NFL Preview: NFC South

The NFC South is another closely contended NFC division with no clear winner. Here are my thoughts on how the NFC South will shake out this year.

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons made the playoffs last year and with no major additions or losses, I don't see them doing any better or worse this year. Matt Ryan is a solid quarterback that produces pretty consistent numbers. He's got proven receiving options in Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez and Juilo Jones is poised for a breakout year in his second NFL season. The Falcons only notable pickup in the offseason was veteran cornerback Asante Samuel. Samuel adds depth to the already great Falcons secondary and an otherwise respectable defense. The Falcons biggest concern going into the season is the production of Michael Turner. Turner has apparently looked awful in training camp and the preseason and could have a really off-season. Atlanta does have depth at running back with the decently productive Jason Snelling and the potentially dangerous Jaquizz Rodgers so they be alright even with Turner not performing at his usual production levels. Atlanta is a good football team and I think they have a pretty good chance of winning the division this year.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers had a better than expected last year thanks to Cam Newton's freakishly productive rookie season. I will fully admit I was a doubter of Cam Newton when he came into the league, but I am now fully on board with him as a legitmate NFL quarterback. He has proven to be a duel threat as a great passer and great rusher, making him an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. He reminds me of an ever better version of Michael Vick and I think he has a really bright future ahead of him. Unless the sophomore slump hits him (I think he's too good for it to effect him),  He should be in line for another great year. The problem with the Panthers though is that's about where the positives end. They have no receiving weapons outside of Steve Smith (One could argue if Smith is as productive as he was last year you don't need anyone else though). As good as Newton as is, he can't guide this team to the playoffs with only one legitimate threat in the passing game. The Panthers defense is also suspect at best. First-round draft pick Luke Kuchely has a ton of potential at outside linebacker, but he's not going turn around the weaknesses they have at just about every other spot on defense. The Panthers aren't a bad team, but they need to improve their defense and depth on offense if they want to make that next step and become a playoff team.

New Orleans Saints: Clearly if you even somewhat follow you heard about the Saints bounty scandal. The fallout from that scandal will no doubt have a negative effect on the Saints season. Besides the cloud hanging over them from the bounty scandal, head coach Sean Payton and linebacker Jonathan Vilma are suspended for the season. Payton is one of the top coaches in the league and Vilma is arguably the best player on the Saints defense. Their absences will absolutely bring down the Saints this year. Their success this season is going to come down to how the Saints handle the massive off-field distractions they have facing them. They certainly have the talent, it's just going to come down to their mental toughness. On the brighter side, Drew Brees is coming off of the best year of his career and their offense is still very much in-tact. Jimmy Graham should continue to cement himself as an elite tight end and Marques Colston and Lance Moore have a great chemistry and consistent production with Brees. The Saints season is going to be a crapshoot. They have the talent to win the division, but they might not have the right psyche to have a good year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers completely retooled after their disastrous 4-12 season last year in which they lost the last nine games of the season. They brought in a new coach in Greg Schiano and several high-profile free agents including wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks, and tight end Dallas Clark. These additions instantly improve them. Jackson gives them a top receiver which they hadn't had in a long time, Nicks is a spectacular lineman, and Clark, when healthy, is a fantastic tight end. Throw in a pair of solid first-round draft picks in safety Mark Barron and running back Doug Martin and you have a team that's bound to improve from their abysmal 2011 season. A lot of people forget that this team made the playoffs two years ago and I think they are only a year or two away from making it back again. The Buccanners issues are primarily on defense. Last year they were awful and they are going to need a lot of people to step up to improve this year. They drafted mostly defensive players this year and the veterans they have are pretty much all unproven making their defense a huge question mark going into the season. They have some promise and they could surprise a lot of people this year, but their shaky defense will keep them out of the playoff hunt.

My Predictions for the NFC South standings:
1.Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
2.New Orleans Saints (9-7)
3.Carolina Panthers (6-10)
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)