EXCLUSIVE: "It's setting up really nicely for them" - Former Falcons HC Mike Smith tips Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to win NFC South title
Through 11 weeks in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in first place in their division with a mediocre 5-5 record.
They're currently just half a game ahead of the 5-6 Atlanta Falcons for first place, and the New Orleans Saints aren't too far behind them at 4-7.
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith spoke in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda and revealed who he thinks will win the division.
NFC SOUTH STANDINGS:
(After 11 Weeks)
Buccaneers (5-5)
Falcons (5-6)
Saints (4-7)
Panthers (3-8)
Smith thinks that the Buccaneers' easy schedule for the remainder of the season will help them win more games toward the end of the season.
Smith said:
"I think it's setting up really nicely for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers right now. And we talked about it. The south and the north are the two weakest divisions. One team is going to come out of each of those divisions.
"That means you got to win it, and it lines up very well. You mentioned you know, they got the bye week. And then five of the seven teams that they have to play in the second half of the season have losing records. So they've got the easiest path on paper."
Smith added that the Bucs have to stay healthy but always find a way to finish games. He picked them over the Saints to win the division.
He added:
"They got to stay healthy. There's no doubt about that. Everybody has to do that. But we mentioned the running back, you know. Tom Brady has had two games in a row where he's had his trademark, last drive in the fourth quarter.
"Don't give him the ball at the end of the game. Find a way to keep it 00 or under five seconds and they got 80 yards to go. Because, if not, he's gonna figure out a way to get it done. I hate to say it, Reg (Reggie Smith), but your hometown Saints, it ain't happening, bro."
Can Tom Brady win another Super Bowl for the city of Tampa Bay?
Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and did the unthinkable and won a Super Bowl with them in his first season with the team.
The Bucs went 11-5 and placed second in the NFC South, earning them a wildcard berth. They went on to win the Super Bowl and looked to repeat the following season.
In 2021, they improved their record and went 13-4, winning the division. The Bucs fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.
The Bucs could and will likely make the playoffs this postseaso,n and it could be Brady's last shot at winning one more Super Bowl.
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