Licht Says Falcons Should Be Top Pick in NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have thrived in an underdog spot. Last season, there was no anticipated direction for the team until Baker Mayfield hit his stride, the team won five of its last six and earned a spot in the NFC Divisional round.

Tampa Bay will return that group and look to defend its NFC South title for a fourth straight season. One would assume that level of prestige would give them the inside track heading into this season.

Instead, the edge has moved on the side of the rival Atlanta Falcons. The team signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a roster abundant with talent across its lines and skilled positions.

Rather than push back against the Falcons hype, Bucs general manager Jason Licht conceded that their divisional foe deserves their credit.

"That's great," said Licht to Tampa Bay media. "Only when they take shots, but they should be picking the Falcons."

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The praise certainly piled on the Bucs after an unexpected turnaround to claim their third straight South title. They were primed to claim the position as the favorite before Atlanta's big move, but that has since changed.

Does Licht truly believe this? Possible. More than likely though, it is a motivational ploy. The Bucs have proven to thrive in the underdog spot and there is no need for further prove than his starting quarterback.

Mayfield and his team will not have to wait long into the season to end a message to their rival. The Bucs and Falcons will meet for the first time on October 3 in Atlanta for Thursday Night Football.