NFC South Preview with Alex Bleuel


NFC South Preview with Alex Bleuel


In this episode, Alex Bleuel and I preview the NFC South. The Tampa Bay Bucs reinged supreme in 2021. The New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers round out the rest of the division. First, we start with Tom Brady and the Bucs. Tampa won the NFC South before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. After a brief retirement, Tom Brady returned for the 2022 season. Bruce Arians left the sidelines; Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles became Tampa's new coach. We look at how Tampa will transition under Bowles. We also look at how Tampa will play without Chris Godwin, who is likely to miss the first month or so coming off a torn ACL last December. After the Bucs, we look at the Saints. For the first time since 2005, Sean Payton will not be coaching (Except when he was suspended for one year). Dennis Allen replace Payton as head coach. Jameis Winston is back after tearing his ACL last season. Taysom Hill, who was played several positions, will not be a quarterback and play tight end this year. With a likely suspension for star running back Alvin Kamara, we look at how NO will replace is offensive star. Alex looks at how Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave could be important receivers for the Saints. We also wonder whether Michael Thomas can stay healthy after a pair of injury-plagued seasons. Onto Atlanta, we both like 2021 first-round Kyle Pitts' ability. For the first time since 2007, Matt Ryan will not be starting after being traded to the Colts. Marcus Mariota and Cincinnati rookie Desmond Ridder will look to replace Ryan. Finally, the Panthers are the fourth team to be discussed. We both like the PPR consistency of Christian McCaffrey. Despite nagging injuries, CMC provides rushing and receiving upside unlike no other running back in the NFL. Carolina's biggest problem is who will be the franchise quarterback now and for the foreseeable future. Sam Darnold and Ole Miss rookie Matt Corral will compete to start in Charlotte. Current Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield may be traded to the Panthers if Carolina needs an upgrade. Alex mentions how Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is under pressure to win in 2022. With an aggressive owner and struggling quarterbacks, the Panthers could look at a new coach with a cold 2022. We then talk about some fun NFC South trivia. Alex gives me a question about the top Falcons top passing yards leaders. I respond with which country music star was at both Super Bowls the Bucs won. While we both likes the Bucs to win this division, we discuss Tampa's chances to give TB12 another ring in 2022.