NFL: NFC South Division Preview

Its Part 3 of our 8 part look at the divisions of the NFL

1. NFC East
2. NFC North

Divisional Outlook: The NFC South is kind of the overlooked division when people talk about competitiveness. Last season 3 of the 4 teams were at .500 or better with the Saints lagging behind but getting a pass of sorts for all they had to deal with. The combined record of the NFC South Teams was 33/31.


Atlanta Falcons

• 2005 Record: 8/8 (third place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: How much will the trade for Ashley Lelie help improve the passing game?
  
• Team Strength: This team is very talented at a lot of positions including QB, RB, TE, and DB.
  
• Team Weakness: Consistency they have trouble keeping it from year to year. The Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons. Questions continue to remain about the passing ability of Michael Vick.
  
• Outlook: It is a tough division but I think the Falcons have definitely made a move forward.

Carolina Panthers

• 2005 Record: 11/5 (second place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: Can the NFC runner-up make the leap back to the super bowl?
  
• Team Strength: This is a very well rounded football team strong on both sides of the ball.
  
• Team Weakness: This team seems to get bit hard by the injury bug.
  
• Outlook: Many are picking Carolina to go to the Super Bowl. Count me as among that group.

New Orleans Saints

• 2005 Record: 3/13 (forth place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: What Kind of shape is Drew Brees in? How big of a superstar is Reggie Bush going to be in year 1? How can the team bounce back from the Katrina disaster of last year?
  
• Team Strength: I like the Saints offense with Joe Horn, Drew Brees and the tandom of Busch and McAllister at running back.
  
• Team Weakness: The Defense doesn't scare me at all.
  
• Outlook: The Saints are improved on the offensive side of the ball that's for sure. I don't know that it is enough to move them up in to third place, but they should definitely have a better record and better season than a year ago.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• 2005 Record: 11/5 (First Place)
• Click Here for Roster & Depth Chart
  
• Key Question: Did Tampa Bay do enough to stave off an improved Panthers team and a much improved Falcons team?
  
• Team Strength: Coaching, Jon Gruden is one of the best at getting the best out of his players regardless of age. The development of Chris Sims will tell the big story for the Buccaneers this season.
  
• Team Weakness: The age of this team may be a factor some key players are on the wrong side of 30.
  
• Outlook: This team I think has regressed a little bit but only a little. They should be in contention for a wildcard birth this season.

Projected Finish:

1. Panthers
2. Falcons (Wildcard)
3. Buccaneers
4. Saints