Saturday, September 02, 2006
NFC South
NFC South preview
Carolina: The Panthers will be tested by the other teams in a tough NFC South division, but are the favorite to come out on top, and many people are suggesting they may represent the NFC at the Super Bowl in February. They are anchored by one of the league's top defensive units, boasting a suberb line led by Julius Peppers, as well as strong linebacking and pass coverage units. On offense, Steve Smith and free-agent signee Keyshawn Johnson should be a great one-two punch. The running game should also be reliable with incumbent DeShaun Foster and first round draft pick DeAngelo Williams. The only area of uncertainty could be at QB. Jake Delhomme has shown that he can be spectacular one week, but dreadful the next. When he's playing up to his capabilities, this years Panthers may be nearly unstoppable. 12-4
Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers surprised many by jumping up and winning the division last year. Coach John Gruden's teams always play hard-nosed football, and this year's Bucs team will be no different. The defense is tough, which at least gives Tampa Bay a chance to win most games. DE Simeon Rice is one of the best in the business, and leads a solid front seven. On offense, expect second year RB Cadillac Williams to see plenty of action. A strong year from him could take some pressure off QB Chris Simms, who established himself as the starter last year, but is young and still has ups and downs. Receivers Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway also need to turn in strong performances. 9-7
Atlanta: The Falcons surprisingly missed the playoffs last year, edged out by Carolina and the resurgent Buccaneers. They have made upgrades though, especially on defense where John Abraham and Lawyer Milloy expected to bolster a defense that wasn't all that bad to begin with. RB Warrick Dunn should have more touches this year after TJ Duckett was dealt for receiver Ashley Lelie. Vick will also have TE Algie Crumpler as a target, as well as Brian Finneran once he ruturns from a pre-season injury. But the Falcons success will be a direct result of what Vick can do with the cast around him. He's an increbible athlete, quite possibly the NFL's faster runner, but he has continuously struggled with the passing game. 8-8
New Orleans: The Saints will at least start out with a chance at a successful season this year, as opposed to last when a Hurricane esentially forced them to play the entire season on the road. They drafted RB Reggie Bush, who has tremendous game-breaking ability, to team with Deuce MacAllister in the backfield. The Saints also improved themselves at QB by bringing in Drew Brees. With Joe Horn at receiver, the offense should be respectable, but they'll need to be excellent on most days for the Saints to win, thanks to a defense that could be picked apart by opponents. A winning record is unlikely, but the Saints have put some building blocks in piece for the future. 5-11
Carolina: The Panthers will be tested by the other teams in a tough NFC South division, but are the favorite to come out on top, and many people are suggesting they may represent the NFC at the Super Bowl in February. They are anchored by one of the league's top defensive units, boasting a suberb line led by Julius Peppers, as well as strong linebacking and pass coverage units. On offense, Steve Smith and free-agent signee Keyshawn Johnson should be a great one-two punch. The running game should also be reliable with incumbent DeShaun Foster and first round draft pick DeAngelo Williams. The only area of uncertainty could be at QB. Jake Delhomme has shown that he can be spectacular one week, but dreadful the next. When he's playing up to his capabilities, this years Panthers may be nearly unstoppable. 12-4
Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers surprised many by jumping up and winning the division last year. Coach John Gruden's teams always play hard-nosed football, and this year's Bucs team will be no different. The defense is tough, which at least gives Tampa Bay a chance to win most games. DE Simeon Rice is one of the best in the business, and leads a solid front seven. On offense, expect second year RB Cadillac Williams to see plenty of action. A strong year from him could take some pressure off QB Chris Simms, who established himself as the starter last year, but is young and still has ups and downs. Receivers Michael Clayton and Joey Galloway also need to turn in strong performances. 9-7
Atlanta: The Falcons surprisingly missed the playoffs last year, edged out by Carolina and the resurgent Buccaneers. They have made upgrades though, especially on defense where John Abraham and Lawyer Milloy expected to bolster a defense that wasn't all that bad to begin with. RB Warrick Dunn should have more touches this year after TJ Duckett was dealt for receiver Ashley Lelie. Vick will also have TE Algie Crumpler as a target, as well as Brian Finneran once he ruturns from a pre-season injury. But the Falcons success will be a direct result of what Vick can do with the cast around him. He's an increbible athlete, quite possibly the NFL's faster runner, but he has continuously struggled with the passing game. 8-8
New Orleans: The Saints will at least start out with a chance at a successful season this year, as opposed to last when a Hurricane esentially forced them to play the entire season on the road. They drafted RB Reggie Bush, who has tremendous game-breaking ability, to team with Deuce MacAllister in the backfield. The Saints also improved themselves at QB by bringing in Drew Brees. With Joe Horn at receiver, the offense should be respectable, but they'll need to be excellent on most days for the Saints to win, thanks to a defense that could be picked apart by opponents. A winning record is unlikely, but the Saints have put some building blocks in piece for the future. 5-11
