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2008 NFC South Predictions

Jimmy Boyd weighs in with his 2008 NFC South predictions to give you a quick look at how he sees the division shaping up. For a more in depth look at these teams, check out his individual NFL predictions by clicking on their links below.
 

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1st – New Orleans Saints

A poor 0-4 start kept New Orleans from repeating as NFC South champs. Sean Payton's team should collect their second title in three years in 2008. QB Drew Brees is coming off a record-setting season, leading the 4th ranked offense in the NFL. With as good as the Saints' offensive line is, Brees will be picking apart his opponents again. The area the Saints really needed to improve was the defensive secondary. This unit ranked 30th in yards allowed and tied for the worst mark in the league in passing touchdowns allowed. Cornerbacks Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn were added in free agency and Indiana coner Tracy Porter was drafted in round two to add even more depth. Even if the defense is marginally better, the Saints will challenge for an NFC title because of their offense.

2nd – Carolina Panthers

A run-happy scheme in Carolina is expected with DeAngelo Williams providing the speed and 13th overall draft pick Jonathan Stewart providing a little bit of everything. The key to Carolina's success will be QB Jake Delhomme however. Without him in the lineup for most of last season, teams were able to stack the line of scrimmage to make running the football very difficult. With Delhomme likely ready to go, the threat of him to Steve Smith will once again be something for defenses to think about. Just having Delhomme in the lineup for his leadership should help the Panthers improve at least two games.

3rd – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Veteran QB Jeff Garcia came into town and led the Bucs to their best offensive season since 2003. The result was a division title. It was the second time in head coach Jon Gruden's six seasons with the Bucs that they have went worst-to-first. It is ridiculous to think that Gruden is yet to string together consecutive winning seasons in Tampa Bay. The defense is still a force to be reckoned with. The Bucs had the best defense against the pass in all of football last season. Not only is history not on the side of the Bucs, but the return of Delhomme and the improved Saints defense, will make it nearly impossible for them to repeat.

4th - Atlanta Falcons

With Atlanta's star QB still in Leavenworth on federal charges for dogfighting, the Falcons have no hope. Number three overall draft pick Matt Ryan is no Vick and he won't even be of the quality of a good backup in his rookie year so another pathetic season is inevitable. The Falcons have made Ryan the new face of the franchise, but he wouldn't have even been on the roster if defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey had been available. The Falcons running game appears in good hands with Michael Turner, L.T.'s former backup in San Diego. There's no doubt that he is a talented runner, but he may find yards harder to come by on a team with a minimal passing threat. With no go-to tight end Alge Crumpler and no lockdown corner DeAngelo Hall, it's going to be a long year for the Dirty Birds.

June 19th, 2008