NFC South Review: Buccaneers force another early playoff exit for Saints

The New Orleans Saints have probably had the most talented, deepest roster in the NFL since the 2017 draft. They’ve won their division handily all four years since and haven’t lost more than five games in a season. Along the way, New Orleans has dominated contenders and hung tough with dynasties. And yet they keep falling short in the playoffs.

Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bounced the Saints from the postseason before reaching the Super Bowl again, ending what was likely Drew Brees’ last game ever on a sour note. Here’s what happened around the NFC South this week.

Bucs beat Saints 30-20, advance to NFC Championship

During the regular season, Tampa had no answer for Sean Payton’s squad. They were beaten soundly by the Saints back in Week 1 by 11 points and again in Week 9 by 35. What was different?

This time, they got the benefit of some good fortune with turnovers and a collapse from a QB who has lost even a hint of zip on his throws. The Buccaneers picked off Brees three times in their divisional round victory and held him to just 134 passing yards. Devin White led the effort defensively as usual, posting a team-high 11 total tackles, the smoothest fumble recovery you’ll ever see and a massive fourth-quarter interception.

On offense, Tom Brady also showed his age on occasion by missing a few key throws. Brady has an obscene collection of insanely talented receivers though, which gives him a pretty big margin for error. This ludicrous catch by rookie wide receiver Tyler Johnson is perhaps the best example.

Brady finished the evening with 199 yards, two touchdowns and a 92.9 passer rating.

Next up, the Bucs will visit the Packers in the NFC Championship game. Green Bay probably will be the favorite with oddsmakers. It’s worth remembering that Tampa crushed the Packers by four touchdowns back in Week 6, though.

The Saints did this to themselves

How is it that the unquestionable best team in the conference can’t even get to the conference championship? Something went wrong.

Brees’ age may be the primary source of the loss this time – but it’s important to point out Payton’s role in this failure. Specifically, he did his team a great disservice by not putting the best quarterback he could on the field, save for one beautifully-executed trick play that resulted in a 56-yard touchdown.

Payton is a clever coach and extraordinary play-caller, but Jameis Winston was arguably the most physically capable QB on that field yesterday, despite the two future Hall of Famers who got all the attention. To only let him throw once while Brees’ arm kept on failing him speaks to an arrogance that has hurt Payton and the Saints before. It’s the same instinct that had Taysom Hill taking the QB2 reps all year when a far more talented option was relegated to third-string duties.

Put it this way, if Winston had started this game over Brees he probably would have thrown an interception or two. However, he would have produced a lot more yards and maybe even a couple more touchdowns, which would have been enough for a win.

They did this to themselves.

Falcons hire new head coach, GM coming

Atlanta missed the playoffs but they still made significant progress with a couple of huge front office moves. Former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been hired as their new head coach. If nothing else, he’s a clear upgrade over Dirk Koetter as an offensive play-caller. Smith did excellent work resurrecting Ryan Tannehill’s career and turning him into a borderline top-five QB. If he can do the same with Matt Ryan, the Falcons could be a thing again soon.

Now that the Saints are out of the playoffs, another move is likely coming. Atlanta is expected to name New Orleans executive Terry Fontenot their new general manager.

Panthers name new GM, still no Joe Brady hire

Carolina also made a huge change this week by naming a successor to former general manager Marty Hurney. On Thursday night, the Panthers announced that Seahawks executive Scott Fitterer has agreed to a five-year deal to be their GM. Fitterer has a scouting background and had a hand in drafting some of the great Seattle teams of the last decade.

The other story we’re watching is where offensive coordinator Joe Brady will land. Several of the league’s head coach openings were filled this week and the remaining options are far less enticing. Brady has interviewed with five teams during this hiring cycle.

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