in Tampa Bay.
Every NFC South team has a losing record at home, and once again, no one in the division is above .500. After being given a chance to take control, Carolina reminded everyone that control of the NFC South is merely an illusion.