Relevant football is starting to make its way into the NFC South as we head into week eight of the 2108 NFL Season. The Saints have a tall task ahead of them with Minnesota and the Los Angles Rams in back to backs. Tampa Bay can win their next two games and move right into that number one spot if New Orleans flutters. Here’s what’s going on around the NFC South ahead of week eight.

Apple of my Eye

There has already been a lot of fireworks leading up to next week’s trade deadline. Not the least of which was the New Orleans Saints, who currently sit atop the NFC South, trading for Giants cornerback Eli Apple. Apple was a top ten draft pick in 2016, but has had issues in New York do to a lack of maturity. That being said, he has great physical tools and the sky’s the limit for his potential.

He now has a fresh start with the Saints and a real chance to take the number two corner job. As an added benefit to the Saints, Apple will be reunited with college teammates Marshon Lattimore. This gives them an instant familiarity and a support system that can help Apple put his personal issues behind him.

Another Broken Wing

The Falcons rotten injury luck continued this week. This time it was guard Brandon Fusco to go down. It was announced Tuesday that he would miss the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Giants. Fusco signed a three-year contract with the Falcons in the offseason as an upgrade to their already strong offensive line.

He now joins the likes of Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, Ricardo Allen, and Devonta Freeman on injured reserve. Adding another name to their long list of injuries is not what Atlanta needed as they try to claw their way back to a .500 record. They currently sit at 3-4 as they head into their bye week.

Keep pounding

The Panthers montra turned out to be more than just words last Sunday. After being beaten down by the Eagles for three-quarters, the Panthers were finally able to break through in the fourth quarter to overcome a seventeen point deficit. To beat the defending champions like this in their home field is impressive to say the least.

Personally I can say that this win went a long way in earning respect. I am starting to view Carolina as a legitimate playoff threat after this win. The schedule doesn’t get any easier in the future, so they still have a lot to prove, but it’s time to stop sleeping on this Panthers team.