On the surface, this division looks like a two-horse race, which could be expanded to three should the Saints find some consistency. The Falcons, who should finally get that second-straight winning campaign, appear set to battle the Panthers for the division crown. And Carolina feels they have something to prove after a horrible start doomed them in 2004. The Saints could add some interest to the race, but in the end, they’ll likely find some way to be sitting at home in January. And the Buccaneers, who are still feeling the aftereffects of their Super Bowl win, will probably bring up the rear.
Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons have put together a very solid defense and a great running game, but quarterback Michael Vick has got to start making plays with his feet. He must also improve his ability to read defenses and has to become a more accurate passer. A true No. 1 target at wide out could go a long way toward making things simpler for Vick, and the team is hoping one of their last two first round-picks, Michael Jenkins (2004) or Roddy White (2005) will step up and complement Alge Crumpler at tight end as an offensive threat. Vick is still the hardest quarterback to defend in the league, and his big-play ability brings a lot to the table, but there is only so far he can lead this team with his legs.
However, a repeat of last year’s defensive performance, and the unpredictability of Vick, will keep this team in the playoff hunt,. The team is exceptionally deep at linebacker, especially with the free-agent additions of Edgerton Hartwell and Ike Reese. The secondary is another story. With the exception of cornerback DeAngelo Hall, they lack the consistent cover skills to play defensive coordinator Ed Donatell’s attacking defense and may be forced to play a lot more zone than he would like. But if Patrick Kerney gets after the quarterback like he did last year, Atlanta will also be able to rely on its front four for a consistent pass rush.
Carolina Panthers - In my view, this is the team to beat this year in the NFC South. They lost last year’s receiving leader in Muhsin Muhammad, but they gained a lot in the personnel returning from injury. Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster, Steve Smith, Kavika Pittman, Jessie Armstead, and Kris Jenkins were among the wounded which led to a 1-7 start last season. The Panthers believe the return of Smith at wide receiver will offset the loss of Muhammad, and Keary Colbert, who performed admirably when Smith went down, will have no trouble filling the No. 2 role. Running back Stephen Davis is still a long way from being back, but DeShaun Foster should be able to hold down the starting job.
The defense must do a better job of getting pressure with their front four, and the return of Jenkins should draw some of the attention away from defensive end Julius Peppers, assuming Jenkins can get back to playing like one of the league’s top defensive tackles. Overall, the Panthers are a very well-coached team. They run the ball well, play good defense, and are solid on special teams. In the end, I think they will edge out Atlanta for the division title.
New Orleans Saints - Year-in and year-out, the Saints seem to be the most inconsistent team in the league. One week they look like Super Bowl contenders, the next they’re falling all over themselves to find ways to lose. And that’s not likely to change as long as Aaron Brooks is at quarterback. The team seems to have adopted his inconsistent style, and unless the light suddenly comes on, they appear headed for much of the same this year.
