NFC South Prediction
The NFC South appears to be very competitive this year. There will be plenty of questions and surprises in the division. Below are predictions and analysis for the NFC South.
New Orleans
It's another year of hope and dreams for the Saints. They've re-tooled the offense to include more touches for Bush and have the return of McAllister to add a power rushing game. The Saints solidified their passing game by adding Shockey to the mix. Brees has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. Can the Saints defense clamp down on opposing offenses when it counts come playoff time or will it be a wait to next year ending that so many Cubs fans have ended so many season saying?
Carolina
In a division full of questions, the South sports four teams with so much promise. The Panthers have two running backs that can steal the show and take the pressure off of an ailing offense last year due Delhomme's injury. Steve Smith is one of the league's premier game breakers and a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Carolina added depth to its receiving core with the addition of Hackett and despite the suspension of Smith teams will have plenty to keep their hands full as long as Delhomme stays healthy.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay's resurgence on defense will keep them in most games, but how effectively can Garcia manage the game with a running game that may falter and serious concerns in the passing game with Galloway starting show signs of the aging process. Garcia has never been one to air it out with the deep ball and win games like Favre. The defense and a methodical offense will put up the wins and keep them in playoff contention in a weak NFC, but will have them looking up from the middle of the division.
Atlanta
Although many fans will predict the Falcons finishing fourth in the division, the games will be closer than most think. The games the Falcons will win this year will help them move up the division and towards the playoffs over the next couple of years. Ryan looks poised and if Turner pans out then the future looks bright for Atlanta over the next few seasons.
