NFC South Buzz: Baker Mayfield, Falcons D shines, Saints rumors & more

What’s the buzz in the NFC South.  As the NFL preseason gets underway, the Atlanta Falcons defense steals the show vs the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints sign a Pro Bowl linebacker, down in Tampa, Baker Mayfield has a grip on the Buccaneers QB position and look at the Carolina Panthers top rookie.

Now that Tom Brady is no longer in the NFC South, the team that emerges in the division will likely have the best quarterback situation.  Somehow that could be Mayfield with the Buccaneers at least this season.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield looking to take charge in the NFC South

While he is in a QB competition with Kyle Trask, it is Mayfield’s job to lose as long as he stays consistent throwing the ball.  As the more experienced quarterback, Mayfield won round 1 in the preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  In four drives, Mayfield completed 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown.

While Trask did some good things as well, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was complementary of the veteran quarterback.

"“He was composed.  He did a good job running the offense,” Bowles said following the game, via The Sporting News.  “He made the plays he was supposed to make.  We’re satisfied.”"

Mayfield was in command of the offense during his stint on the field, showcased by this touchdown to rookie Trey Palmer:

Talk about perfect ball placement.  Buccaneers fans hopes this translates to the regular season and so does Mayfield who was happy with the results, but knows there is more work to do.

"“Felt good for the most part,” Mayfield said.  “Just operationally, we need to be a lot more clean on the offensive front.”"

The Buccaneers lost the preseason opener against the Steelers 27-17, but the quarterback play was a bright spot to start the preseason.  Now let’s move to a team who stole the show defensively.