NFC South prediction 2012

NFC South

This division will also be quite competitive but it’s more of a two-team race. At least this year I expect the two teams that fought for the crown last year to be back on top again with two younger teams fighting to make their way into the upper-half of the division.

Atlanta Falcons: I’m a believer. With a more aggressive offense and a year under the belt of burgeoning stud Julio Jones, coupled with the penalties the Saints are paying for their BountyGate Scandal, I think this is the year Matt Ryan takes a step forward and the Falcons make a move deeper into the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints: They’re missing much of the coaching staff and a couple players off the defense, but the Saints still have Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles, Marques Colston and others. They’ll have to score a lot of points to win games but I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.

Carolina Panthers: Even if Cam Newton’s numbers decline from those he put up in 2011 it wouldn’t necessarily mean he isn’t improving as a quarterback. But there still is a matter of the talent around him, which I do think is improving but not quite enough yet to start challenging for the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: There’s some talent on this team but the group as a whole rolled over like dogs the second half of last season. There’s a new coaching staff that won’t put up with that, but it’ll take some time. I like Doug Martin at running back. Josh Freeman took several steps backward last year. Does he step forward? Or is 2011 more an indication of what he really is? I’ll believe in this team when I see them do something on the field.