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NFL Team Reports

By Dale Sims and Kurt Schumacher

The NFC South

This division lacks the overall strength of the NFC East but might be more dangerous in that the teams that are good are solid and the teams with question marks are dangerous in one way or another.  The division itself is stable with the exception of New Orleans and the multiple issues that they are dealing with.  All of the teams improved themselves in the off season and the draft, some more than others, but some needed a lot more help.  The schedules are generally difficult, as they play the NFC East and crossover to the AFC North, which is very solid.

Carolina               11-5                                         

Tampa Bay           9-7 (+)             

Atlanta                 8-8                  

New Orleans         4-12                                         

Carolina

Carolina made some excellent moves in the off-season, probably no team in the NFL did a better job in both free agency and the draft addressing their specific needs, but their schedule is difficult.  The addition of Keyshawn Johnson to the receiving corps bolsters both the passing game, where he provides a creditable threat opposite Smith, and enhances the running game due to his blocking skills.  The running backs need to stay healthy to set up play-action, this is still a run first offense.  That conservative offense and a bundle of talent keep the defense one of the leagues best.  They have some minor weaknesses in the secondary but the aggressive defensive line makes it difficult to exploit them.  The difficulty of their schedule is an issue regarding playoff seeding, but expect them to make the playoffs again this season.

Tampa Bay

The offensive line is going through some changes and a lot will depend on how quickly everything comes together.  This team wants to run to setup the pass but needs to improve their blocking for both parts of the game.  The inexperience of their quarterback is of concern, he has more to learn and it is difficult to predict the price of the lessons.  The team did better than expected last year but will have trouble repeating as division champs, things are not helped by a difficult schedule and that Simms is still learning his craft.  The Cadillac showed some signs of hard use last season and his health will be a factor this year also.   The defense continues to age but still plays well within the scheme obviously, at some point you have to expect some drop off though this year it may not be evident.  The other issue with this defense is their depth is suspect; they need to stay healthy to have a chance to challenge for the division.

Atlanta

The defense should improve given their high profile free agent acquisitions, though the secondary is not great, perhaps an improved pass rush will compensate somewhat.  The defensive line is a bit undersized which can be an issue against power rushing teams, and they will face more than a few of those this season. (Carolina, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore, Washington, Dallas.)  They have a solid rushing offense and the offensive line is good, though perhaps not quite as solid as they were last season.  Vick has a great arm but has not been consistent in locating his receivers, on the run he can’t seem to find them and in the pocket his height may be an issue.  While he is the best athlete on the team he may be the second best quarterback.  His style exposes him to too many hits, making him injury prone.  Those last five games of the season are going to be brutal.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a recovering city and the Saints are a recovering team, both are going to need time.  They have a brutal schedule, a new coach to break in, and an offensive line that is a work in progress.  Their primary running back and the new quarterback are both coming off injuries, which raise even more flags.  The presence of Reggie Bush will likely produce some highlight film and Sean Payton will find ways to get him involved on offense and special teams.  Their defense is weak against the pass both in their rush and coverage.  That makes any progress for this team a real uphill battle.

SUMMARY

This is actually a talented division but their schedules will be hard on them and their records may not reflect their abilities. Questions abound throughout and there is some concern that one or two of these teams could tank.  Atlanta is an obvious candidate where Vick has already called into question the offensive scheme; after last seasons second half there is some tension there.  Tampa Bay has an inexperienced quarterback and all that goes with that.  If he has problems, and it is more like when than if, how will he respond?   Even Carolina could have some issues as the starting running back has an extensive injury history, and Keyshawn has not always been the best teammate possible (and Steve Smith is not exactly shy). Vegas has installed Carolina as a heavy favorite to win the division, but there are probably better plays out there.

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