The Falcons are starting over again, the Panthers are still stuck in a hole, the Buccaneers are improving, and the Saints might celebrate a championship…but is it the Super Bowl championship?
Here, I discuss the upcoming season for the four teams representing the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons: my prediction (0-16, misses playoffs)
Falcons owner Arthur Blank faced more than his share of bad luck in 2007, losing his starting quarterback (Michael Vick) and his head coach (Bobby Petrino) in a span of six months. The co-founder of Home Depot has responded with a wholesale renovation project. A new era begins in Atlanta with general manager Thomas Dimitroff, head coach Mike Smith and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Blank appears to have stepped away from the personnel game to let the new stuff address the team’s numerous issues. Atlanta added a franchise-type running back in free agent Michael Turner and will enter the 2008 season with plenty of new faces. Gone are stalwarts like tight end Alge Crumpler and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. In are rookies Ryan and left tackle Sam Baker. A revamped offense and defense are led by a coaching staff filled with NFL veterans. The playbooks on both sides of the ball will be simpler New defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder offers a scheme built on a simple. Straight ahead style. New offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey loves to run the football to set up deep passes and trick plays. Look for the Falcons to take advantage of the stout, between-the-tackles style of Turner and the speed of third-year man Jerious Norwood to protect the quarterback and avoid too many risks. There’s a profound amount of optimism at Falcons camp these days, and Smith and Co. will get time to right the ship.
Carolina Panthers: my prediction (3-13, misses playoffs)
After two consecutive seasons of listless football, the Panthers are in a “win now” mode. Carolina made it to the Super Bowl in 2003 and to the NFC Championship Game in 2005, but the past two seasons have been 8-8 and 7-9 disappointments. As a result, coach John Fox and general manager Marty Hurney are on the hot seat. Team owner Jerry Richardson is well aware that former Pittsburgh coach lives only 150 miles down the highway in Raleigh, and that will likely be the first place Richardson will look if Fox and Hurney have a disastrous 2008 season. However, the Panthers coach could be primed for a return to the playoffs. Jake’s Delhomme’s throwing elbow will be more closely watched than the weather in training camp, for there may rest the answer to the Panthers’ season. Delhomme is valuable not only as a quarterback but also as a leader. The whole team is better when he’s on the field, particularly star wide receiver Steve Smith (Carolina’s most talented player). Rookie running back Jonathan Stewart will be counted on immediately to be the Panthers’ power back. Assuming he recovers from offseason toe surgery. Defensive end Julius Peppers, who became Julius Average last season, must return to form to anchor a defensive unit that was decent at times in 2007 but eventually wore down because the offensive was so often going three-and-out.
New Orleans Saints: my prediction (15-1, loses in NFC Championship)
Because of Drew Brees, the Saints go into another season as a legitimate contender in the NFC South. On
5 comments Last one added about 1 month ago — Leave a Comment
nick bowen about 1 year ago
woah the saints at 15 and 1. the predictions are good but 15 and 1. maybe 12 and 4
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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
No wins for Atlanta? I think the Dolphins of '07 are a better team. At least one, maybe two for the Falcons.
As to the Saints, it's hard to believe that.
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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
Also, I love the way you plan your articles ahead of time on your profile. Great thinking!
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George Anderson 11 months ago
No offense to you friend, but your an idiot. The Falcons might go 0-16, but with Matt Ryan's arm and the power of Michael Turner they are bound to win a few games. The Bucs will be a contender because they have Garcia back, they have Grahm* who will rush for a thousand yards easy. With Joey Galloway's usual performance and a break out year by Clayton then that offense will sky rocket. Plus, the defense got younger with the draft. Next, the saints at 15-1, without a defense, are you kidding me. Colston was a one hit wonder until further notice.Finally, the Panthers are in the best form in years offensively and still good defensively. 3-13, thats funny.
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Peyton Youmans about 1 month ago
I wanted to congratulate you for nailing the Falcons 0-16 record in 2008. Good call.
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