NFC South Preview
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Prediction: 10-6 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: The New Orleans Saints were a popular pre-season pick in 2007, but struggled out of the gates losing their first 4 games of the season. The Saints averaged 361.2 ypg in 2007, which was good enough to make them 4th in the NFL after the Patriots, Packers and Cowboys. With Deuce McAllister back from injury and Jeremy Shockey added in the off-season, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints led the NFL in offense. However, only 6 teams gave up more yards than the Saints defense did. With the additions of Bobby McCray, Jonathan Vilma and rookie Sedrick Ellis, the Saints defense should be much improved. With the weakest schedule in the NFC South, I expect the Saints to have a bounce-back season.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Drew Brees threw 652 passes in 2007.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 115-141 (.449)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): vs Tampa Bay, at Washington, vs San Diego, vs Green Bay, at Tampa Bay
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 20 wins (6.7 per season)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Prediction: 9-7 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: The Panthers had an eventful training camp with the Steve Smith and Ken Lucas brawl. Or, more accurately, the Steve Smith sucker punch of Ken Lucas. Lucas has said he's forgiven Smith and has put it behind him. And even though Lucas wishes Smith was active for the first 2 games, Smith will serve a 2-game suspension against San Diego and Chicago. Reports are that Julius Peppers has looked as good as ever. With a healthy Jake Delhomme and rookie Jonathan Stewart adding depth and talent to the Panthers running game, I think the Panthers have a better year than in 2007 when they went 7-9.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Their leading WR (Steve Smith) had more yards receiving (1,002) than their leading QB (Vinny Testaverde) had yards passing (952) last season.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 119-137 (.465)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): at San Diego, at Tampa Bay, at Green Bay, vs Tampa Bay, at NY Giants
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 26 wins (8.7 per season)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Prediction: 8-8 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: With a first-place schedule, I expect the Bucs to take a step backwards in 2008. The Bucs' core players are getting old(er): Jeff Garcia, Joey Galloway, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, etc. Will young players like Gaines Adams (5 sacks in last 11 games), Jovan Haye (6 sacks) and rookie Aqib Talib step up? Maybe Michael Clayton has a good year, but he had more yards receiving in his rookie year than he has had in the last 3 years. I think anyone can win the South (excluding the Falcons), but I believe it's most likely the Bucs finish 3rd in 2008.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Michael Clayton had more yards receiving in his rookie year than he has had in the last 3 years.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 120-136 (.469)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (4): vs Green Bay, vs Seattle, at Dallas, vs San Diego
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 24 wins (8.0 per season)
ATLANTA FALCONS
Prediction: 4-12 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: What a year it has been for the Atlanta Falcons! Some of the worst stories in the NFL last year involve the Falcons: Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino, etc. But now the Falcons have a new GM (Thomas Dimitroff), a new Head Coach (Mike Smith), a new starting QB (rookie Matt Ryan) and a new starting RB (Michael Turner). The Falcons have started to put some of the pieces of the puzzle together, however, they clearly remain the worst team in the NFC South. It will a long year for the Falcons, but hopefully more quiet.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Roddy White had 1200+ yards receiving even with the QBs they had in 2007.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 118-138 (.461)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (4): at Tampa Bay, at Green Bay, at San Diego, vs Tampa Bay
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 19 wins (6.3 per season)
Prediction: 10-6 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: The New Orleans Saints were a popular pre-season pick in 2007, but struggled out of the gates losing their first 4 games of the season. The Saints averaged 361.2 ypg in 2007, which was good enough to make them 4th in the NFL after the Patriots, Packers and Cowboys. With Deuce McAllister back from injury and Jeremy Shockey added in the off-season, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints led the NFL in offense. However, only 6 teams gave up more yards than the Saints defense did. With the additions of Bobby McCray, Jonathan Vilma and rookie Sedrick Ellis, the Saints defense should be much improved. With the weakest schedule in the NFC South, I expect the Saints to have a bounce-back season.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Drew Brees threw 652 passes in 2007.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 115-141 (.449)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): vs Tampa Bay, at Washington, vs San Diego, vs Green Bay, at Tampa Bay
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 20 wins (6.7 per season)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Prediction: 9-7 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: The Panthers had an eventful training camp with the Steve Smith and Ken Lucas brawl. Or, more accurately, the Steve Smith sucker punch of Ken Lucas. Lucas has said he's forgiven Smith and has put it behind him. And even though Lucas wishes Smith was active for the first 2 games, Smith will serve a 2-game suspension against San Diego and Chicago. Reports are that Julius Peppers has looked as good as ever. With a healthy Jake Delhomme and rookie Jonathan Stewart adding depth and talent to the Panthers running game, I think the Panthers have a better year than in 2007 when they went 7-9.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Their leading WR (Steve Smith) had more yards receiving (1,002) than their leading QB (Vinny Testaverde) had yards passing (952) last season.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 119-137 (.465)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (5): at San Diego, at Tampa Bay, at Green Bay, vs Tampa Bay, at NY Giants
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 26 wins (8.7 per season)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Prediction: 8-8 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: With a first-place schedule, I expect the Bucs to take a step backwards in 2008. The Bucs' core players are getting old(er): Jeff Garcia, Joey Galloway, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, etc. Will young players like Gaines Adams (5 sacks in last 11 games), Jovan Haye (6 sacks) and rookie Aqib Talib step up? Maybe Michael Clayton has a good year, but he had more yards receiving in his rookie year than he has had in the last 3 years. I think anyone can win the South (excluding the Falcons), but I believe it's most likely the Bucs finish 3rd in 2008.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Michael Clayton had more yards receiving in his rookie year than he has had in the last 3 years.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 120-136 (.469)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (4): vs Green Bay, vs Seattle, at Dallas, vs San Diego
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 24 wins (8.0 per season)
ATLANTA FALCONS
Prediction: 4-12 | Team Home | Team Forum | Team Schedule
Overview: What a year it has been for the Atlanta Falcons! Some of the worst stories in the NFL last year involve the Falcons: Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino, etc. But now the Falcons have a new GM (Thomas Dimitroff), a new Head Coach (Mike Smith), a new starting QB (rookie Matt Ryan) and a new starting RB (Michael Turner). The Falcons have started to put some of the pieces of the puzzle together, however, they clearly remain the worst team in the NFC South. It will a long year for the Falcons, but hopefully more quiet.
Interesting Stat/Fact: Roddy White had 1200+ yards receiving even with the QBs they had in 2007.
Strength of Schedule: 2007 opponents were 118-138 (.461)
2007 Playoff Teams on Schedule (4): at Tampa Bay, at Green Bay, at San Diego, vs Tampa Bay
# of Wins Past 3 Years: 19 wins (6.3 per season)
