FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It's been a rough season so far for the Atlanta Falcons, particularly in division play, but their fortunes ticked upwards ever so slightly in Week 12.
Not only did the Falcons earn their first win in the NFC South this season by knocking off their most-hated rival, the New Orleans Saints, but they also gained ground on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, who each lost their respective games.
Throughout the season, this piece will serve as a check-in on the four teams in the division, tracking their performance and noting the standout players from each game. Teams will be listed in the order of the division standing.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5 | 2-0 in division)
- Carolina Panthers (6-6 | 2-1 in division)
- Atlanta Falcons (4-7 | 1-3 in division)
- New Orleans Saints (2-9 | 1-2 in division)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last game: Lost 34-7 at Los Angeles Rams (9-2)
Offensive standout: RB Rachaad White
The word "standout" probably shouldn't apply to an offense that mustered only seven points, but White was effective in a limited role behind Sean Tucker. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry on seven carries, finishing with 38 yards.
Defensive standout: LB Yaya Diaby
Again, allowing 34 points to the opposing team doesn't leave room for many shoutouts, but Diaby recorded three pressures and the Bucs' only sack on Sunday night.
Needs improvement: Pass defense
In their previous three losses, the Buccaneers have allowed an average of 8.76 yards per pass attempt. That number would rank dead last in the league if it were their mark for the entire season. As it stands, Tampa Bay ranks 26th in pass yards per play and pass yards per game.
Telling quote: "We're pissed off. We got a bad taste in our mouth the last two weeks and we should be. We come home with a three-game home stand. Everything we need to do is right in front of us, but we have a lot of work to do." – Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles.
Up next: The Buccaneers return home to play the Arizona Cardinals (3-8) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Carolina Panthers
Last game: Lost 20-9 to San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
Offensive standout: RB Rico Dowdle
The Panthers didn't have a lot of offense on Monday night, but Dowdle was still efficient when he had the ball in his hands. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry on six rush attempts and caught all four of his targets for a team-leading 36 yards.
Defensive standout: CB Jaycee Horn
Although he ultimately left the game with a concussion, Horn looked like the Panthers' best player in the first half. He picked off Brock Purdy twice, which helped Carolina keep the game close at halftime.
Needs improvement: Pass rush
Carolina ranks last in the NFL with only 16 sacks this season. The Panthers did not record a sack against Purdy on Monday night while allowing him to complete more than 70% of his passes.
Telling quote: "Yeah, it's just fundamentals. Fundamentals, execution, you know, it's the little things. It's making the completions, it's the right throw, it's catching the ball, doing all the little things right that I can count on these guys to do and making sure that shows up weekly." Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Up next: The Panthers return home to face the Los Angeles Rams (9-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Atlanta Falcons
Last game: Won 24-10 at New Orleans Saints (2-9)
Offensive standout: QB Kirk Cousins
In his first game after Michael Penix Jr. was placed on injured reserve, Cousins displayed the perfect mix of efficiency and explosion. His numbers weren't flashy — 70% completion rate for 199 yards with two touchdowns and an interception — but his command of the offense showed exactly why the Falcons kept him in the fold.
Defensive standout: CB Dee Alford
Any number of players could have been mentioned here, including Atlanta's young core of pass rushers, but Alford shone in a tough spot on Sunday and gets the nod here. After starter Billy Bowman Jr. sustained an Achilles injury on Friday, Alford stepped in at nickel and didn't miss a beat, finishing with 10 tackles, a pass defense and a recovered fumble.
Needs improvement: Kickoff coverage
Atlanta has given up some big returns on kickoffs this season, but the 75-yard return by Mason Tipton in the first quarter was the longest it's allowed. With as well as the Falcons' defense has played this year, giving up easy field position just makes life that much easier on the opponent.
Telling quote: "Obviously sacks and pressures have been a big focus on our team … Over the last two years, since I've been here at least, being able to add people (in the draft) and free agency, whatever the case has been for me to get them in here, to rush the passer." – Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
Up next: The Falcons will travel to face the New York Jets (2-9) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
New Orleans Saints
Last game: Lost 24-10 vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
Offensive standout: WR Chris Olave
He could have had a bigger day if a couple more passes connected, but Olave was plenty busy as it was. The fourth-year receiver was targeted 13 times and caught nine passes for 70 yards to lead all Saints receivers.
Defensive standout: DE Cam Jordan
Although not nearly the down-in-down-out impact player he once was, Jordan showed he still has a thing for taking down Falcons quarterbacks. He had a sack and forced fumble on Sunday that nearly proved costly for Atlanta.
Needs improvement: Red-zone offense
This has been a problem for the Saints throughout the season, and it was once again on Sunday against the Falcons. New Orleans twice reached the red zone, including driving the ball down to Atlanta's 1-yard line, but came away with a total of three points on those trips.
Telling quote: "Frustrating game, a game we felt good about coming in. We felt like there was some carryover from the Carolina game into the bye week. We felt like it was a good week. Then, we didn't come out and get this one done. Credit to those guys. Those guys coached better, played better and ultimately executed better than us today." – Saints head coach Kellen Moore.
Up next: The Saints travel to face the Miami Dolphins (4-7) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
