NFL Division Preview: NFC South Not like NFC West
It will tell you something about America and its people. Most important it will tell you about Americans love affair with the NFL. And you will see a great game pitting one team that nearly went to the Super Bowl and one team that is on the rise faster than you could or would predict.
That is the one thing about catastrophes that has the potential to bring out the best in us on and off the football field. Expect the Saints to win the game not because it’s the right thing to do, but because when you’ve lost everything there is nowhere to go but up.
The Saints will go up in 2006, higher than anyone predicted and may possibly win the division on adrenaline alone. Sure the Panthers will be there in the end, but so will the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s possible that something as devastating as Hurricane Katrina could bring together an entire division and inspire them to play some of the greatest football of their lives. Everyone in that region lost something from Katrina and some lost more, much more than you could ever imagine. The intensity of any game played inside the Superdome will be phenomenal, the tears flowing like water, the emotions boiling inside you as you watch on TV. But the most beautiful thing of all is you will know you are witnessing triumphs of the human spirit. Perspective is a powerful thing and it could be argued that the New Orleans Saints have more than any team that has ever played in the NFL.
New Orleans 12-4
Carolina 11-5
Tampa Bay 11-5
Atlanta 9-7
NEW ORLEANS (3-13, 4th NFC West)
OFFENSE
Arguably the biggest free-agent pickup this offseason was when New Orleans acquired quarterback Drew Brees from San Diego. Rarely does a team pick up a Pro Bowl player, particularly not after a wonderful season like the one Brees had. And then the Saints went out and picked up arguably the most talented player in the NFL Draft in USC star and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. The offense should improve to the nth degree, however receiver Joe Horn and running back Deuce McAllister stayed put so even more emphasis should be placed on the team’s projected improvement in 2006. The only concern is at the second receiver spot. Tight end Ernie Conwell returns for his third season in the Big Easy, and the O-line looks to be in good shape.
DEFENSE
It’s going to take something special for the defensive line to make it out of 2006 intact as they’re already riddled with injuries. Will Smith will lead the three-man front into battle and though the front is unsung and young they are about three-deep. The linebacking corps is led by Tommy Polley, who had 96 tackles and 4 sacks last year in Baltimore. Fred Thomas fronts an experienced secondary also featuring veteran Mike McKenzie.
SPECIAL TEAMS
John Carney returns to the Big Easy hoping to improve upon a 78 percent field goal accuracy rating. Steady Mitch Berger is also back in town and multi-dimensional Aaron Stecker will try to add some magic. Don’t be surprised if new coach Sean Payton tries to throw Reggie Bush on a return team or two, either.
IN SUM
You would be crazy not to talk about New Orleans as a surprise playoff and even Super Bowl contender because of Hurricane Katrina and the effect the catastrophe had on this country. The Saints will have a huge homefield advantage every time they step foot in the Superdome and this gives them a huge edge on their division rivals for the season. The additions of Brees and Bush will help, but it’s the arrival of new head coach Sean Payton that could spearhead change in the Big Easy. The Saints were good already, however with the adrenaline boost they’ll get from playing in such a place steeped in modern history (it served as a shelter for thousands of displaced citizens) you and your children may talk about 2006 for years to come. The Saints have a tough schedule but it will seem easy once the fans get noisy during home games. They will even get some sympathy on the road.
PREDICTION: 12-4, 1st NFC South
CAROLINA (11-5, 2nd NFC South)
OFFENSE
The Panthers offense put it all together for another run at the Super Bowl, but just came up short in the end. Quarterback Jake Delhomme threw for more than 3,500 yards in 2005 and it looks like those numbers may improve. The pickup of receiver Keyshawn Johnson gives the Panthers another look and takes some pressure off of All-Pro Steve Smith, the do-it-all wideout who led the league in three statistical categories last year in receiving. Running back DeShaun Foster hopes to improve on his 879-yard season in 2005 and rookie DeAngelo Williams backs him up. The tight end position is also important in the Carolina offense and so Michael Gaines and Kris Mangum seek to boost the offense when it’s thrown their way. And the offensive line looks okay, though there are some injuries heading into 2006.
