3 Reasons why Panthers will win the NFC South in 2023

The NFC South is going to be one of the most confusing, yet competitive divisions in the NFL this season. The New Orleans Saints brought in free agent quarterback Derek Carr to lead their offense. The Atlanta Falcons are still trying to figure out how to contend. Of course, the biggest news in the division is that Tom Brady retired, which provoked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign Baker Mayfield.

However, the sleepiest team in the division might be the Carolina Panthers. They hired veteran head coach Frank Reich to lead them into the future as they look to make a splash with the No. 1 overall pick.

Not only is Carolina expected to choose their franchise signal-caller at No. 1 overall, but they have also made some big free-agent signings. This is just part of the list of reasons why Carolina will win the NFC South in 2023.

1. Splash Free Agent Signings

A season after Carolina cut ties with key franchise pieces in Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, they've helped replace the void left by those players.

The Panthers signed veteran All-Pro receiver Adam Thielen and former Pro Bowl wide receiver D.J. Chark away from the Minnesota Vikings. In addition, veteran tight end Hayden Hurst signed a new contract in Charlotte to become the team's new starting tight end.

Miles Sanders, a 1,000-yard running back who was a dominant ball carrier in Philadelphia, was perhaps Carolina's best signing.

That is a lot of weapons for head coach Frank Reich to work with. Assuming Carolina goes quarterback with the first overall pick, this offense should be as exciting as any in the NFL.

2. Frank Reich's Experience

Since Ron Rivera was the Panthers' head coach for nine seasons(2011-2019), the team has lacked consistency and experience. Frank Reich was one of the most experienced coaches on the market, but he was unemployed. He brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers.

He spent over three decades in the NFL as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. As offensive coordinator, he assisted Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles in winning the Super Bowl in 2017. He was most notably the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts for just over four seasons. He has a 40-33-1 career record and has helped the Colts reach the playoffs twice during his tenure.

Throughout his playing and coaching career, Reich has been around the likes of Jim Kelly, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Andrew Luck. It is obvious that whoever the Panthers select at No. 1 overall, assuming it is a quarterback, will be set up for immediate success thanks to Frank Reich's leadership.

3. Relatively Weak Division

At the moment, the NFC South is in a state of flux. Since Matt Ryan and Julio Jones were together, the Atlanta Falcons have not been in playoff contention. Tampa Bay is not as strong without Tom Brady. Dennis Allen, the Saints' head coach, has a 15-38 career record(.283). Since the division is wide open, the competition will be fierce, but no team appears to be head and shoulders above the rest.

In free agency, the Panthers made some big moves. They hired an experienced head coach. They still hold the number one overall pick. The Carolina Panthers have a good chance of winning this division if they stick with what they're doing now.