Falcons’ Penix and Buccaneers’ Mayfield aiming to help rebounding teams take control of NFC South

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Welcome to the NFC South, where inconsistency and seemingly disastrous starts to this season have not undermined the aspirations of the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.After all, it is a division won by teams finishing with losing records two of the past four seasons, including a year ago when Carolina, the Falcons and Bucs all went 8-9. The Panthers by tiebreaker claimed their first title since 2015 and currently sit atop the standings again with a 3-3 record.Atlanta (3-4) and Tampa Bay (2-5) are lurking despite slow starts, with each hoping to bolster bids to take control of a wide-open race when the rivals meet Sunday.With Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, the Falcons have won three of five following an 0-2 start that included a 31-point loss at Carolina. The third-year pro, who missed much of lase season with a knee injury, is coming off throwing for three touchdowns without an interception in a 29-20 victory over previously unbeaten San Francisco.The Bu