NFC Preview Part 2

NFC South

The Atlanta Falcons surprised many last year by claiming a wild card spot despite going with a rookie quarterback. What seemed like a re-building year became a success for Atlanta as Matt Ryan won the rookie of the year and Michael Turner was second in the league in rushing yards. There are concerns about Turner's workload, but the guy is a bruiser who is built to handle a busy schedule. With the addition of Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City to compliment Roddy White, the Falcons' offence looks lethal. If they can improve on defence from a year ago, a deep playoff run could be forthcoming.

The Carolina Panthers ran rampid over the competition last year. DeAngelo Williams ran for over 1500 yards and Jonathan Stewart neared 1,000 in a backup role. The Panthers Super Bowl push was derailed by Jake Delhomme's infamous stinker at home against the Cardinals in the divisional round of the playoffs. Delhomme needs to be better so there is balance in the Panthers offence. If teams have to worry about Steve Smith (which they should be), then they cannot stuff the box against the run. There are concerns about Stewart; however, as he has spent more time in the press box than on the field during training camp.

The New Orleans Saints have told the same story for a few years now. They can put points on the board, but they cannot stop anybody. Drew Brees threw for over 5,000 yards last year and he does not plan to slow down. With Marques Colston healthy again, the Saints offensive arsenal is fully stocked. Colston is joined by Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush (basically a wideout), and balanced by Pierre Thomas. Thomas excelled during the second half last season and figures to be the feature back. That should help keep Bush healthy and enable him to be involved in the gimmick plays that he is most successful with. Heck, if Jeremy Shockey can find a brief moment of sanity, he becomes yet another weapon for Brees. But, the question remains, can they stop anybody.

The Tampa Bay Bucs chocked away a playoff spot last year and proceeded to blow up their team beginning with coach, Jon Gruden. This team could be the worst in the league this season. They don't have a wide receiver worth mentioning, their quarterback options are Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown, and they have three running backs who appear good enough to be backups. Derrick Ward seems to be their best option, as Earnest Graham stinks, and Cadillac Williams hasn't had knee surgery in at least four weeks, making him overdue. The Bucs have historically sported an intimidating defence, but they are ageing and figure to be on the field 40 minutes a game. Good luck.

Falcons take the division, Panthers win the wildcard, and the Bucs struggle to winfour games. What's that? I forgot to mention the addition of Kellen Winslow.....oh. Bucs struggle to win five games.

NFC West

The defending NFC Super Bowl representatives, the Arizona Cardinals, are brining back the core of last year's team, minus Edgerrin James. Chris "beanie" Wells was drafted to take over the running back duties, though he'll likely share carries with Tim Hightower. Considering the Cardinals run the ball about four times a game, that figures to be about two carries each. Arizona's success depends on keeping Kurt Warner healthy and Anquan Boldin happy. Both are big ifs, but I think the latter is more likely and less important than the former. Warner isn't likely to last 16 games, and the Cards will struggle to last 17.

Seattle welcomes Matt Hasselback back fron an injury plagued 2008. They desperately need him to bounce back because Julius Jones is their starting running back. Blech! The Seahawks brought in TJ Houshmandzadeh to become the #1 receiver Hasselback has never had. What Seattle may miss most; however, is coach Mike Holmgrem. Last year may have been one of his best coaching years ever, as he coaxed maximum effort from his players week in and week out despite it being a lost season. His big shoes will not be easy to fill.

San Francisco drill sergeant Mike Singletary has the opportunity to coach the 49ers for his first full season. Remember when he kicked Vernon Davis off the field and sent him to the locker room? Classic. I'm sure Michael Crabtree will receive the same treatment. I personally will be glued to the tv during Niner games to see if Singletary will pull his pants down on the sidelines this year instead of in the locker room. Still, the Niners have a quarterback who will not make a lot of mistakes, their running back, Frank Gore, is a stud, their defence is tough, and they have some talent in the pass catching positions. They may surprise this year.

The St Louis Rams will not be surprising anyone. The greatest show on turf has become a big fat turd over the past few years. Marc Bulger has met every ounce of turf face first in the Edward Jones dome, and losing Orlando Pace won't help. Steven Jackson is awesome when he is on the field, which is great for about nine games. What about the other seven. Tory Holt jumped shipped to Jacksonville, and his heir apparent, Donnie Avery, is banged up. Don't worry though, because the Rams' defence is pitiful. It should be another long season it St Louis.

My upset special of the NFC will be the West division champion. I'm picking the 49ers, mainly because Mike Singletary is so entertaining.