NFC South Preview

The NFC South might just be the most unpredictable division in the league. There are no dominant teams and the division title is always up for grabs. The phrase “worst to first” was crowned by the NFC South, where going from last in the division one year to first in the division the very next year is almost commonplace. Again this year, we may see another changing of the guard.

1) New Orleans Saints

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 10-6

The Saints made some improvements to their defense this offseason that should help get them back on the right track after a very bumpy 2007 season. Acquiring LB Jonathan Vilma via trade and DT Sedrick Ellis via the draft were clear examples of how the Saints look to bolster their defense. They have great offensive weapons with QB Drew Brees, RB Reggie Bush, WR Marques Colston, and newly acquired TE Jeremy Shockey who was acquired from the Giants for two draft picks. The health of Deuce McAllister should be a big concern for them as they struggled last year without the bruising back. New Orleans can put up points in a hurry and are very dangerous when Brees gets in his rhythm. The only problem with the Saints is their dismal secondary which ranked 25th in points allowed and 30th in pass yards allowed last season. Not much was done to develop that secondary this offseason and that could be a potential hazard for them in close games.    

2) Carolina Panthers

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 10-6

The Panthers had a lot to endure last season with their starting quarterback missing most of the season due to injury and poor performances from the QBs that followed. Carolina could not get into a rhythm on offense or defense. Despite all their mishaps they only missed the playoffs by one game. This year their starter Jake Delhomme is back healthy after a successful surgery and rehab. Several free agent offensive guards and tackles were acquired in an effort to strengthen the protection up front. The Panthers drafted RB Jonathan Stewart and OT Jeff Otah in the first round to augment their running game. They also added veteran WR Muhsin Muhammed and a dependable WR DJ Hackett to provide support for perennial playmaker Steve Smith. On defense they rearranged their defensive line and added youth in the trenches after a lackluster performance from the 2007 group. Despite having a rough season last year, Julius Peppers should re-establish himself as a premier probowl caliber DE once again. The Panthers added depth in their secondary as well as their linebacking core via the draft and free agency. They are solid in every category except defensive line and Julius Peppers can certainly change that with an impressive showing this year. Here is a wildcard team that can definitely make some noise in the playoffs.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record last year: 9-7 / Projected: 7-9

There are several issues surrounding the Buccaneers this season including aging playmakers Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn and Joey Galloway most notably. The loss of their ultimate sledgehammer Mike Alstott has got to hurt, not to mention the uncertainty of the health of Cadillac Williams. Tampa did, however, sign Earnest Graham to a 3 year extension as well as drafting CB Aquib Talib and WR Dexter Jackson who has explosive potential. They still have a good veteran team even though they are a bit aged. The Bucs will still be a tough match-up for any team and should not to be taken lightly, but their chances of making the playoffs in 2008 are slim.

4) Atlanta Falcons

Record last year: 4-12 / Projected: 1-15

The Atlanta Falcons have gone through quite a bit of turmoil lately. Their entire identity was overhauled when they drafted QB Matt Ryan with their first pick in the draft, giving the franchise a new look. Trading DeAngelo Hall to Oakland makes a huge difference in the Falcons secondary. However, they did acquire a future phenom in RB Michael Turner from San Diego to add some needed firepower to a stagnant offense. In 2008, this team will have a lot to overcome in order to have a successful season. A young and inexperienced secondary, below average defensive line, linebackers, and wide receivers. Not to mention a quarterback situation that is unenviable. This appears to be a classic rebuilding year for Atlanta as their new franchise QB gets welcomed to the NFL.

Here is the NFC South picture as we see it, feel free to share your input.

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