Division claims league’s top 2 all-time passers
Dan Quinn says the NFC South has earned a new moniker.
The Atlanta Falcons coach notes the division “is turning into Quarterback South.”
Tom Brady’s arrival has raised the stakes.
“I think in this division, you had better be ready to bring it,” Quinn said.
The priority to “bring it” on defense was evident in the NFL draft, as shock waves from Brady’s move from New England to Tampa Bay were felt throughout the division. The quarterback standards in the division are exceptionally high.
When Brady signed with the Buccaneers, the NFC South owned three of the top 10 passing leaders in NFL history. Drew Brees of three-time defending division champion New Orleans is No. 1. Brady has the second-most yards. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan is No. 10.
“I think it makes the whole division even more competitive than it already is,” Quinn said. “... I think it just adds to a strength of what I already thought was a strong division.”
Carolina became the first team in the common draft era to use all of its draft picks on defensive players. Atlanta added defensive help with four of its six picks. After Carolina took Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown in the first round, Atlanta grabbed Brown’s partner on the defensive front, Marlon Davidson, in the second round. Each will be chasing Brady and Brees.
Saints coach Sean Payton says Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion, has brought “a big change” to the South.
“Obviously you defend his talent ... which is outstanding, but it’s also what he brings to the rest of the team,” Payton said. “One of the great strengths a player like Tom has is those others around him get better, and I’m sure we will see an entirely different type of Tampa Bay team because of his presence. He was a great sign by Tampa. This division has gotten a lot stronger.”
Tampa Bay also traded for Brady’s longtime tight end in New England, Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski’s return from a one-year retirement gives Brady a familiar target. If healthy, Gronkowski’s value on third downs and in the red zone could be crucial for a team without a playoff appearance since 2007.
SUPER BOWL DREAMS
Suddenly the Buccaneers, 7-9 last season, are viewed as Super Bowl contenders. Vegasinsider.com rates Tampa Bay and New Orleans as co-favorites in the division. Among NFC teams, only San Francisco is given better odds to win the Super Bowl.
Asked if his team can reach the Super Bowl, Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said “I think so.”
“I don’t think talent will be the issue whether we make the playoffs or not,” Arians said. “Now the Super Bowl, there’s some luck that comes with that, like staying healthy and some other things. But talent will not be an issue to keep us out the playoffs, no.”
REPLACING CAM
New Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaces Cam Newton, who was released. Bridgewater has the unenviable task of meeting the standards set by Quarterback South members.
Brees and Brady have won Super Bowls. Ryan and Brady have been league MVP. Bridgewater, 27, started a combined six games the last two seasons as Brees’ backup in New Orleans.