DEFENSE
The league’s No. 1 defense may have taken a hit, but it’s still ticking. End Julius Peppers looks to have another big year and spearheads the four-man front that goes about three-deep. Some concern, however, seems to be at linebacker, where some early injuries have hurt key players, including Na’il Diggs (knee) who may be out for several weeks. But the secondary is as dangerous as ever, boasting corners Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble while hard-hitting Mike Minter waits for his turn to hit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
John Kasay enters his 17th year as a kicker in the league and brings accuracy to a team looking to score at any moment. Jason Baker is the team’s punter averaging 43 yards per kick. And when Jamal Robertson gets a chance to return kicks, he picks up 21 yards per.
IN SUM
In normal years Carolina would run away with the division based on its potent offense and relentless defense. But this is not a normal year and the Saints will play like they’ve never played before. For this reason the Panthers will lose the two Saints games and that will be the difference for the division title. The Panthers could still gain a Wild Card berth, however, and play the role of spoiler until the NFC Championship game where they may again face the Seahawks in Seattle and lose.
PREDICTION: 11-5, 2nd NFC South
TAMPA BAY (11-5, 1st NFC South)
OFFENSE
Chris Simms is back, but the son of Phil will not be the QB for long if he struggles because Tim Rattay is in wait. Simms was steady but 2,000 yards will not cut it, not even with running back Cadillac Williams in your backfield. Joey Galloway leads a talented and deep unit of wide receivers, including David Boston. And the entire O-line returns, which is good news considering fullback Mike Alstott is basically one, though he can score from the air or on the ground, as evidenced by his 7 TDs in 2005. The thing that is unique about Tampa Bay is their ability to score from everywhere and this is why the Bucs can afford to be patient with the son of Phil.
DEFENSE
There aren’t many in the world like Simeon Rice (14 sacks in 2005) and the remainder of the front four of the Bucs doesn’t dazzle like him, but they get the job done. All-Pro and Mr. Everything Derrick Brooks is as versatile as they come, leading his linebacking corps that netted more than 350 tackles last year. And the whole secondary returns led by Ronde Barber. In all the year looks good for Tampa Bay.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Matt Bryant is back and had an 85 percent field goal accuracy in 2005. Punter Josh Bidwell blasted the laces off the ball for a 46 percent average per kick. And Michael Pittman looks to return to his dangerous ways after only getting 86 yards on punt and kick returns last year. But Torrie Cox was the main man on more than 450 yards in 2005.
IN SUM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be good but not good enough to go to the playoffs. For starters a horrific schedule will spell their doom by the end of the season. But the best news of all is that their week 15 and 17 opponents, Chicago and Seattle, will have already clinched their berths and will choose to rest some players, laving the door open for some late-season wins. But their head-to-head record with Carolina will spell the end to 2005, leaving Falcons fans to think about next year. But Tampa Bay’s time is coming soon.
PREDICTION: 11-5, 3rd NFC South
ATLANTA (8-8, 3rd NFC South)
OFFENSE
Mike Vick is back with his usual sidekick, the deceptively good Warrick Dunn. Having Vick and Dunn in uniform means the Falcons always have a chance to break a big play and they have a shot at the playoffs. The same holds true this year, however there are some questions at wide receiver as there is some youth and Ashley Lelie has yet to break the starting lineup. But Alge Crumpler has turned into a top five tight end and his 877 yards proved it in 2005. The offensive line is also intact.
DEFENSE
Picking up John Abraham in the offseason was just what the Falcons needed, another lightning-quick end to complement Patrick Kerney. But Rod Coleman is on the inside, too, so I don’t think many foes will be jumping for joy. Pro Bowler Keith Brooking leads a hungry but young group of linebackers and safety Lawyer Milloy came from Buffalo to help a secondary that needed some TLC.
SPECIAL TEAMS
No kicker has been named at press time. Punter Michael Koenen is in his second season. And double-threat Allen Rossum has more than 900 yards on kick and punt returns in 2005.
IN SUM
As good as the Falcons offense is, the holes at wide receiver will hurt them. There is some youth at key defensive spots, too, which could be exposed. And the Falcons may have the toughest schedule in the NFL, though they will find a way to stay with Carolina until midseason, when the weight of that schedule, youth and injuries will catch up.
PREDICTION: 9-7, 3rd, NFC South
