The NFC South is one of, if not the toughest division in football, and at this point, it looks as if it should boil down to a three-team race. The Saints, of course, are trying to rebound from a disastrous season, and they've done a good job of overhauling the roster and coaching staff. But at this point, I just can't see them getting by the three heavyweights in the division.
Picking a winner in this division is tough simply because the talent levels of the 'Big three' are similar, and injuries will play a significant role in who comes out on top. At this time, I'm giving the Panthers a slight nod over their rivals, but the team has some key guys with durability issues and some concerns with the play of the offensive line.
Here's how I see the division shaking out:
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers came within one game of going to the Super Bowl last season, and appear to be the popular choice to unseat the Seahawks in the NFC. On paper the team seems to be stronger than last year, assuming some of their injury prone can spend more time on the field this year. Adding wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to the offense was a big move because he should take some focus away from Steve Smith and is more of a possession-type receiver, the perfect complement to Smith.
The Panthers drafted running back DeAngelo Williams because of DeShaun Foster's inability to stay healthy. If Foster goes down again, which seems to be an annual event, the Panthers will be turning to the rookie to fill the hole.
Middle linebacker Dan Morgan is another guy who, when on the field, can be a devastating force. But he's missed 25 games over five years, and has never played more than 13 games in a season. How much can he be counted on? Same goes for DT Kris Jenkins, who has missed most of the last two seasons.
At this point, the Panthers are a very solid team, but I think they are being over-hyped a little. They should compete for the NFC South crown, but I don't think they will dominate it. Read more...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are coming off an 11-5 season in which they went 5-1 in a very tough NFC South, and they look to be in the hunt again this year.
Perhaps the biggest question on the team is how the offensive line will hold up. Calling them average is probably an overstatement, and they will have to play better if the Bucs hope to continue their regular-season success from last year. There are also concerns that second-year running back Carnell Williams won't be able to hold up to the load head coach Jon Gruden is likely to put on him.
And then there's the annual concerns of age creeping up on key members of what has been a strong defense for a long while. But in my view, this team has a nice combination of experience and youth heading into the 2006 season, and their veterans, for the most part, have enough left in the tank to keep this team in the hunt all year. Read more...
Atlanta Falcons
When it comes to the Falcons, everyone wants to talk about Michael Vick. But with this year's crew, they should be focusing more on the other side of the ball, because that's where the key lies. The addition of John Abraham, Lawyer Milloy, Chris Crocker (one of the most underrated moves of the offseason), and rookie corner Jimmy Williams, along with the return from injury of LB Edgerton Hartwell will help improve this unit significantly. The front seven in particular looks very impressive on paper.
If Vick can just get a grip on the West Coast offense, this team could go places this year. But Vick is Vick, and we are more likely to see more of the same old same old than to see him suddenly become an efficient passer. His accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, which means he will probably rely on his legs quite frequently again this year. Which, of course, could lead to another year of nursing injuries. Read more...
New Orleans Saints
So many things went wrong for the Saints in 2005, none of which was as devastating as being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. But the team has put together a nice offseason, and in my view, is as equipped as any of last year’s bottom dwellers of making a dramatic turnaround.
The biggest and most obvious difference between this team and last year’s version is the quarterback position. Gone is the inconsistent, self-destructive Aaron Brooks, whose poor play fueled the club’s search for a replacement. In is former Chargers QB Drew Brees, who the team took a chance on despite a shoulder injury suffered in the Chargers final game last year. And it appears the team’s gamble may pay off as Brees looks to be on track to lead this team in 2006.
Creating the biggest buzz in New Orleans, however, is not the presence of the former Pro Bowl QB. That would be rookie running back Reggie Bush, who was gift wrapped and handed over to the Saints on draft day by the Houston Texans. Bush has the type of game-changing ability that adds an element of explosiveness that wasn’t there last year. Read more...
