Where do the Atlanta Falcons fall in NFC South in 2023?

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Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tampa Bay Bucs

Even if Tom Brady does return to Tampa which seems very unlikely this Tampa team is still the third-best team in the division at best. Brady elevated this team in the two seasons since the Super Bowl with the defense unable to play at close to the level they were before winning it all. Whether it was the Super Bowl win that derailed this team or simply getting older Tampa isn’t to be feared in the division anymore.

With Kyle Trask their current starting quarterback option, there is a strong chance Tampa ends the season competing with New Orleans for the first pick in the draft if Brady doesn’t return. Even with Tom Brady, this is a team that almost lost to the Marcus Mariota-led Falcons and had to fight back from a double-digit deficit against Sam Darnold and the Panthers to lock up the division.

With another off-season of development and both with far more cap space, it is obvious the Panthers and Falcons are passing Tampa and outside of hoping to re-sign Brady there isn’t much Tampa can do to change this.

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