2014 NFL Preseason Predictions: NFC South – New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons
Our next edition of 2014 preseason predictions takes us to the NFC South, where last season was full of surprises. The NFL is so rich with parity and divisional rivalries are so intense that anything is possible, as the NFC South showed. The Atlanta Falcons fell off the face of the earth, while the Carolina Panthers came out of nowhere to steal the division crown. Really, though, this division comes down to how good the New Orleans Saints really are. They cut a lot of pieces, tied down Jimmy Graham, and are in the twilight of Drew Brees’ magical career. Where exactly does that leave them? Let’s take a look.
1. New Orleans Saints (11-5): It’s not just because I moved to New Orleans last year and believe in the magic of this city. It’s not just because of a man crush I have on Drew Brees. It might be a little bit because of my love of Rob Ryan. This defense is serviceable and has one of the best coordinators in football on one of the best coaching staffs in the game. The most explosive offense of the past few seasons, certainly in the NFC, held on to its biggest weapon. I think that combines for stability the Panthers and Falcons aren’t capable of. As such, I think the Saints win the division, but it’s going to be close in what might be the most talented division in football.
2. Atlanta Falcons (10-6): The Atlanta Falcons had some serious injury problems last year. They lost essentially every important skill position on the offensive side of the ball. Roddy White played through injuries that left Julio Jones double covered until Jones went down for the season. The big acquisition, an aging Steven Jackson, went down as well. With all their weapons healthy again, I expect a big year from Matt Ryan and company. If Jackson is capable, the Falcons have an offense that can go toe to toe with just about anyone in a balanced yet dynamic attack. I think they’ll be relevant again.
3. Carolina Panthers (9-7): I don’t expect the Panthers to surprise anyone this year. Their running backs got old, Cam Newton is too volatile, and the division is too stacked. I expect Carolina to be a tough team to beat, but I don’t expect them to mirror last season’s success. Quite simply, I think last year was an anomaly for an above-average team that comes back down to earth in 2014.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10): Doug Martin is healthy again, but there are a lot of question marks about this team. They’re the weakest of the four and fighting their way out of the basement seems like a distant dream at this point. The pieces are starting to come together, but without elite quarterback play they won’t compete with the likes of the Saints and Falcons.
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