NFC South Morning Jog: Darren Sproles Set to Do More in 2012

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what’s going on around the NFC South.

New Orleans Saints

Mike Triplett said new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knows to succeed on defense, the Saints must win up front. Triplett talked about the move to keep Turk McBride as one of the more underrated moves of the offfseason. He said the Saints are also excited about the young players and their potential.

Darren Sproles set an NFL record last season with 2,696 all-purpose yards. He has set his sights "on getting better" in 2012.

Atlanta Falcons

For the Falcons to succeed in 2012, the offense must spread the ball around more. According to Roddy White, that means touching the ball less.

Chris Burke doesn't think the Falcons can make it to the Super Bowl. He says the team has "the look of a Super Bowl contender" and Atlanta will push for the playoffs, "but there are still too many question [sic] to expect more."

Carolina Panthers

Sherrod Martin missed some crucial tackles last year and saw the writing on the wall when the Panthers brought in two free-agent safeties in the offseason. He's rededicated himself to fundamentals and working to ensure his spot in the starting unit.

The Panthers freed up $7.5 million in salary-cap space by designating Travelle Wharton as a June 1 cut, according to Pat Yasinskas.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What was the biggest issue with the poor play in Tampa last season, according to new head coach Greg Schiano? One word: "inconsistency."

NFC South

Here's a look at some of the new matchups—six, to be exact—in the NFC South.