Hochuli's NFC South Preview

by Afraidofedhochuli

This is fun. Are we all enjoying our time together? Good. Lets freaking do this. I have done the NFC and AFC West, so I am going to move on to the NFC South (Guess what the next one will be!!!) This one is tough, because I don't like any of these teams. I like some of the stories, but the teams themselves don't really bake my cake. But we proceed.

The NFC South. In Alphabetical Order

Atlanta Falcons [1] Oh how far they have fallen. This one is tough because they have a great running back (Warrick Dunn) who just had surgery and we all know the debacle that is Mike Vick. They have lost 2 of their primary forces. They have new system in place with Jim Mora going to the Seahawks, and they are going to struggle. Jerious Norwood is going to be a great back for a long time, but if Joey Harrington can't get his head out of his ass and learn to throw the ball, the run game will NOT happen. They have lost more then they added. I sure hope they consider this a rebuilding year, because really Falcons fans, you will be very upset if you expect a playoff spot. 2006 Record: 7-9 2007 Prediction: 6-10 3rd in the NFC South [2]

Carolina Panthers [3] I would like to start off by saying that Chris Collinsworth is a fool. He stated on MNF that the Panthers were going to usurp the Saints as the winners of this team! Why? What does he see that I don't? I definitely see a Wild Card chase for the Panthers, but they haven't done enough. The only offensive weapon they have is Steve Smith, and we saw during the 2006 NFC Championship that he can be shut down. Deshaun Foster is an above average back...when healthy! And Jake Delhomme hasn't proven that he is a consistent passer. If Duane Jarret can play up to potential and move into the #2 spot, and if Delhomme can consistently move the ball, they will be better. But those are big ifs. Yes, their defense is still looking very nice, but if they can't move the ball on offense they Will be stuck. This defense isn't the kind to score you points. Peppers and Rucker will wreak havoc and hopefully Dan Morgan can be healthy enough to help out. An average defense should stop them.

2006 Record: 8-8 2007 Prediction: 8-8 2nd in the NFC South 

New Orleans Saints [4] What a great story!! Now, move on. Yes, they are helping rebuild the destroyed city, but that was last year. We are lazy, bored Americans! We need a new plot line! Plus it wasn't last years team that had to deal with the Hurricane. It was the year before. So really, Reggie Bush, man, if I hear you say one more time how you are dealing with things...how do you think the city is dealing? Okay, sorry...I flipped out...but still this team is a powerhouse. They were number one in offense last year and 11th in Defense. It is going to be in the top 5 in offense and has a solid enough defense to keep them in the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see a top 10 defense this year. Colston should do well with Meachem across from him. They will need to continue taking advantage of the difference between the styles of Bush and McCallister. They have a bit of a difficult task with their schedule, taking on the AFC South (Indy and Jax) and with a game against the Bears.

This team is just that a team. Very much like the winning Patriots. They will surprise people again (didn't think that would be possible) and take this division.

2006 Record: 10-6 2007 Prediction: 10-6 1st in the NFC South

[5] Tampa Bay Buccaneers I like Gaines Adams. I like John Gruden. Jeff Garcia is indestructible. Carnell Williams will bounce back. But the defense is older. This team is not going anywhere this year. John Gruden is going to lose his job and no one will realize that it is because the front office hasn't been able to make a solid deal. What happened to Chris Simms? I thought he was the new face of the team; the QB of the future. Now it is being reported that they might cut him!!! Seriously?!?!? The higher-ups need to take a look at the internal running of this team...they have some solid talent...but they are the epitome of the term "Boom or Bust". I can't see them winning more then 4.

2006 Record: 4-10 2007 Prediction: 4-10 4th in the NFC South

Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC West Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - AFC West