NFC South Preview

Last Year's Predictions
Atlanta 13-3
Carolina 10-6
Tampa Bay 8-8
New Orleans 6-10

What Really Happened
Tampa Bay 11-5
Carolina 11-5
Atlanta 8-8
New Orleans 3-13

I think the NFC South has two legitimate Super Bowl contenders in Tampa Bay and Carolina and if the Falcons come along the division could rival the NFC East as the best division in football.


Atlanta Falcons – Projected Finish 9-7 (3rd)
Big Question: Receivers

Alge Crumpler is one of the best tight end in the NFL and he is Michael Vick’s favorite target. The problem is that he may be Vick’s only target. Only one Falcon receiver had 50 or more catches last season (Brian Finneran) so Atlanta will need Roddy White and Michael Jenkins to step up if they want to open up their offense.

Key Losses:
S Keion Carpenter
S Bryan Scott

Key Additions:
DE John Abraham
S Lawyer Milloy


Carolina Panthers – Projected Finish 11-5 (1st)
Big Question: Running Backs

The Panthers could be the most complete team in the NFC and I think they will reach the Super Bowl if their running backs can stay healthy. DeShaun Foster has amazing ability, 165 rushing yards against Atlanta and 151 against the Giants last season, but has never broken the 1,000 yard mark in any of his four seasons because of injury.

Key Losses:
CB Ricky Manning
CB Dante Wesley

Key Additions:
LB Na’il Diggs
C Justin Hartwig
CB Reggie Howard
WR Keyshawn Johnson


New Orleans Saints – Projected Finish 5-11 (4th)
Big Question: Defensive Backs

The Reggie Bush era has officially begun but unfortunately it will take a few seasons for the defense to catch up. The defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs are all going to struggle this season but the defensive backs may get hurt the worst.

Cornerback Mike McKenzie is overpaid and Fred Thomas on the other side consistently gets picked on. Dwight Smith is solid at both safety spots but Josh Bullocks hasn’t lived up to expectations yet. The Saints defense finished 26th in the league in interceptions.

Key Losses:
QB Aaron Brooks
DE Darren Howard

Key Additions:
RB Michael Bennett
QB Drew Brees
TE Mark Campbell
LB Scott Fujita


Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Projected Finish 10-6 (2nd)
Big Question: Receivers

The race between the Bucs and the Panthers is going to be fun to watch this season. Both teams will be nasty on defense but I’m going with the Panthers because I believe they have more offensive weapons.

At receiver Joey Galloway will be Chris Simms main target again but third year receiver Michael Clayton has got to rebound from the miserable season he had last year. The Bucs also signed David Boston in the off-season but he hasn’t been healthy since leaving the Arizona Cardinals.

Key Losses:
QB Brian Griese
S Dexter Jackson
T Todd Steussie

Key Additions:
FB Jerald Sowell
T Torrin Tucker
LB Jamie Winborn

2006 NFC South Predictions
Carolina 11-5
Tampa Bay 10-6
Atlanta 9-7
New Orleans 5-11

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