The Carolina Panthers NFC South division was dominant during the regular season but exited early in the playoffs…
A year after failing to make the playoffs and falling from first in the division the Carolina Panthers rebounded with an impressive 11-5 season. However, divisional losses piled up in 2017 and kept the Panthers from returning to the lead position among the group.
Three of Carolina’s five losses, four of their six total including the playoffs, came to divisional rivals. A Week 17 loss at Atlanta handed the NFC South championship to New Orleans, who defeated the Panthers three times in a single season.
Their even divisional record (3-3) was an improvement from one win a season ago, but coach Ron Rivera and his team need to continue their improvement in an effort to win a sixth divisional title next year.
Following is a review of how each team from a division that sent three to the playoffs fared overall and what to expect in the 2018 season.
Atlanta Falcons*
2017 RECORD: 10-6
OFFENSE: 8th 364.8 YPG • 15th 22.1 PPG
DEFENSE: 9th 318.4 YPG • 8th 19.7 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 18-28
LAST MEETING: 12/31/2017, LOSS 22-10
*made playoffs
After losing three in a row to the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers responded with a midyear 20-17 home win but failed to sweep their I-85 rivals. A dismal performance to end the regular season handed Atlanta a playoff berth for their second consecutive year and kept the title out of Carolina.
New offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will return in 2018 much to the chagrin of many Falcons fans after their high powered offense failed to produce similar results under his play calling. Coach Dan Quinn does have Atlanta playing at a high level overall and quarterback Matt Ryan is entering a contract year.
New Orleans Saints*
2017 RECORD: 11-5
OFFENSE: 2nd 391.2 YPG • 4th 28.0 PPG
DEFENSE: 17th 336.5 YPG • 10th 20.4 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 24-23
LAST MEETING: 1/7/2018, LOSS 31-26 (Wild Card Playoff)
*made playoffs
The only divisional team to lose in 2016 against the Panthers really made up for it this past season. New Orleans began their impressive regular season with two straight losses but a Week 3 win at Bank of America Stadium put them on the right track.
After the victory coach Sean Payton and his team won eight in a row and three over the Panthers. Payton, who is known around the league for mocking players and fans, danced with a broom following their playoff victory and season sweep over Carolina. A week later he ridiculed Vikings fans by mocking their Skol clap, which backfired as Minnesota won on the game’s final play.
Payton will return as the villain of the division next year but the future of quarterback Drew Brees is currently up in the air.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2017 RECORD: 5-11
OFFENSE: 9th 363.5 YPG • 18th 20.9 PPG
DEFENSE: 32nd 378.1 YPG • 22nd 23.9 PPG
ALL-TIME RECORD: 22-13
LAST MEETING: 12/24/2017, WIN 22-19
Expected to surprise many in 2017, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a litany of injuries and never could gain any real momentum during the year. Losing five in a row twice during the year, the Buccaneers only divisional victory came in the final game of their season over New Orleans.
A positive note to end their year, beating the divisional winners, expect the Buccaneers to compete more consistently next season. Coach Dirk Koetter is returning to lead Tampa Bay next season after a tumultuous season and rumors of his departure. Another losing season or slow start in 2018 would likely have the Buccaneers searching for new leadership next offseason.
Despite all three divisional teams quickly exiting the playoffs, each has a core group of playmakers returning and should provide some entertaining matchups throughout the season with plenty of story lines to follow.
Next: 2018 Preview - Home Games
Overall, the division should again be highly competitive and one of the best in the league next year.