2008 NFC South Best/Worst Scenarios
Will Reggie Bush Prove Not a Bust and Lead Saints Back to Playoffs
Sep 4, 2008
The Saints, Panthers, and Buccaneers are healthy and will all battle for the South title. Here’s a look at the best and worst case scenarios for each team and the order they’ll finish in 2008.
1) New Orleans Saints
Best Case Scenarios
- Drew Brees has another MVP like season (4,423 yards 28 touchdowns in ‘07).
- Second year receiver Robert Meachem can be another big play weapon for Brees.
- Tight end Jeremy Shockey can perform like the dominant player he once was in New York.
- The additions of cornerback Randall Gay, rookie tackle Sedrick Ellis, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma dramatically improve defense (26th overall in ‘07).
- Reggie Bush proves he’s not a bust.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Brees plays all season how he started 2007 (1 touchdown 9 interceptions first for games).
- The defense still cannot stop the pass (30th versus pass in ‘07).
- Running back Deuce McAllister can’t stay healthy weakening the rushing attack.
- Bush proves to be a bust.
2008 Saints Prediction
If McAllister can stay healthy, and Bush is legit, then the sky is the limit in New Orleans. Just two years removed from the NFC Championship game, the Saints know how to win. The defense also needs to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks to help the pass defense. If everything clicks, the Saints should win the South with about twelve wins in ‘08.
2) Carolina Panthers
Best Case Scenarios
- Quarterback Jake Delhomme returns to form after shoulder surgery in 2007.
- Backs DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart combine for an elite rushing attack.
- Defensive end Julius Peppers dominates again after an embarrassing 2007 campaign (2 1/2 sacks).
- The offense dramatically improves upon its 29th ranking in ’07.
Worst Case Scenarios
- The offensive line can’t maintain its health leaving Delhomme a victim to the pass rush.
- Delhomme’s shoulder can’t hold-up and he misses playing time.
- Re-signed receiver Mushin Muhammad can’t take defensive coverage off counterpart Steve Smith.
- The defense continues to stumble.
2008 Panthers Prediction
If the Panthers can stay healthy and Peppers returns to the dominant player he can be, watch out. Carolina knows what it takes to get to the Super Bowl and won’t accept anything less. If they are healthy, look for ten wins in ‘08. If not, they could fall to the bottom of the NFC South. Injuries will decide their fate.
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best Case Scenarios
- Quarterback Jeff Garcia has another stellar season (94.6 QB rating, 4 interceptions).
- Running back Warrick Dunn helps solidify running game.
- Someone other than aging receiver Joey Galloway steps up and produces.
- Talented young defense continues to get better and better (2nd overall in ‘07).
Worst Case Scenario
- Running game doesn’t produce making Garcia’s job much more difficult.
- Garcia can’t find another receiver besides Galloway to throw to.
- Young defense begins to play like a young, inexperienced defense.
- Garcia gets injured provoking a quarterback carousel.
2008 Buccaneers Prediction
With the improved Saints, and Delhomme’s return in Carolina, repeating as division champs will be difficult for Tampa. They should still finish 8-8 or 9-7; not enough to take division though.
4) Atlanta Falcons
Best Case Scenarios
- Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan steps in and plays mistake free.
- Running back Michael Turner proves he can be a every down back in the NFL.
- Rookie left tackle Sam Baker can protect Ryan’s blindside effectively.
- A receiver other than Roddy White steps up to help Ryan mature.
Worst Case Scenarios
- Inexperienced cornerbacks are ineffective versus NFL receivers.
- Aging players on defense can’t help the younger players develop.
- No weapon at tight end position dooms Matt Ryan.
- Michael Turner can’t handle lead role at running back.
2008 Falcons Prediction
It’s obvious the Falcons are rebuilding after the Mike Vick nightmare. Quarterback Matt Ryan needs to be effective for the Falcons to have any chance of reaching the four wins of 2007. Four maybe five wins is the max in Atlanta in ’08.
