2009 NFL Season Preview: NFC South
The NFC South has always been kind of a dark horse divison. None of the teams have been flashy and/or consistent winners over the past couple seasons like the Patriots or the Colts, and all have seemed rather one-dimensional. Will that perception change in 2009?
Atlanta Falcons (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 11-5)
We have to give credit to Matt Ryan for taking the Falcons from the third overall pick in the 2008 Draft to the playoffs in a single season. Ryan appears to be a solid draft pick who can lead the team for years to come. However, the danger with rookie success is that it raises the expectations for the following season. In my humble opinion, the Falcons had a soft 2008 schedule that gets much more difficult in 2009. That being said, the Falcons have made the right moves to further surround Ryan with the tools he needs for success, drafting primarily on the defensive side of the ball and bringing in future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez to boost the offense. The Falcons should be a fun team to watch this year.
Key Question: Can Ryan avoid the sophomore slump?
Player to Watch: LB Curtis Lofton. Lofton showed promise last year, but will have his hands full directing a young defense against tougher opponents.
Carolina Panthers (predicted: 10-6, 2008: 12-4)
Maybe Keyshawn was onto something a few years back when he suggested on national television that the Panthers should draft a quarterback. Jake Delhomme’s turnover-fest in Carolina against the Cardinals surely left a sour taste in his mouth. At least Steve Smith is available for the season opener this year, unless he has punched someone else without making the news. The Panthers probably won’t repeat their stellar 2008 campaign, but still have the best shot to win the division. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart form one of the best running back tandems in the league, and if the Panthers don’t put the game in Delhomme’s hands they ought to do fine.
Key Question: What the hell is going on with Julius Peppers?
Player to Watch: RT Jeff Otah. Injuries marred his rookie debut, but if Otah can stay healthy the Panthers will have two of the best tackles in the league for years to come.
New Orleans Saints (predicted: 10-6, 2008: 8-8)
Same old story with the Saints- huge offense, porous defense. Sean Payton seems to realize this, and focused his draft efforts on the defense lead by cornerback/safety Malcolm Jenkins. Other additions including Jabari Greer from the Bills and Darren Sharper from the Vikings showed that the Saints were serious about giving Drew Brees some breathing room. If this actually works, the Saints could be the most dangerous team in the NFC. Their pass-happy offense nearly set records in 2008, and virtually all of the offensive starters are returning.
Key Question: Will Reggie Bush be shopped if he doesn’t perform to expectations this season?
Player to Watch: TE Jeremy Shockey. Shockey’s trade from the Giants brought a chorus of ridiculous pundits claiming he was the “missing piece” for the Saints offense. Yeah- not quite. Shockey finished the season without a touchdown reception and just 483 yards in 12 games- the lowest output of his career. Fluke, or another free agency bust?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (predicted: 4-12, 2008: 9-7)
Longtime head coach Jon Gruden was fired after a disappointing season. Incoming head coach Raheem Morris staked out his territory with a series of personnel moves including the release of future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. Byron Leftwich, after getting his Super Bowl Ring with the Steelers, earned his second chance as a starter while the Bucs develop Josh Freeman into a franchise quarterback. The Bucs are looking to pound the ball with free agency acquisition Derrick Ward and control the clock. It could work, but I don’t see it working out in the first season under the new system.
Key Question: With the departure of Monte Kiffin to the Vols and his son Lane, will the Bucs’ defense be as formidable?
Player to Watch: DE Gaines Adams. Is he finally going to have his breakout season? It’s now or never.
Coming soon is the NFC West.
Technorati Tags: NFL, football, Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Carolina Panthers, Jake Delhomme, John Fox, Julius Peppers, Curtis Lofton, Jeff Otah, New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, Darren Sharper, Malcolm Jenkins, Jabari Greer, Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, Tampa NBay Buccaneers, Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris, Derrick Brooks, Derrick Ward, Monte Kiffin, Lane Kiffin, Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich
