John Clayton on NFC South

[FalconMama]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=lastcall08/week6

2. Error of their ways

Here's the deal in the NFC South: The team that makes the fewest mistakes should win the division. The Panthers and Saints are the sexy picks because of their styles, but both teams are letting the Bucs and, yes, the Falcons, slip into the mix because the latter two teams aren't making many mistakes. Sunday's easy win over the Raiders notwithstanding -- by the way, Al Davis' coaching change didn't help -- the Saints have driven their fans crazy with too many penalties, too many turnovers and a defense that has given up too many big plays.

The Panthers draw too many false-start penalties. And on Sunday, Jason Baker had another punt blocked -- his third this season. A blocked Baker punt in the first quarter handed the Bucs a seven-point lead in what turned out to be an easy 27-3 victory.

Meanwhile, the Bucs and Falcons are each 4-2 because they are boring but efficient. Bucs coach Jon Gruden probably stayed with Brian Griese a week too long as the starting QB. Jeff Garcia played well Sunday and the Bucs are tied for the division lead.

Atlanta coach Mike Smith is running an efficient offense and defense. Rookie QB Matt Ryan is playing like a six-year veteran and the defense isn't giving up big plays. The Falcons won ugly -- 22-20 over the Bears -- but it was pretty for Falcons fans.

[Bucman™®]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=lastcall08/week6

2. Error of their ways

Here's the deal in the NFC South: The team that makes the fewest mistakes should win the division. The Panthers and Saints are the sexy picks because of their styles, but both teams are letting the Bucs and, yes, the Falcons, slip into the mix because the latter two teams aren't making many mistakes. Sunday's easy win over the Raiders notwithstanding -- by the way, Al Davis' coaching change didn't help -- the Saints have driven their fans crazy with too many penalties, too many turnovers and a defense that has given up too many big plays.

The Panthers draw too many false-start penalties. And on Sunday, Jason Baker had another punt blocked -- his third this season. A blocked Baker punt in the first quarter handed the Bucs a seven-point lead in what turned out to be an easy 27-3 victory.

Meanwhile, the Bucs and Falcons are each 4-2 because they are boring but efficient. Bucs coach Jon Gruden probably stayed with Brian Griese a week too long as the starting QB. Jeff Garcia played well Sunday and the Bucs are tied for the division lead.

Atlanta coach Mike Smith is running an efficient offense and defense. Rookie QB Matt Ryan is playing like a six-year veteran and the defense isn't giving up big plays. The Falcons won ugly -- 22-20 over the Bears -- but it was pretty for Falcons fans.

"Letting"???

Come on John, The Panthers didn't "let" anything sunday.

[*NiteFalcon*]

"Letting"???

Come on John, The Panthers didn't "let" anything sunday.

lol cryptkeeper doesnt know what he's talking about. falcons boring?

[SaintsH8]

"Letting"???

Come on John, The Panthers didn't "let" anything sunday.

Yeah I agree, you guys beat them worst tan us lol.

[Norwood all the way!]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/notebook?page=lastcall08/week6

Meanwhile, the Bucs and Falcons are each 4-2 because they are boring but efficient.

efficient? sure. but boring!?!?!?! the falcons are not boring at all! i can see why the buccs would be boring :P

[HerFavoriteColo(u)r.]

I think our offense is exciting...