NFC South Divisional Update: Week 5

Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano reacts during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have been nothing short of disappointing through four weeks of football. They have a lackluster 1-3 record, losing to the New Orleans Saints in Week one, the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 and the New England Patriots in Week four. The Falcons are headed for a rough road to the playoffs, as they currently sit three games behind the NFC South divisional leader, the New Orleans Saints.

This week has been a crazy week for the NFC South. Here how the standings shake out after the first quarter of the season.

1- New Orleans Saints (4-0, 2-0) 

2- Carolina Panthers (1-2, 0-0) 

3- Atlanta Falcons (1-3, 0-1) 

4- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4, 0-1) 

The Saints look like the best team in the division, and it isn’t even close. They have the best quarterback in the division in Drew Brees. They have the healthiest team in the division, as well as the best head coach in the division in Sean Payton. Rob Ryan has the Saints’ defense under control. They seem to be back to Super Bowl threat level status.

It is the complete opposite paradox down in Tampa Bay. The Bucs released quarterback Josh Freeman today after there was no interest in trades around the league. The situation in Tampa is quite frankly a train wreck. Coach Greg Schiano is not respected in the locker room and even around the league. Jim Core, a 2012 replacement ref, said this about Schiano.

"“He’s college,’’ Core said. “The rest of them acted at a different level. You could just tell working with them, they were at a different level than what I felt like he was.’’"

This is reflecting into the locker room, as he has little to no respect in that locker room.  Darrelle Revis was outspoken about the fact he didn’t like Schiano. The Buccaneers are headed for a long, dark path filled with regret and sorrow.

It doesn’t appear as if this division is up for grabs-or anywhere near it. The Saints are the strongest team in the division, as much as it hurts me to say it.