The Saints and Falcons added some talent that could get them to the Super Bowl, while the Panthers and Buccaneers got a little younger. Who will come out on top of the South in 2011?
NFC South Predictions
1. Atlanta Falcons (12-4)
QB Matt Ryan has lived up to the nickname “Matty Ice” at the Georgia Dome with a 19-3 win/loss mark in three seasons. Losing to the Packers at home in the playoffs last season will probably make him even more determined to win. No doubt he will have a great year in 2011.
Ryan was given a 6’4″ new toy with the 6th pick in this year’s draft in receiver Julio Jones. Jones will spread the field allowing WR Roddy White (115 catches in ’10) and Tony Gonzalez (70) more 1-on-1 opportunities. Jones will also help keep the defense honest which should allow RB Michael Turner to have another big year. Turner has scored 39 TD in his three seasons with Atlanta.
Atlanta also got John Abraham (13 sacks in ’10) some pass rush help in DE Ray Edwards (8 sacks). The addition of Edwards will allow linebackers Sean Weatherspoon and Curtis Lofton to help more with stopping the run and staying in coverage.
As for the secondary, safety Thomas Decoud (113 tackles in ’10) and corner Dunta Robinson lead a young and improving secondary that ranked 16th versus the pass last year. That number should improve in 2011 with the added pass rush.
With an improved defense and another star weapon on offense, Matt Ryan and the Falcons could soar in 2011.
2. New Orleans Saints
Head coach Sean Payton has got to be ecstatic with the additions of running backs Darren Sproles and rookie Mark Ingram. Payton is great at calling plays and using his players to their strengths. Ingram is an Emmitt Smith type back and is a scoring machine. The 2009 Heisman winner scored 46 TD in 39 games for Alabama.
With Sproles, Ingram, 6’6″ TE Jimmy Graham and WR Marques Colston the red zone will be a fun place in 2011 for Payton. Look for QB Drew Brees to add to his future Hall of Fame numbers with all the weapons at his disposal.
The Saints defense ranked no.4 in the NFL a year ago, but only 16th versus the run; that will change in ’11. New Orleans added Shaun Rogers, Turk McBride and Aubrayo Franklin to their defensive line. Add star in the making, Sedrick Ellis and running on the Saints won’t be easy anymore.
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (105 tackles, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in ’10) will continue his all-pro play and leadership in 2011. The secondary was ranked no.4 against the pass a year ago and that could also improve; or not since running won’t be an opponent’s option this year.
The Saints are hoping the additions they made will help them return to Super Bowl glory.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
Tampa was a nice surprise last year when they won 10 games with the youngest team in the NFL. Having that same success in 2011 will be tough to do in an improved division.
Second year QB Josh Freeman threw 25 TD and 6 INT in 2010, compared to 10 and 18 his rookie year. That kind of improvement at least means the Bucs do have their QB of the future. It would take an even more stellar performance to take this division though.
Rookie RB LeGarrette Blount was also a welcoming surprise in 2010. Blount ran for over 1,000 yards with 6 TD; but he can’t catch. No back on their 2011 roster had more than 15 catches last year; defenses don’t have to defend the flats then. Not good.
The defense is of course young except for 36 year-old CB Ronde Barber, so the inexperience will kill them in this division. The future may look bright but the future isn’t now.
4. Carolina Panthers (4-12)
Carolina took QB Cam Newton of Auburn with the no.1 pick in the 2011 draft and will give him the keys. Newton is humble and has plenty of talent, but there will be bumps in the road as with any rookie QB.
Good thing for Newton is that he has a solid offensive line to protect him. He also has WR Steve Smith and tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olson; some reliable and proven targets. Cam will also be able to hand the ball off to DeAngelo Williams, whom Carolina hopes will return to his 2008 form (1,515 yards, 20 TD).
Charles Johnson and rookie Greg Hardy combined for 14.5 sacks in the absence of DE Julius Peppers (Bears). Corner Chris Gamble and MLB Jon Beason combine to lead a decent defense.
It won’t be in 2011, but here’s a prediction; the NFC South will be one heck of a competitive division very soon.
sources: nfl.com