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The NFC South is a strange division. No one ever repeats...it has never happened
since they went to four divisions in 2002. This year won't be any different, as
the Saints have talent where it counts,
which is why we think they edge out Carolina for the title while Tampa Bay falls
back to 8-8. This is a close division race and it always is. We are fairly sure
at least that the Falcons won't be fighting for the division title.
1. New Orleans Saints 2008 NFL Preview
Projected Record: 10-6
The most explosive team in the division, but without a
more trustworthy rushing attack, the Saints will have trouble dictating the flow
of games. Last year showed the Saints one thing. Reggie Bush is NOT an every
down back. The Saints need Deuce McAllister to be the every down back. Jeremy
Shockey comes over from the Giants to give Drew Brees a potent check down
target. The offense should be much better. The Saints defense was just horrible
last year, but adding Sedrick Ellis and Tracy Porter in the draft as well as
Jonathon Vilma should strengthen that unit greatly. Remember it was only a year
ago that the Saints were in the NFC title game...more
2. Carolina Panthers 2008 NFL
Preview
Projected Record: 9-7
The power offense and good defense makes for a very good team, not an elite
one. It's just a little bit scary to see a team with division title aspirations
have this much roster turnover. The Panthers will have a strong running game as
they got road grater Jeff Otah in the first round to go along with first round
pick Jonathon Stewart and returning D'Angelo Williams. Couple that with a
healthy Jake Delhomme and the Panthers can make some noise in the NFC South...more
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 NFL
Preview
Projected Record: 9-7
Solid offense, excellent defense, but Chuckie never puts together
back-to-back seasons. The Bucs won the division last year without Cadillac
Williams, and this year they bring back Warrick Dunn to blast some holes. Jeff
Garcia does ok in the Bucs dink and dunk offense, but that offense is not what
any of us would call explosive. They will again rely on the number 2 defense in
the nation to try to keep atop the division. That is a dangerous game to play
year after year, but for the Bucs it seems to work...more
4. Atlanta Falcons 2008 NFL
Preview
Projected Record: 3-13
The good news is they are ahead of the Chiefs in the rebuilding process, the
bad news is they are behind everyone else. There is a new coach, a new
quarterback, and a new running back as the Falcons start from scratch. Michael
Turner can be a workhorse at running back, and Mike Smith will have to break in
Matt Ryan at some point, but this is going to be another very bad year. The
Falcons are making the right moves to improve though and it will pay dividends
down the road... more |
