NFC South Predictions

Here's how I think the division will end up, last to first:

Atlanta Falcons:

Two reasons for this: I think the Falcons are overrated because of Mike Vick so I'm trying to prove a point, and I really believe that New Orleans is going to be significantly improved this year.

Their receivers are mediocre, their quarterback is inaccurate, and they can't seem to decide who their featured back is. And I'm also really pissed at Jim Mora, Jr. for taking Warrick Dunn out near the goaline. The man screwed my Fantasy team last year.

Their defensive line is fast, but each starter averages about 260 pounds. I'm thinking they won't be able to stop the run. In a division with the Panthers, Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, and Cadillac Williams, that's gonna be a problem.

New Orleans Saints:

I said they were going to be better this year, but it's not too hard to improve on a 4-12 record. They'll be better but they still won't be good. Seeing as how Tampa and Carolina are the premiere teams in this division, third place to them ain't so bad after all.

I think Sean Payton is going to get more out of this roster than Jim Haslett ever had, or could have. Haslett's a good guy, he's from Pittsburgh, and he's a great coordinator, but he's not a head coach. Kinda like Ken Whisenhunt, but I digress.

If nothing else, everyone on the team has to be breathing a collective sigh of relief that they get to play 8 home games this year, they know where they're practicing, and the city they represent isn't completely ravaged by a natural disaster. That, combined with Payton, a healthy McAllister, some Pro Bowl QB named Drew Brees, and Reggie Bush should be good enough for 3 more wins.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Tampa's a good team. I finally have some faith in Chris Simms. It looks as though Jon Gruden has stopped calling the AARP every off-season looking for offensive lineman and has started building through the draft. I truly believe that, with the schemes Gruden can devise, the talent they have, and the weak defenses of New Orleans and Atlanta, they're going to be awesome on offense.

The trouble is, their defense is friggin' ancient. I think they take a pretty big step back on defense this year. The biggest thing you need when you run the Tampa 2 is speed on defense. The first thing to go when you get old (after the eyes, of course) is speed. Now that they're half a step (or more) slower on defense, they won't be able to close and cover up the holes in the Tampa 2 zone. They won't get as ferocious a pass rush from the front four. They'll be a shadow of their former selves.

However, their "former selves" were really, really, really damn good. One of the best, most consistent defenses in NFL history over the last 10 years. So, even taking a step back in performance, they're still good enough, when combined with the offense, to get this team to the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers:

They're not beating the Panthers, though. Steve Smith finally has another receiver to take the attention away from him. All their backs are healthy, at least for the moment.

Kris Jenkins is back, Maake Kemoeatu weighs about 900 pounds and moves like a ballerina. Their secondary is among the best in the league. Their linebackers, as long as they can find someone to replace Will Witherspoon, are serviceable. And Julius Peppers is Julius Peppers. So there.

The only thing that could derail this team and keep it from returning to the NFC Championship Game (and possibly the Super Bowl) is injuries. That's gotta be the one thing that keeps John Fox awake at night. There are waaaaaaaay too many guys with long injury histories. Steve Smith, DeShaun Foster, Kris Jenkins, any member of the offensive line, and any of the linebackers could all go on IR before the season ends. If that happens, well, all bets are off.