NFL Division Previews: NFC South

Filed in archive NFL on July 18, 2008

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The NFL season is approaching quickly, and with that, EZB will be providing previews of each division in the league. Up today: the NFC South

Carolina Panthers

Why They Might Win the Division
QB Jake Dehomme is back after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and by drafting running back Jonathan Stewart in the first round of the draft, the Panthers have a potentially excellent backfield duo of he and DeAngelo Williams, who is a former first-round pick as well. Their offensive line is solid, and there are numerous candidates to step up and become a quality second receiver behind Steve Smith. Plus, defensive end Julius Peppers has to be better this season, doesn't he?

Why They Might Not Win the Division
If the 33-year-old Delhomme and his creaky elbow suffer a setback, the team could suffer. With no proven backup QB on the roster, they will once again struggle mightily to throw the ball should Delhomme miss any time. And someone needs to emerge as a pass-rusher other than Peppers, enabling him to see fewer double teams.

Atlanta Falcons

Why They Might Win the Division
A bit hard to envision, but Atlanta does have some talent on the defensive side of the ball, so if they can shut people down in enough games, and defensive end Jamaal Anderson matures to the point where he plays like a top-10 selection, it's possible, in theory anyway, that they could do it.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
They have a rookie head coach, and will likely have a rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan. The offensive line and secondary are poor. But after the debacle of last season with Vick and Bobby Petrino, the record shouldn't matter much at this point anyway, as they begin the rebuilding process.

New Orleans Saints

Why They Might Win the Division
Drew Brees still leads the attack at QB and they have a plethora of receiving weapons. New Orleans also added Jonathan Vilma to the linebacking crew, and Sedrick Ellis at defensive tackle, to play next to their two talented defensive ends in Will Smith and Charles Grant.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
Right now, RB Reggie Bush is a good slot receiver, and nothing more. He simply has to become a more effective runner out of the backfield in order for them to truly excel. And that secondary which was so hideous last season is still a major concern.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why They Might Win the Division
Jeff Garcia continuing to perform well is paramount for the Bucs, as is wide receiver Joey Galloway continuing to ignore Father Time. New center Jeff Faine helps solidify what should be a quality offensive line unit, and on the other side of the ball, Gaines Adams looks like a potential star at defensive end.

Why They Might Not Win the Division
If Garcia and Galloway do regress due to their age, the options behind them do little to inspire confidence. Cornerback and defensive tackle are potential trouble areas as well. Brian Kelly left to play corner in Detroit, and his possible replacement, first-round pick Aqib Talib, has well-documented character concerns.