We want to give you a breakdown of this division and tell you who we think will be making the playoffs and who will be missing out. Let us know what you think. Agree, disagree, we love to hear from you. We are the fans, let's Be Heard!
Atlanta Falcons: I felt bad for the Atlanta Falcons last season, the injury bug seemed to bite them really hard which I believe resulted in their 4-12 season. I really like this Atlanta offense, Matt Ryan has always been one of my favorite quarterbacks in this league. Julio Jones and Roddy White are very capable and reliable receivers for Matty Ice. They have revamped their offensive line and drafted Jake Matthews who has impressed in training camp thus far. Last season they ranked last in yards rushed per game, with a healthy offensive line and three capable running backs on this squad, we expect them to pound the ball more, opening up the passing game for Matt Ryan and those receivers. Their defense also looks to avoid the injury plague this season as last year they ranked last in rushing defense. The Falcons have a difficult schedule having to play New Orleans and Carolina twice each, but I predict they will go 11-5 and make the playoffs this season.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers were one of my favorite teams to watch last season, they had an excellent defense and Cam Newton was very exciting to watch. Their running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should be effective if both players can stay healthy. The Panthers did lose Steve Smith, their long time receiver, but they did add Kelvin Benjamin, a rookie coming out of Florida State. I really appreciate Kelvin Benjamin's game, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 240 pounds, he is a big guy that can go up for the ball and allows the Panthers to run to the outside with Benjamin blocking. Their defense should be better than ever and I believe they will have another fantastic season, Cam Newton will only improve and the defense is still growing making this a potentially exciting year for these Carolina fans. I think they will go 12-4 making the playoffs for the second year in a row.
New Orleans Saints: Who Dat? Sorry Buccaneers' fans but the only other team with a change at winning this division are the New Orleans Saints. This Saints' offense will be one of the best in the league, with Drew Brees running the show how can it not be? Even though they lost Darren Sproles I believe Drew Brees has enough weapons on that team to make some great plays. Their secondary just got better with the signing of Jarius Byrd, they ranked 2nd last season in passing yards allowed and with a pass happy league you want your secondary to be top notch. Their front seven on defense will get better and their defense will help control the games so they don't become shootouts like a lot of the games the Saints played last season. They have the most difficult schedule out of this division and so I have predict them going 11-5, competing for that wild card spot.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rebuild, rebuild, rebuild. That's what the guys at Tampa Bay will be telling themselves this year so they don't lose hope for their NFL careers. Coach Lovie Smith will help an average defense last season get better. I really like how they went out and got Mike Jenkins and I believe he will be an excellent player to build around. Their offense needs a lot of work. Last season they ranked last in passing yards per game and 22nd in rushing yards per game. This year's draft they didn't pick up a single defensive player focusing solely on their offense. I like some of the pieces they have in place already, RB Doug Martin, WR Vincent Jackson, but they don't have a solid line and those players won't succeed without blocking by the big guys. I don't like how the Buccaneers went out and got Josh McCown to be their starting quarterback. He's a backup and when they drafted Mike Glennon they said he was their guy for the future so why not play him? The Buccaneers are going to struggle this year. Their defense will be slightly above average but their offense is looking for an identity. I expect them to go 3-13 this year having the first pick in next years NFL draft.
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