The opposition...the new NFC South

by usana_gaines on Apr 13, 2009 4:32 AM EDT

While we've been stuck on Peppers, other teams in our division have made some changes, specifically the Bucs. They signed Leftwich, Winslow and Derrick Ward, while letting go some key veterans like Derrick Brooks. I'm assuming the Saints will be better as Dan Morgan comes back, last year's 1st rd draft pick CB Porter returns from injury, and I'm sure they'll draft defense early. I think they also realized that Pierre Thomas is the best RB on their roster. The Falcons haven't changed much, but they were 11-5 with a rookie QB last year, and they put up 45 on us the last time we played. I think the key to this season is how other teams handle our offense as our offense is clearly the new strength of our team. I think we were the first team ever to have two RBs with 800+ yards and 10+ TDs. And there is always Smitty and we might finally have all five OL starters for all 16 games. What do you guys think, this season may get rough, but we can still finish 12-4, or can we?

Poll

Which team has the best chance of unseating the Panthers as NFC South division champs?

Falcons

97 votes

Bucs

24 votes

Saints

43 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Good post Mr. Gaines

The NFC south is going to be very strong again this year. The Bucs might struggle with the coaching changes and QB issue but could still make the playoffs. The Falcons have done nothing to hurt themselves after an 11-5 season. The Saints offense should be just as potent and as you pointed out they will have more skilled personnel on defense when the season starts.

12-4 is going to be a tough road for the Panthers but still possible. If the division struggles due to the hard schedule it may mean that the division winner is the only team to make the playoffs.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Apr 13, 2009 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

12-4 repeat

It all comes down to Defense. The Panthers are not built to score 30+ points per games, so the Defense will have to correct the slide they experienced the last half of the year.

by panthersnbraves on Apr 13, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

Not likely...

we go 12-4 with the much tougher schedule and the loss of key backups. Unless we find some gems in the upcoming draft or in free agency after the draft, it could be a slightly above mediocre season. I’m hoping for more like 9-7 this year, however that is just my unprofessional opinion. Another question is whether or not it is a make or break year for Jake and Fox?

by Davejinxer on Apr 13, 2009 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

Hot seat

I don’t think Fox is on the hot seat this year. Maybe Jake though.

I am still intrigued with his contract situation, being in his last year with a high salary cap hit. And because Jake may not want to sign an extension because he wants this to be his last year. Unless we cut him he is getting paid a pretty penny for his last year in the league.

by LittleKing on Apr 13, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions