This season is full of interesting plots with old faces in new places, the Brett Favre saga, and off-season hold outs. These story lines will most certainly have an effect on the outcome of certain teams season's. Injuries have ravaged certain teams, and might open some doors for some clubs to pass the teams that are considered superior in rankings. This post is about the NFC South.
NFC SOUTH:
1. Atlanta Falcons-
Offense: The young Falcons offense is set for a tremendous year. I feel like QB Matt Ryan could be one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year with all of his weapons, like WR Roddy White and veteran TE Tony Gonzales. And let's not forget Micheal Turner and the running game. Turner was one of the top running backs a couple years ago, and after last years slow and injury plagued performance, he wants to show he's not a one year wonder. WR Harry Douglas has had a strong offseason and could contribute more than his fair share to this offense. I believe this unit will be one to watch in the Falcons run for the Super Bowl.
Defense: This defense looks better on paper, but will the offseason additions convert to production on the field? Most of the playmakers on defense, including LB Mike Peterson, DE John Abraham, and S Eric Coleman are veterans looking for a ring before it's too late. The younger side of the ball includes S Thomas Decoud, CB Dunta Robinson, LB Curtis Lofton and rookie LB Sean Weatherspoon. This good mix of veteran leadership and young talent should combine to form a strong defense, capable of stopping some of the better offenses in the league.
Season Result: The Falcons are my team to beat in the NFC South. They will finish on top with an explosive offense and will be 11-5, 12-4.
2. New Orleans Saints-
Offense: A high octane passing attack headed by one of the NFLs best quarterbacks, complemented by a strong running game with two great backs.... What else could you ask for? Drew Brees set records last year completing 70% of his passing and led the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory. With this offense sticking together for another year, a repeat of the offensive success is likely. Marques Colston and Co. will get get plenty of throws from Brees and beat defensive coverages. The running game will be a two headed monster from Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Both running backs will give linebackers fits coming out of the backfield.
Defense: A pretty complete defense will do wonders again for the Saints. MLB Jonathan Vilma is as smart as they come at linebacker, and is the quarterback on the field for the defense. Around him, there is plenty of talent. The D-Line has two beast players in run stopping DT Sedrick Ellis and pass rushing DE Will Smith. Their secondary is still impressive depsite missing last year's superstar safety, Darren Sharper. Jabari Greer was a great addition at cornerback, while the man playing corner on the other side, Tracy Porter, is coming along nicely.
Season Results: The Falcons and Saints will duke it out all season for this division. It is quite possible that the Saints end up on top again. But the Saints will have every team going after them which will make things so much harder. They finish 11-5.
3. Carolina Panthers-
Offense: The Panther possess the best 1-2 punch at running back in the league with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Both are Pro-Bowl caliber running backs and both ran for 1000 yards last year. Their offense line remains stellar. The questions lie in the passing game. QB Matt Moore needs to continue his late season success from last year, as he was one the best last year towards the end of the season. But who will he throw to? WR Steve Smith is one of the best in the league, but is the only legitimate pass-catcher of the group. It will be a situation to watch as the year goes on.
Defense: So, with no Julius Peppers, who will get to the QB for the Panthers. To be honest, I don't know. When I look at their D-Line roster I see no names that pop out at me. Except for maybe Tyler Brayton. Pass rush will be an area of struggle for this team for sure. Promising LB Dan Conner, and All-Pro LB Jon Beason will lead this defense, and in the secondary Chris Gamble will make his plays. I think in the end, it will be a good defense, but nothing too amazing.
Season Results: The Panthers, though young and talented, are nowhere near the Falcons or Saints. They will not make the playoffs at 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-
Offense: Well, it's a young offense. Really young. Second year pro Josh Freeman will lead a team with no established receivers (besides Kellen Winslow Jr.). As a matter of fact, the Buccs receivers are probably the worst in the league. However, rookie wide receiver Mike Williams has had a strong off-season and could emerge as Josh Freeman's "go-to" guy. This will be a team that runs the ball with Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Williams could be the Buccs best player if he stays healthy. Unfortunately I think that Tampa fans will have to wait till next year for a truly better offense.
Defense: This D might be better than people give it credit for. The addition of Sean Jones at safety gives them another playmaker in the secondary besides Aqib Talib and the aged Ronde Barber. Meanwhile Barrett Ruud and Geno Hayes at linebacker have looked great the past couple years. First round pick Gerald Mccoy might be their best player with his hand in the dirt, which is a bit questionable.
Season Results: There are some talented young players on this roster, but not enough to make a serious play-off team. These Buccs will end up with 5 wins tops. There are better days to come.
Stay tuned, the next post will be on the AFC East!
No comments:
Post a Comment