The New Orleans Saints are the only team in the NFC South to walk away from Week 6 without a victory. To make matters worse, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons all had victories that made you feel optimistic about the future.
While the rest of the division was racking up statement victories, the Saints had a statement loss. Now, this game was nowhere near as bad as New Orleans' loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That was a game that put the Saints back in worse team in the league conversations. This loss to the New England Patriots was notable, however, as the Saints had some of their deficiencies exposed by a team that isn't that far away from them.
The Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup that once again highlighted the rising profile of Baker Mayfield. They seemed destined for yet another NFC South division title, and have proven to be clutch with the game on the line. They're in a completely different place as an organization than the rest of the division. Saints could look towards the Falcons and Panthers' victories as potential glimpses into the future.
Saints aren't far from pulling off surprising wins like the Panthers and Falcons just did
The Falcons defeated the Buffalo Bills on primetime. They didn't skate by either. At no point did they trail against a team many looked at as a potential Super Bowl contender. The Falcons opened up with a touchdown on the first drive. The Bills tied it up, but after Atlanta scored again it controlled the game.
It was the first time this year the Falcons looked primed to deliver on the young investment into their offense. Bijan Robinson led the way with nearly 250 total yards, and Drake London topped 150 yards receiving.
The Panthers pulled off an unexpected victory versus the Cowboys. Rico Dowdle had yet another dominant day on the ground. Bryce Young had an efficient day and finally connected with Tetairoa McMillan in the end zone for the first time this season. Then did it again.
The one thing the Panthers and Falcons have in common is they're in their second year with a new head coach. That puts them one year ahead of the Saints in the timeline. The Saints have been scrappy and have played in some close games. The Panthers and Falcons still aren't world beaters, but those wins give the fan base optimism and excitement. The Saints' fight early suggests that isn't far away for New Orleans.