It’s common knowledge in sports that if you take care of your own business, you don’t have to worry about anybody else as far as the standings are concerned.

While this is entirely true, getting some help along the way is never a bad thing. This column will be completely dedicated to the results of the other three NFC South teams throughout the season; hopefully we’ll be able to bask in their failures together.

This article series’ sole purpose will be to take a look at the weekly performances of the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers and to look at how the NFC South is shaping up week in and week out.

Chicago Bears 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19

The Bucs and Bears squared off on Thursday night this week; the result was Nick Foles getting the better of Tom Brady and proving that Chicago’s hot start to the season may not be a fluke.

The Bucs defense locked up early on and the offense secured points on three of their first four drives to take a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter. It felt like Tom Brady and company would cruise to a 4-1 start. However, the Bears defense tightened up and surrendered just six points the rest of the way.

A late first half sequence flipped the game on its head when the Bears went on a 10-play touchdown scoring drive and then scored again just a minute and 12 seconds later following a fumble recovery by the defense. Each team kicked just two field goals and were kept out of the end zone in a defensive second half struggle, but that was just enough to help squeak out a win for the Bears.

Foles had 243 passing yards and one passing touchdown along with one interception. David Montgomery had 29 rushing yards and a score to lead the team, and he added 30 receiving yards. Allen Robinson was the leading receiver with 90 yards.

Brady had 253 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Ronald Jones had a game high 106 rushing yards. Tyler Johnson was the surprising leading receiver with 61 yards.

NFC South Standings after Week 5

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2 overall record; 0-1 division record) - Next vs. Packers

2. Carolina Panthers (3-2 overall record; 1-0 division record) - Next vs. Bears

3. New Orleans Saints (2-2 overall record; 1-0 division record) - Next vs. Chargers (MNF)

4. Atlanta Falcons (0-5 overall record; 0-1 division record) - Next at Vikings