NFC South preview
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) tosses a pass during NFL football training camp at the team's NFL practice facility. (July 29, 2011) Credit: AP
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Prediction: First.
Coach: Sean Payton, sixth season (53-33).
Coordinators: Off., Payton, Def., Gregg Williams.
Outlook: The Saints couldn't recapture the magic of their Super Bowl season and were upset in the wild-card round by the Seahawks. But this remains a very dangerous team, particularly on offense, where Drew Brees continues to be one of the NFL's most prolific passers. The defense figures to be solid again under coordinator Williams, and they're hoping rookie Cameron Jordan can provide that extra boost to the pass rush. The addition of rookie RB Mark Ingram will also be a help, providing New Orleans with an effective every-down back they haven't had in the Payton era.
Last word: Liking the Saints a lot here. Healthy. Hungry. Ready to make another run.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 8-8, 13-3, 11-5.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Mike Smith, fourth season (33-17).
Coordinators: Off., Mike Mularkey, Def., Brian VanGorder.
Outlook: Comes off a terrific run as the NFC South champion in a division that is filled with quality teams. Lost in the divisional round at home to the eventual Super Bowl champion Packers, but return mostly intact. QB Matt Ryan continues to mature, and the addition of first-round WR Julio Jones gives him another option to wideout Roddy White. The addition of free-agent DE Ray Edwards complements pass rusher John Abraham.
Last word: The Falcons couldn't capitalize on home-field advantage in last year's playoffs, but sometimes that experience leads to better things down the road. Could be a special season, maybe even a Super one.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 11-5, 9-7, 13-3.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Raheem Morris, third season (13-19).
Coordinators: Off., Greg Olson, Def., Morris.
Outlook: The Bucs were the surprise team of 2010, bouncing back from an awful 2009. Josh Freeman emerged as one of the best young passers in the league, and had a penchant for fourth-quarter comebacks. There are still question marks on defense, particularly the pass rush. But the Bucs hope Gerald McCoy begins to emerge a la Warren Sapp, and the arrival of first-round DE Adrian Clayborn also should help.
Last word: Young talent is undeniable, but the Bucs may have to wait their turn to make the quantum leap to a Super Bowl.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 9-7, 3-13, 10-6.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Prediction: Fourth.Coach: Ron Rivera, first season.
Coordinators: Off., Rod Chudzinski, Def., Sean McDermott.
Outlook: This year and this team are all about one thing and one thing only: Cam Newton. The No. 1 overall pick has the future in his hands, and how rapidly he develops will determine how rapidly the Panthers get back to respectability. The growing pains will be frequent, but that's the price you pay with a young QB. At least the Panthers kept their core players on board, as they re-signed RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Jon Beason and DE Charles Johnson.
Last word: It's always interesting watching a franchise QB develop, but the operative word here is patience. A lot of patience.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 12-4, 8-8, 2-14.
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