Brees, Brady give ‘Quarterback South’ top 2 all-time passers

Dan Quinn says NFC South has earned a new moniker.

Atlanta Falcons coach notes division “is turning into Quarterback South.”

Tom Bry’s arrival has raised stakes.

“I think in this division, you h better be rey to bring it,” Quinn said.

priority to “bring it” on defense was evident in NFL draft, as shock waves from Bry’s move from New England to Tampa Bay were felt throughout division. quarterback standards in division are exceptionally high.

When Bry signed with Buccaneers, NFC South owned three of top 10 passing leers in NFL history. Drew Brees of three-time defending division champion New Orleans is No. 1. Bry has second-most yards. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan is No. 10.

“I think it makes whole division even more competitive than it alrey is,” Quinn said. “... I think it just ds to a strength of what I alrey thought was a strong division.”

Carolina became first team in common draft era to use all of its draft picks on defensive players. Atlanta ded defensive help with four of its six picks. After Carolina took Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown in first round, Atlanta grabbed Brown’s partner on defensive front, Marlon Davidson , in second round. Each will be chasing Bry and Brees.

Saints coach Sean Payton says Bry, a six-time Super Bowl champion, has brought “a big change” to South.

“Obviously you defend his talent ... which is outstanding, but it’s also what he brings to rest of team,” Payton said. “One of great strengths a player like Tom has is those ors around him get better, and I’m sure we will see an entirely different of Tampa Bay team because of his presence. He was a great sign by Tampa. This division has gotten a lot stronger.”

Tampa Bay also tred for Bry’s longtime tight end in New England, Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski’s return from a one-year retirement gives Bry a familiar target. If healthy, Gronkowski’s value on third downs and in red zone could be crucial for a team without a playoff appearance since 2007.

SUPER BOWL DREAMS

Suddenly Buccaneers, 7-9 last season, are viewed as Super Bowl contenders. Vegasinsider.com rates Tampa Bay and New Orleans as co-favorites in division. Among NFC teams, only San Francisco is given better odds to win Super Bowl.

Asked if his team can reach Super Bowl, Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said “I think so.”

“I don’t think talent will be issue wher we make playoffs or not,” Arians said. “Now Super Bowl, re’s some luck that comes with that, like staying healthy and some or things. But talent will not be an issue to keep us out playoffs, no.”

NEW “KID” IN TOWN

After 20 seasons with Patriots, Bry, 42, is a newcomer to NFC South and has much to learn about his new division rivals.

“se teams know each or so well and I didn’t play this division but once every four years, so I’ve got to learn players, I’ve got to learn schemes,” Bry said. “re’s a lot of things I have to learn and get up to speed on. That’s where all my time and energy will be focused on, and also learning my teammates.”

REPLACING CAM

New Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater replaces Cam Newton, who was released. Bridgewater has unenviable task of meeting standards set by Quarterback South members.

Brees and Bry have won Super Bowls. Ryan and Bry have been league MVP. Bridgewater, 27, started a combined six games last two seasons as Brees’ backup in New Orleans.

“I feel like I am only one who hasn’t proved himself in this league,” Bridgewater said. “I feel like re is an opportunity for me. Being in a division with two guys who won MVPs and two guys who won Super Bowls, that is a great feeling to be among those guys. I just have to work hard to try to get up to those guys’ level.”

NEW HOME FOR WINSTON

Bry is replacing Jameis Winston, who agreed to a one-year deal with New Orleans. Winston will play behind Brees in role formerly held by Bridgewater. Saints alrey have re-signed versatile backup Taysom Hill.

YOUNG SECONDARY

Falcons first-rounder A.J. Terrell of Clemson will be expected to contribute at cornerback. He’ll join Isaiah Oliver and Kendall Sheffield, who were ded in last two drafts, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, in his third season, to form a young cast at cornerback — a group that will be tested by Brees and Bry.

“Those are two great quarterbacks, and y’re going to get my best out re when I’m on field,” Terrell said, ding he must “earn my respect.”