NFC South Preview

We’ve been previewing the 2014 NFL season one division at a time. We’ve gone through seven of the eight divisions already, so be sure to recap our blogs from the last couple weeks. Today though, let’s finish them up with the NFC South.

NFC South

Division Winner: New Orleans Saints

Division Cellar: Carolina Panthers

Other Playoff Teams: None

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Atlanta Falcons (Andrew) or Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Greg)

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Andrew) or Atlanta Falcons (Greg)

4. Carolina Panthers

Andrew – This was a division that sent two teams to the playoffs last season. The funny thing is, I think this will be an improved division overall, but there will just be one playoff team this time around. The Saints obviously have an electric offense, but with the addition of Jairus Byrd, they now boast an intimidating defense. That’s why they’ll emerge on top. Atlanta will challenge them, now that Julio Jones and Roddy White are healthy. The offensive and defensive lines are much better on paper now too. Tampa Bay improved this offseason as much as any team in the league. With Lovie Smith leading the way, they could make some noise as well. Then there is Carolina, the 2013 division champs. They had a bad offseason, losing key pieces and failing to make a big impact through free agency or the draft. That’s why they may end up finishing at the bottom.

Greg – The Saints should be fully recovered from last season now, and as long as Drew Brees stays healthy, they should be able to win another division championship. The biggest surprise this season should be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as they should be markedly improved on both offense and defense under Lovie Smith. The Falcons return to health, but has their window passed? A will Carolina be a one-year wonder?

Preseason Division Awards

Offensive MVP: Drew Brees (New Orleans) – This was a no brainer, as Brees is a lock to put up huge numbers in a pass happy system. The Saints clearly own the best offense in the division, and he’s the reason.

Defensive MVP: Cameron Jordan (New Orleans) or Luke Kuechly (Carolina) – Kuechly is the bigger name here and will almost certainly dominate again this season. That’s why Greg picked him. Andrew didn’t however, as he’ll be playing for a last place team. That’s why Andrew picked Cameron Jordan, who will dominate on the defensive line for the Saints. Other options were Jairus Byrd and Michael Johnson.

Rookies to Watch: Mike Evans (Tampa Bay), Kelvin Benjamin (Carolina), Brandin Cooks (New Orleans), Ra’Shede Hageman

Free Agents to Watch: Jairus Byrd (New Orleans), Josh McCown (Tampa Bay), Tyson Jackson (Atlanta), Michael Johnson (Tampa Bay)

By: The Sports Guys