By: Billy Lindahl (1788Sports, @billylindahl)

All 4 teams played a division opponent this weekend. And it turned out to be a bit of “Separation Sunday”. The hapless Bucs fell deeper into the cellar and the NFC Champion Falcons are starting to bury themselves in the division. Here’s what happened.

Falcons @ Panthers

The Falcons continue to look completely inconsistent on offense including some fans continuing to call for Steve Sarkisian’s job. Let’s not forget guys, 2 years ago we were doing the same for Kyle Shanahan….Actually scratch that… after the Bucs game last season people (including myself because I was there) thought Shanahan was out of his league. I’d say to keep patience, but I understand where everyone’s expectations are through the roof this season. Not everything can be attributed to the lack of consistency on offense. Our Defense gave up HUGE chunks of yards on the ground from former MVP Cam Newton. As a team the Panthers rushed for over 200 yards on the ground with Cam and rookie stud Christian McCaffrey leading the way.

Panthers move to 6-3 while the Falcons drop to 4-4.

Buccaneers @ Saints

The Saints became the 3rd team in the last 30 years to start the season 0-2 and run off 6 straight wins. The previous 2? 93 Cowboys (won the SB) and the 07 Giants (won the SB). Saints went after the Bucs early and two “Knockout” punches early on showed what kind of afternoon it was gonna be. First one came with a blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown in the first. Near the end of the first Jameis Winston was sacked and hurt his shoulder and didn’t return. He did however start a stupid fight later in the game by poking Marshawn Lattimore in the back of the head which lead to a mini brawl. Stupid mistakes like this is what you signed up for with drafting him Tampa Bay then drafting a kicker in the 2nd lolz…

Saints however, look really solid. Offensively, they’re more balanced. Behind RB’s Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara who rushed for over 100 yards combined with a TD this offense seems to be less the Drew Brees show and more like an offense. Their defense is improved this year, but to be fair, only one way to go from the bottom. Saints move to 6-2 and the Bucs drop to 2-6.

NFC South BIG PICTURE

The Saints lead the division currently with the Panthers right on their tails. But what the Saints have right now is an undefeated record against the division, which is huge for our competitive division. Falcons come in 3rd while the Bucs are currently winless after 2 games in the division.



For Week 10, the division will face some form of an East Division of the NFL. The division leading Saints will travel up to Buffalo to face the up and down Bills. Carolina will host the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The Falcons will host the Cowboys. And the Buccaneers will invite the Jets into the Pirate ship of a building they call a stadium.



All of these games will be big for the good guys. Aside from the fact the Falcons will face stiff competition against a Dallas team, the rest of the division will face off against teams who the Falcons have already played and will play into any tie breaking scenario later in the season. So what we want to see happen is Falcons win and the rest of the division lose this next week!