NFL Preview - NFC South

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - 2010 Record: 13-3 (1st)
What's new: Not a lot of off-season movement for the team that has been on the cusp of being one of the true elite teams in the NFL for years. They filled a need on the D-Line with DE Ray Edwards, and drafted speedy and talented WR Julio Jones in the first round as an added weapon for Matt Ryan to throw to.

Reasons to be optimistic: Matt Ryan and the corps of WRs make the Falcons one of the most dangerous passing teams in the NFL. They can score in a hurry, and defenses will be on their heals, especially if rookie Jones lives up to the hype. The defense is improved and should allow the Falcons to stay competitive in games where they aren't scoring 30+ points.

Reasons to worry: The running game was inconsistent last year, mainly due to injuries. Much of the Falcons' offense is predicated off play-action. If the running game continues to struggle, expect defenses to come after Ryan and force him to beat them quickly through the air. Defensive secondary still a concern to me.

2011 Prediction: 11-5, tie for first in the division

Carolina Panthers - 2010 record: 2-14 (4th)
What's new: Just about everything, starting with the head coach. After an abysmal season last year it was clear the John Fox era was over. The Panthers will begin their rebuilding effort under the tutelage of former Chargers defensive asst. Ron Rivera. They drafted the dynamic Cam Newton as their franchise QB, adn made a series of moves over the off-season to bring in veteran leadership and try to completely overhaul this team. Additions include LB- Jon Beason; RB- DeAngelo Williams; K- Olindo Mare; DE- Charles Johnson; QB- Derek Anderson; TE- Greg Olsen; TE- Jeremy Shockey; and former Charger WR- Legedu Naanee.


Reasons for optimism: Not many. Ron Rivera is a good coach, and in time this team will be competitive, but it's not going to be this year, for the most part. Cam Newton is athletic, fast, dynamic and exciting... but he's still very raw, error-prone and still has a lot to learn. I have my doubts about his ability to be a starting QB in the NFL ... I think Vince Young was a better pro prospect than Newton, and that hasn't gone so well for him (note: I wrote this before the 400+ yard game Newton put up against AZ this past week. It was impressive. And it was one week, against a terrible defense. I'm still not sold... yet).    


Reasons to worry: Well, a team coming off a 2-14 season is going to have obvious issues. Lots of them. The lines on both offense and defense are below average, the defensive secondary is suspect, and I'm not sure I believe in the RB tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Plus, a serious lack of NFL-level depth behind average starters will make it harder to compete over the long season. 


2011 Prediction: 3-13, 4th in the division


Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2010 Record: 10-6 (3rd)
What's new: The Bucs remained fairly quiet on the FA market this offseason, making only minor moves for DE Adrian Clayborn and former 1st round OT Jeremy Trueblood.


Reasons for optimism: The Bucs had a bit of a break-out season in 2010, as Raheem Morris led a group of young, hungry and athletic players no-one had really heard of before to a surprising 10-6 record. The Bucs have a solid, if not flashy, QB in Josh Freeman and a good WR corps led by emerging star Mike Williams. The defense is young and speedy, and should continue to improve.


Reasons to worry: They play in the NFC South, in my mind the toughest division in the NFL. They will have to play the Falcons and Saints 4 times, and while another 10 win season isn't out of the question, it might still not be enough to get into the playoffs.


2011 prediction: 9-7, 3rd in the division


New Orleans Saints - 2010 Record: 11-5 (2nd)
What's new: The Saints rid themselves of the mercurial Reggie Bush, a dangerous dual-threat back that when healthy was a huge part of the Saints offense. But Bush couldn't stay healthy, and the Saints couldn't rely on him so now Bush is in Miami. The Saints drafted the talented, but also injury-prone Mark Ingram and lured Darren Sproles away from the Chargers to restock the RB position. They also made a bevvy of other moves, picking up S Roman Harper and WR Lance Moore, among others. 


Reasons for Optimism: The Saints still have one of the top 3 QBs in football in Drew Brees. They also have what looks to be a very talented group of running backs that give them a blend of speed and strength, and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield that should allow the Saints to continue to be an elite offensive team. 


Reasons to worry: The defense. They lost steam quickly last year and seems unable to get off the field on 3rd down. I think the secondary is suspect and they will give up points. The offense will need to carry this team most nights. Luckily, on most nights they probably will. 


2011 Prediction: 11-5, tie for first in the division.