NFL 2006: NFC South Projections
In many of the NFL Preview guides, the Carolina Panther are predicted by many to earn their second Super Bowl appearance. I tend to agree. Coach John Fox has built one of the fiercest defenses in the NFL, as well as a stout offense.
Jake Delhomme is no Peyton Manning, nor does he claim to be, but one thing is for sure, Delhomme is reliable. He steadily gets the ball to his receivers. Delhomme knows the Panthers offensive playbook, and utilizes it to the fullest.
When healthy, Delhomme’s primary receiver Steve Smith can be virtually unstoppable at times. But if his hamstring injury lingers on throughout the season, Smith’s performance will suffer, as will the Panthers offense. The volatile receiver Keyshawn Johnson was added to the Panthers roster over the off-season, as he gives Delhomme another alternative. If defenses crowd Smith in double coverage, Johnson will thrive.
Running back DeShaun Foster will become the Panthers primary option in the backfield. Foster is another player that will produce when he’s not hampered with injuries. Last season, Foster broke his right ankle in the divisional playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears.
As mentioned before, the Panthers defense is fierce and will continue to harass opposing offensive units. Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, and Kris Jenkins lead the defensive line, and linebacker Dan Morgan, and cornerback Chris Gamble will make their defensive presence known.
The Panthers are the clear cut favorite win the NFC South, but nothing is ever guaranteed. Their southern adversary Atlanta Falcons is looking to recapture their 2004 NFC South crown.
2. New Orleans Saints (9-7)
The key additions of quarterback Drew Brees and rookie running back sensation Reggie Bush will give fans in New Orleans a reason to cheer. Brees has been one of the most precise quarterbacks over the past two seasons with the San Diego Chargers. He led the Chargers into the playoffs in 2004, which was their first playoff appearance in a decade.
Brees suffered a shoulder injury to his throwing arm during the final game of the 2005 season. A lot of his accuracy will depend on how well he has healed from that injury. If Brees’ injury is a thing of the past, and he maintains durability, he will be a substantial upgrade at the quarterback position. Aaron Brooks had a couple of strong seasons, but his stats were erratic for the most part.
The much ballyhooed rookie Reggie Bush will add some excitement to the Saints when he steps on to the field, but he will have to wait in the wings of current running back Deuce McAllister. Once Busch becomes acclimated to the Saints offense, he and McAllister could become deadly one-two punch in the backfield.
Even when the team is struggling, the Saints have possessed a respectable receiving unit. Donte Stallworth and Joe Horn should thrive with Drew Brees at quarterback.
The Saints defense will have a lot to prove as it lacks star power.
The Saints will be one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2006, but they are a year or two away from really becoming a serious threat to win the NFC South.
3. Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
The Atlanta Falcons will return will a familiar lineup. Their offense and defensive cores really haven’t changed all that much over the previous two or three years.
Two years ago, the Falcons played in their first NFC Championship game since they lost the 1998 Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos. So last year, many analysts predicted a possible Super Bowl celebration for the Falcons.
Michael Vick is without a doubt the most athletic quarterback in the NFL today, and maybe ever. But his staggering running plays have become less complicated for opponents to defend. The Falcons had a Pro Bowl receiver in Peerless Price, but Vick was unable to get him the ball on a consistent basis. Other running quarterbacks in the past such as Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb have adjusted over time and developed a stronger passing attack. If Vick can improve upon his accuracy, the Falcons could give the Panthers a run for the money.
The running attack of Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett has thwarted defenses in the past, but the Falcons recently traded Duckett to the Redskins for wide receiver Ashley Lelie.
I don’t see the Falcons in the playoffs with their current roster.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
Last year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the AFC South champions, and their defense was remarkable. Chris Simms has matured and emerged as the Buccaneers starting quarterback.
Many question if Simms can lead this team any farther than the first round of the post-season. Simms will rely heavily on his running Cadillac Williams, who had a stellar rookie season.
The Buccaneers receiving core will consist of Joey Galloway and Mark Clayton. Both Galloway and Clayton are capable of producing some impressive stats.
The Buccaneers defense will likely be their strongest link in 2006. Rhonde Barber, Simeon Rice, Derrick Brooks, Chris Hovan, and Will Allen are just a few of the defensive catalysts that will frustrate opposing offenses.
The Buccaneers are just as good as they were a year ago, I just think other teams have improved.
