NFC South Preview

Part two of an eight part series examining each division in the NFL leading up to the start of the regular season. Last time we looked at the home of the defending champs, the AFC South. Now we will look at its counterpart in the NFC, the NFC South.

New Orleans Saints
The Saints are very much like the Indianapolis Colts, short of the track record. They own a high powered offense - ranked number one last season; above the Colts - and a suspect defense. But the Colts proved that the only requirement of a defense when the offense is that good is to be good enough to play over its head in January. And in a weak NFC, all of this makes the Saints an early favorite to represent their conference in the Super Bowl. It is only natural to expect the Saints to come back down to earth after a "magical" season last year. However, this offense is the real deal. Two great backs, a great QB, a good young receiver, a solid offensive line, and great play calling make them a can't miss to score points. The defense is a different story. There is potential for a decension from this unit after a good year last season. But, they will only be asked to limits teams to three touchdowns and change.
Prediction: 12-4

Carolina Panthers
Who are the Carolina Panthers? Are they the Cinderella team that made it to the Super Bowl? Are they the team that failed to match high expectations because of a bubonic-type rash of injuries? Or are they the team that simply failed to match high expectations? This season should show us that they are somewhere in between. There is still plenty of talent on this team; both at the skill positions and in the trenches. But their inconsistencies mirror those of their QB, Jake Delhomme. If Delhomme can match his play from the Panther's Super Bowl run, the Panthers can be a major force in the NFC. Julius Peppers is still one of the most dominant defensive forces in the league, and Steve Smith is still one of the most dominant players on the offensive side. The talent is there at the running back position, with DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams, but it all will fall apart if "Mistake Jake" is behind center.
Prediction: 9-7

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will continue to transform from the defensive powerhouse that Tony Dungy helped build to the high powered offense that Jon Gruden loves. And depending on how smoothly that transition goes, this could be a playoff team in the jumbled middle tier of NFC teams. Gruden finally has a QB in Jeff Garcia that fits his mold perfectly: a smart, fiery, veteran capable of throwing for a high percentage. Garica, who ressurrected his career in Philadelphia last season, should have a good season in Tampa. The problems lie on defense. Not many players are left from that 2002 Super Bowl team, and the ones that are, have simply lost a step. If the young players, including first round pick Gaines Adams, can step up and contribute this season, Tampa could return to the playoffs.
Prediciton: 9-7

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were going to have a rough season even before Michael Vick got caught breaking the law. Things could be ugly this season as Vick was good for a couple wins solely from his legs. But what they lose in the running department, they gain in the passing department. With Joey Harrington, you say? Yes. Harrington has obviously shown he is unworthy of the expectations put upon him in Detroit, and to some extent Miami, but remember: With Vick, the Falcons had the 32nd ranked passing offense last season. Harrington won't pile up the stats - or even wins for that matter - but he should provide a more consistent presence in the air than Vick did (which isn't saying much, I know). Don't expect any triumph over adversity, feel good stories like New Orleans last season coming out of Atlanta this season. Having your star convicted of killing dogs is a little different than having your city and fan base destroyed and displaced by mother nature. Oh, and the Falcons simply won't be winning too much.
Prediction: 4-12