FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The belief that September results can be misleading is pervasive among NFL media members, and I am among those who take a skeptical look at the outcomes of games this time of year.

However, the performance Atlanta put together on Sunday night has me buying in a bit earlier than I typically would. As I said on this week's Falcons Final Whistle, that felt like an identity-defining game from the defense. Of all the NFC South showings in Week 2, the Falcons' was most revelatory.

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.

NFC South standings after Week 2

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0 | 1-0 in division)
2. Atlanta Falcons (1-1 | 0-1 in division)
3. New Orleans Saints (0-2)
4. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last game: 20-19 win @ Houston Texans (0-2)

Offensive standout: QB Baker Mayfield

Running back Bucky Irving was also awesome in this game, but Mayfield's moxie was on full display late, and he finished 25-of-38 passing for 215 yards with 2 touchdowns and another 33 well-timed scramble yards.

Defensive standout: S Antoine Winfield Jr.

The versatile safety played multiple spots for the defense, including walking up to the line of scrimmage for a handful of snaps. His ability to move around helps unlock this group.

Needs improvement: Pass protection

Houston has a formidable pass rush, and it gave Tampa Bay's banged-up offensive line problems on Monday night. The Texans had a 40% pressure rate, forced a few penalties and sacked Mayfield four times.

Telling quote: "We practice in the heat in the summertime so it's going to make you tough. We're in pads in the heat; it's going to make you mentally tough. We think we have a program that gets everybody prepared to play and have some battles along the way that builds mental toughness." – Head coach Todd Bowles

Vibe check: Good

Up next: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET vs. New York Jets (0-2)

Atlanta Falcons

Last game: 22-6 win @ Minnesota Vikings (1-1)

Offensive standout: RB Bijan Robinson

The third-year back is off to a torrid start and once again the focal point of Atlanta's offense.

Defensive standout: LB Divine Deablo

There are so many players who deserve recognition here, but Deablo was at the heart of the down-to-down success Atlanta had. He's also been an absolute tight end eraser so far this season.

Needs improvement: Red zone offense

New kicker Parker Romo was crucial to the team’s success, but he didn't need to be as active as he was. Atlanta was 1-for-5 in the red zone, and it will be tough to win games this season if that rate remains the same.

Telling quote: "I thought those guys have shown steady improvement the last two weeks. I think these guys are getting better and better. They're fun to watch. They're fun to be around. I gave them all game balls today. Man, they had a heck of a game and a big-time moment and I thought it was pretty special for those guys to enjoy that moment together." – Head coach Raheem Morris on the Falcons' defensive rookies

Vibe check: Good

Up next: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET @ Carolina Panthers (0-2)

New Orleans Saints

Last game: 26-21 loss vs. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Offensive standout: QB Spencer Rattler

Rattler pushed the ball downfield a bit more against San Francisco, but he kept the ball out of harm's way. At this point, he's best suited to be a conductor of this offense and that's exactly what he was, tossing three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensive standout: DE Carl Granderson

With a pair of sacks Sunday, Granderson has 3.5 on the season and is tied for the league lead. The former undrafted free agent has become a reliable impact player on the edge for New Orleans.

Needs improvement: Third downs

On both sides of the ball, the Saints struggled on third down against the 49ers. New Orleans converted 36% of its opportunities on offense and allowed San Francisco to convert 53% of its chances.

Telling quote: "There's pain just losing again, another short one that really comes down to we have to do more what winning football teams do. We have to play better situational football. We've got to pounce on opportunities when they're presented, and we have to give ourselves a better chance. There's too much good in there to miss these opportunities. We have to play better, faster, learn from these things and go from there." – Head coach Kellen Moore

Vibe check: Meh

Up next: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET @ Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Carolina Panthers

Last game: 27-22 loss @ Arizona Cardinals (2-0)

Offensive standout: WR Hunter Renfrow

It's become clear rookie Tet McMillan is the No. 1 in Carolina's offense, but Renfrow's seven catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns — including a late one to give the Panthers a chance — shows he the only weapon for Bryce Young.

Defensive standout: DT Derrick Brown

The dominant defensive tackle helped clog the middle of the field and limit Arizona's run game. Kyler Murray is a tricky player to bring down, but Brown was able to get pressure a time or two as well.

Needs improvement: Turnovers

Carolina is tied for the league lead with five turnovers in two games.

Telling quote: "We have to eliminate the mistakes. Two weeks in a row… early, self-inflicted wounds and (we gave up) 10 points just like that going into the half 20-3 and we have to change our mode. We're not able to play the complimentary football that we're looking for to be able to mix the runs, the play actions, and turn it into a drop-back game." – Head coach Dave Canales

Vibe check: Fine

Up next: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)