The trade deadline is this week. Should we expect any major moves for the team?
No, we don’t anticipate any major moves at the trade deadline. We really like the team we have, both the starters and the depth we’ve built, and we’ve also got a strong practice squad. We’re pushed up against the salary cap this season, so any movement we make will likely come from within the building rather than external acquisitions. We’re coming off a Super Bowl win, and we’ve made a point of keeping a good portion of our core group intact. We believe in the guys we have here and feel strongly about the roster we’ve put together. The focus is on continuing to build chemistry, execute our game plan, and let the players already in our locker room continue to grow and perform. We’ve got the talent we need to compete, and we’re confident in our ability to keep pushing forward with the roster we’ve established.
What can you attribute to having one of the top-scoring teams in the league to this point?
What has contributed to our status as one of the top-scoring teams in the league this season is a combination of dynamic playmaking, consistency, and a deep, talented roster across the board. It all starts with Kurtis Rourke. He’s quickly becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the PML, and his ability to make throws that others simply won’t attempt is a huge asset for our offense. Sure, he can sometimes push the envelope and put the ball in dangerous situations, but more often than not, he makes those high-risk throws pay off. His confidence and belief in his ability to make any throw are what set him apart, and that belief permeates through the entire offense.
Our wide receiver room is, without a doubt, one of the best in the league. Felton, Palmer, and Williams are all players who could be WR1 on many teams, but here they thrive in a system where they complement one another. They feed off each other’s strengths, creating mismatches for opposing defenses. With Culp at tight end, we have another major weapon. He’s a nightmare for defenders, too fast for linebackers and too strong for defensive backs. The mismatch potential he creates is a huge advantage, especially in the red zone. Then, we have Rachaad White, who might just be the most complete back in the league. He’s capable of doing it all – running, catching, blocking – and he brings a consistency that elevates our entire offensive scheme.
Behind him, we have a running back group that is deep and full of guys with specialized skill sets. From White to the other backs, each one brings something unique to the table, giving us flexibility in the run game. Our offensive line, while young, is incredibly talented. The line has grown quickly this season and has done a great job of giving Kurtis the time he needs to make his throws and opening lanes for our backs. Wirfs, in particular, is a steady presence on Rourke’s blindside and has been a stabilizing force. Overall, we’re just a complete team with talent at every spot. From the quarterback to the offensive line, we have the pieces to be successful, and it shows in our ability to put up points week in and week out.
How do you see the competition level in the NFC South currently?
The competition in the NFC South right now is the best it’s ever been. The Panthers and Falcons have both made major strides and are putting everyone on notice. It’s not just about us anymore – this division is stacked, and it’s exciting to see three teams from the NFC South currently in the playoff picture. The level of talent across the board has drastically improved, and people can no longer underestimate this division.
For years, there was a narrative that the NFC South wasn’t as competitive, but that has completely changed. Now, we’re not only seeing competitive rosters, but we’re also seeing results to back it up. The Super Bowl champions from this division are proof of that, and it’s clear that the NFC South is not a division to take lightly. From top to bottom, the teams in this division have shown they can compete with the best of the best. The talent we have in terms of roster building, depth, and now performance on the field is as good as any division in the PML. It’s going to be a battle every week, and that’s what makes it so exciting. The competition has never been fiercer, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.