The New Orleans Saints are making dubious NFL history on Sunday. Along with their division rivals in the NFC South, they’re starting a new quarterback on Sunday, which in itself is only kind of interesting. But Elias Sports Bureau researchers found that this is the first time an entire division is trotting out new starters since 1973, when the AFC West experienced a total makeover.
So who are all of these new faces? Who are they replacing? Will they ultimately prove to be upgrades? Let’s explore each NFC South team’s situation under center:
Atlanta Falcons: Desmond Ridder
Replacing: Marcus Mariota (13 games)
Prior experience: 4 games as a rookie in 2022
Backup: Taylor Heinicke
Week 1 opponent: At home vs. Carolina Panthers (Noon CT on FOX)
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young
Replacing: Baker Mayfield (6 games), Sam Darnold (6 games), P.J. Walker (5 games)
Prior experience: Rookie
Backup: Andy Dalton
Week 1 opponent: On the road vs. Atlanta Falcons (Noon CT on FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield
Replacing: Tom Brady (17 games)
Prior experience: 72 games (69 starts) since 2018
Backup: Kyle Trask
Week 1 opponent: On the road vs. Minnesota Vikings (Noon CT on CBS)
New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr
Replacing: Andy Dalton (14 games), Jameis Winston (3 games)
Prior experience: 72 games (69 starts) since 2018
Backup: Kyle Trask
Week 1 opponent: On the road vs. Minnesota Vikings (Noon CT on CBS)
