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.
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
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| Smith and Ryan trying to get back to the playoffs |
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
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| Can Moore lead the Panthers? |
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.
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| More improvement this year |
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.
