S09E36: The Saints Might Need a Miracle (NFC South Preview)

The more things change the more they stay the same, this is true for at least half of the NFC South as AFQ takes a look at the Falcons, Saints, Panthers and Buccaneers. The Falcons are the biggest changeup, new coach in Raheem Morris, new QB in Kirk Cousins; but potential controversy with Michal Penix Jr. being drafted as the heir apparent to their $200 million QB that has yet to take a snap? The Panthers are hoping to turn around the fortunes of last year’s top draft prospect Bryce Young. They’ve got him a QB friendly coach in Dave Canales, a possible WR1 in Xavier Legette, and about 15 new linemen to try to keep him upright. Have they done enough to turn the corner? The Buccaneers are big fans of their own work from before and would like more of it please. Even though they barely scraped into the post-season and have a roster that feels more 2019 than 2024, they’re running back Baker, Evans, Godwin and the gang. They’ve shown they’ve got the recipe for mild success; they are happy with mild success it seems; but they’ve got to hope those ingredients haven’t gone a bit stale. The Saint are definitely stale. An aging roster with a mid-at-best QB, talent that is long in the tooth and cresting if not already over the hill, a lack of vision from the coaching staff, and several players penciled in as starters that may not be ready to go come September. That said, they have no money so cannot be blamed entirely for the lack of innovation, and have brought in some interesting pieces to the defensive side of the ball (Willie Gay, Chase Young etc), but can that be enough? All this and much, much more on your one-stop shop for news, views, and overreactions to all things NFL, the All Four Quarters podcast!