In a turn of events few saw coming, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have surged to the top of the NFC South standings. Their Week 14 victory over the Raiders, combined with the Atlanta Falcons’ ongoing struggles, has the Bucs sitting alone in first place.

Just a few weeks ago, the Falcons looked like the clear frontrunners with a robust 6-3 record. Conversely, the Buccaneers were slumping at 4-6, their future as cloudy as a Tampa skyline before a storm.

But the Buccaneers, showing resilience and determination, have flipped the script. Now on a three-game winning streak, they boast a 7-6 record, while the Falcons have stumbled to 6-7 after dropping their last four matches. The dynamic of the NFC South has shifted drastically, and the stakes are high; only the division winner is guaranteed a spot in the postseason mix.

Adding to Atlanta’s woes is their continued commitment to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Despite throwing zero touchdowns and eight interceptions during this losing skid, head coach Raheem Morris remains steadfast in his support.

“I told you right from the beginning, [Penix is] our future,” Morris mentioned, emphasizing the virtue of patience. His reference is to Michael Penix Jr., the highly touted quarterback snagged with the eighth overall pick, just a few weeks after the Falcons committed a hefty $180 million to Cousins, even with his previous Achilles injury looming large in memory.

For Bucs fans, this is nothing short of a symphony. The Falcons’ allegiance to Cousins, irrespective of his recent struggles, is music to their ears.

It gives Tampa Bay one less thing to worry about as they gear up for a tough final stretch against the Chargers, Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints. Meanwhile, the Falcons face the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers.

The Bucs need to keep their foot on the gas and finish at least a game ahead, as the Falcons hold the tiebreaker with a season sweep over Tampa. While Penix might still get his chance under center, whether to build experience or if Cousins’ form doesn’t pick up, the Bucs hope that day doesn’t come anytime soon. They need the Falcons to continue riding with Cousins, as any shift in Atlanta’s quarterback strategy could potentially energize their faltering squad.

Tampa Bay eyes a fourth consecutive division title, hoping their newfound momentum and a bit of help from Atlanta’s decision-making will carry them to another playoff berth. The road to the top isn’t always smooth, but for now, the Buccaneers stand in the driver’s seat.