Coming into the 2023 NFL season, the NFC South was shaping up to be arguably the worst division in the league, with some believing that a losing record might be enough to win the division title and make it to the NFL playoffs.
Even though the Carolina Panthers have yet to register a win with rookie quarterback Bryce Young under center, the three other teams in the division have done better than expected up to this point in the season.
On Sunday, the top two teams in the division went head-to-head with first place in the NFC South on the line.
After a hard-fought battle between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Smith’s squad was able to come out on top due to a game-winning field goal.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Falcons head coach spoke to the media and had high praise for his quarterback Desmond Ridder.
“It’s his 11th start, just got a good win, so let’s give him some credit, give this team so credit. We found a way to win. I know this about Desmond Ridder: He’s tough, and he’s a winner.” Smith said.
#Falcons coach Arthur Smith, on his QB Desmond Ridder: “It’s his 11th start, just got a good win, so let’s give him some credit, give this team some credit. We found a way to win. I know this about Desmond Ridder: He’s tough, and he’s a winner.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2023
The Falcons have been an up-and-down team this season with seemingly no identity other than having one of the best young running backs in the league to build around in Bijan Robinson, who unexpectedly didn’t make an impact in this game due to not feeling like himself.
Despite not having Robinson at 100% on Sunday, Atlanta was able to go blow for blow with the Buccaneers, with this being a game of field goals outside of the first quarter.
Unless the New Orleans Saints can turn it on in the second half of the season, the NFC South division title will likely be one of these two teams, with the Falcons having the edge moving forward.
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