The 2009 NFC South Preview
The Carolina Panthers are favored to repeat as champions
The NFC South will be one of the most interesting divisions to watch this 2009 NFL season. While the Carolina Panthers won the South in 2008 with a 12-4 record, there is no guarantee they will repeat as this division has been won by a different team each of the last three years. The NFC South was so closely matched in 2008, that only four wins separated Carolina from New Orleans, who finished last with an 8-8 record. This season is shaping up to be no different as each team has their sights set on the top spot. The following is a preview of each team in the division, noting their strengths and weaknesses heading into this season.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had one of the best turn arounds in the NFL last season going from 4-12 in 2007 to 11-5 in 2008. Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, whom was drafted in the first round out of Boston College became their starter from week one and played with the poise of a seasoned veteran. His continued development will be crucial to the Falcons success in 2009. Atlanta’s real strength on offense lies in their running game. Led by RB Michael Turner who rushed for almost 1700 yards, the Falcons were ranked 2nd overall in rushing yards per game. An improved defense, which was ranked 24th overall last season, could be the key to winning this division. To address this issue they picked defensive players in the first five rounds of this year’s draft. It remains to be seen whether these rookies can come in and have an immediate impact, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are looking to continue where they left off in 2008. Despite losing in the playoffs to Arizona, they were one of the most solid teams in the NFC last season. They recently signed veteran QB Jake Delhomme to a long term contract extension and All-Pro DE Julius Peppers to a one year 16 million deal. Along with RB DeAngelo Williams who was the third leading rusher in the league last season, and WR Steve Smith who was also ranked third in receiving, there is enough talent on this team to make another run. Veteran head coach John Fox enters his seventh season as the winningest coach in franchise history. His ability to make sure his team is ready to play makes the Panthers a legitimate threat to win the division again in 2009.
New Orleans Saints
To be a factor in the South, the Saints need to develop better consistency on both sides of the ball. In 2008 they struggled at times, losing several games they should have won. Fortunately they finished on a strong note winning three out their last four to avoid a losing season. On offense they are downright explosive ending up ranked 1st in total points per game, total yards per game, and total passing yards per game. Led by QB Drew Brees who threw for over 5000 yards in 2008, they can score from anywhere on the field. Their only weakness has been rushing the ball as they were ranked 28th last season averaging less than 100 yards per game. Going into this year, they hope RB’s Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas can combine to improve these numbers. If head coach Sean Peyton can get his team to play at a high level week in and week out, they can become a very dangerous team
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The John Gruden era ended in Tampa, as the long time head coach was fired this past off-season after his team lost their last four games of the season to finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs. They elevated defensive backs coach Raheem Morris to the top spot to give the team a fresh approach in 2009. One of Morris’s biggest decisions he currently faces is deciding who will be the starting quarterback come opening day. Right now it appears he will go with seven year veteran, Byron Leftwich, but do not rule out 1st round draft pick, Josh Freeman from Kansas State getting a chance somewhere down the road. While there still is a fairly good nucleus of talent on this team, I see this as a rebuilding year for the Bucs. Too many things need to come together for them to overtake the other three teams in the South.
See Also: 2009 NFC East Preview
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles