High-Powered Offenses to Challenge Atlanta Falcons in NFC South

Offense happened in the NFC South last season.

Drew Brees threw for over 5,000 yards in New Orleans. Carolina's rushing tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 28 touchdowns. Antonio Bryant totaled more than 1,200 yards receiving in Tampa. And Atlanta's Michael Turner rushed for nearly 1,700 yards.

The league's best collection of offensive firepower has headed south, creating one of the most compelling divisional races in all of football. The preseason favorite has to be the Falcons, but with a mediocre defense,  can they overcome the weekly battles and escape with a division title?

Carolina, last year’s division winner, sports an incredibly balanced attack: Steve Smith on the outside, Williams and Stewart in the backfield, and veteran Jake Delhomme under center.

New Orleans averaged more yards per game than any team in the NFL last season, led by Drew Brees’ near-record-setting 5,069 yards passing.

Tampa Bay has a standout receiver in Antonio Bryant, as well as a multi-headed rushing attack fronted by new acquisition Derrick Ward (1,000 yards as a Giant last year).

Atlanta arguably has the division’s strongest and most balanced offense, especially after acquiring All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Think there are stronger attacks in the East or out West?  Let’s run some quick numbers:

Last year, NFC South teams scored an average of more than 25 points per game, and gained an average of more than 365 total yards.

Compare those numbers to divisions like the NFC East (23 PPG, 343 YPG), AFC East (23 PPG, 337 YPG) and the AFC West (21 PPG, 331 YPG).

While each team, of course, plays each other twice during the season, the Falcons have the toughest schedule overall.  Add names like Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Jay Cutler, and Chad Pennington to the mix, and it’s easy to overlook the divisional games. 

With this kind of schedule, the Falcons had better take care of business against Brees and Delhomme or they can kiss the playoffs goodbye.

Ultimately, however, the Falcons’ playoff hopes will be pinned to the backs of the defense.

John Abraham leads a largely mediocre, largely inexperienced squad against some of the best quarterbacks and receivers in the league.  Getting through the likes of New Orleans and Carolina will not only be a true test of the Falcons’ defensive strength, but also will provide incredible preparation to take on the league’s toughest schedule.

But to get through this season with a winning record, the Falcons might have to settle for simply outscoring their opponents.

It can be done, but its rarely the safest course to take.

Scott Miller is the creator of www.DirtySouthSports.com and also covers the Falcons for www.NFLTouchdown.com