NFC South Preview

NEW ORLEANS 12-4

Don't expect the Saints to repeat as Super Bowl champs this year but expect another division title. Defending the crown is incredibly tough, ask Pittsburgh about last year. Drew Brees and Sean Payton know all about the challenges facing defending champions and will ride the league's best offense to another impressive season.

Brees and Payton set out on separate national media tours this off-season promoting books and cashed in on the position winning the Super Bowl provides, especially winning one in New Orleans. While some may get distracted by the constant attention and praise, Brees will get right back to business as one of the top-2 quarterbacks in the league.

New Orleans will get everyone's best shot this year, which is why it won't match last year's win total. The Saints may not score over 500 points again but its offense will be at the top of the league. Brees will spread it to all receivers and backs in incredible accuracy, while Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush will have the rushing game clicking. The defense, which proved to be very opportunistic last year with huge plays and hits, will have to carry its own weight and improve on allowing points.

ATLANTA 10-6

Smith and Ryan trying to get back to the playoffs

Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith look to get back their first-year successes two years ago and return the Falcons to the playoffs. The QB and coach's rookie campaigns were so impressive it wasn't surprising to see them stutter slightly last year. While 9-7 isn't a bad season, Atlanta failed to make the playoffs and will be hungry in 2010.

Ryan must continue to improve and make fewer mistakes. His first two seasons have been very solid for a young QB and he will continue to mature in the pocket and have a very nice career. The weapons around him provide the potential for big plays and a balanced offense. Atlanta's running backs will provide the compliment Ryan needs to progress the passing game.

The Falcons hope Michael Turner will get back to 2008 form when he rushed for nearly 1700 yards and 17 TDs. He also carried the ball 376 times that year and some wonder if it wore him down, considering 80 attempts was his previous career-high. Turner battled with an ankle injury much of last year and, at 28, may not be able to carry a full load. Jerious Norwood and Justin Snelling filled in nicely at times last year.

Mike Smith will ensure a hard-nosed, fiery team ready to compete each Sunday. With continued improvements from Ryan and healthy running backs, Atlanta should return to the playoffs with a Wildcard bid.

CAROLINA 8-8

Can Moore lead the Panthers?

The best rushing tandem in the league resides in Carolina and their success will factor greatly into the successes of the team. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewert each rushed for over 1100 yards last year, and combined for 17 TDs. Similar results will be needed to allow QB Matt Moore to establish himself under center.

Moore looked good last year stepping in for Jake Delhomme, who suffered through a disastrous 18-interception season. Moore went 4-1 in his five starts to end the year and appears to be capable of starting in this league. His development hinges greatly on production this year and ability to adjust and read defenses. Backing up Moore will be rookies Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike, so lack of experience at the position may be a factor. It's tough to know what to expect from Moore, but with a top-notch running game and line, he will have the necessary tools in place.

Losing Julius Peppers will play a role, as he's one of the league's top pass-rushers and Carolina's all-time leader with 81 sacks. Two other starters on the defensive line are also gone so Carolina will have to rely on younger players to pick up the slack, and blockers to allow All-Pro LB Jon Beason to make plays.

John Fox will have a well-prepared, physical team. With decent quarterback play, it wouldn't be surprising to see Carolina make a playoff push this year.

TAMPA BAY 3-13

Tampa Bay is still rebuilding with a young head coach and younger team. Many question marks still surround the Bucs and gaining more valuable experience may be the reachable goal for this year's team.

More improvement this year

Josh Freeman started the final nine games last year and will begin the season as the starter. He led the Bucs to all three of its wins last year, but played with the inconsistencies you would expect from a rookie on a sub-par team. Expect Freeman to have another up-and-down year as Tampa faces an uphill road again this season. Freeman is also dealing with a fractured right thumb which kept him out of the final two preseason games.

No. 3 overall pick DT Gerald McCoy will be a player to watch on the defensive line. The Bucs need all the help they can get there. They were ranked 32nd against the rush last year.

Tampa Bay will be driven by the passion and fire of its young, second-year coach Raheem Morris and they will hope to steal some wins from unexpecting teams. However, the roster is so young and inexperienced, this season will be spent more on improving than winning.