RYAN TANNEHILL OR JAMEIS WINSTON PRO

His ability to continue his late-game magic could hinge on the availability of the Saints' two most-established playmakers, five-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas. His 33 game-winning drives and 28 fourth-quarter comebacks are the most by a quarterback through their first nine seasons since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. The Saints went 5-6 in those games in 2022, but those moments are Carr's specialty.

Their scoring defense was already top-10 a year ago (20.3 points per game allowed, ninth in the entire league), which allowed them to play in 11 one-score games since their offense averaged 0.9 fewer points per game. However, he leaves the Silver and Black as their all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217) after nine seasons.Ĭarr could be just what the Saints need to get back to the top of the NFC South. Carr didn't mesh with Las Vegas new head coach Josh McDaniels in 2022, posting the second-lowest completion percentage (60.8%) and passer rating (86.3) of his career while tossing a career-high 14 interceptions. Naturally, New Orleans had enough and landed this offseason's top free-agent passer in former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, signing him to a four-year, $150 million deal. Post Brees, since 2021, they have used five different starting quarterbacks ( Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book), tied for the most in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders. That's unfathomable for their franchise considering they averaged 28.1 points per game across the 15 seasons in which Drew Brees lined up as their starting quarterback. The Saints averaged 19.4 points per game in 2022, ranking 22nd in the NFL. If the Buccaneers can get average quarterback play and health on defense, they could claw their way back to their third NFC South championship in as many years. His 174 quarterback pressures since 2020 still rank as the eighth-most in the NFL in that span despite missing half a season. That figure dropped to 31.3% in 2022 (24th in the NFL) because Barrett's season ended after Week 8 when he tore his Achilles. Their quarterback pressure rate was 37% in those two seasons, the third-highest in the NFL. Tampa Bay was a true contender in 20 because of Brady and their ferocious pass rush. Barrett's health along with what first-round pick defensive lineman Calijah Kancey can provide as a rookie will be the X-factor for this defense. Tampa Bay Buccaneersĭefensively, they're much more sound across the board with mainstays like defensive tackle Vita Vea, linebacker Devin White, linebacker Lavonte David, linebacker Shaquil Barrett, cornerback Jamel Dean, cornerback Carlton Davis, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Given the question marks all four teams in the division are facing - including the Buccaneers (who will be the starting quarterback and what about the rushing offense?), the Panthers (how will Bryce Young fare in Year 1?), the Saints (will Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara be healthy/available and how will Derek Carr's transition to New Orleans go?), and the Falcons (how will Desmond Ridder fare as a starting quarterback, can a smash mouth offense win in 2023, and how will their defensive overhaul take in Year 1) - here's a look at how each of the four squads could come away with the division title in the upcoming season. In fact, the 2022 NFC South race was the tightest of any of the NFL's eight divisions as the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons all finished with identical 7-10 records in a three-way tie for second place.

Even though Tampa Bay won the division with an 8-9 record, that doesn't mean the race to do so wasn't competitive. The NFC South's resident zombie, 45-year Tom Brady, has finally retired for good, opening the door for a new division champion after his Buccaneers won the last two NFC South crowns.

Ryan tannehill or jameis winston