Sean Higgs NFC South Preview
League: NFL
By: Sean Higgs Published on: 08/22/2012
The return of the Dirty Birds. Saints stumble in. Let's do it ~ Sean <p>
1. ATLANTA FALCONS - Time for the Falcons to take advantage of the Saints turmoil. Disclaimer alert. I like Matt Ryan a lot. He has a pair of great WRs in Roddy White and Julio Jones. He has the big veteran TE in Tony Gonzalez. He has a solid RB behind him in Michael Turner. They are nearly unbeatable at home, but for them to take the next big step, the need to win some road games and get a playoff victory or 3. <p>
2. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - Saints would have been right here at the top with the Falcons if they had their HC with them. I just can't see them being the offensive powerhouse they were last year without Sean Payton. The interim HC is suspended for the 1st 6 games. So they will have an interim HC for the interim HC! At least it is the OC taking over the 1st half. Maybe Brees has another monster season. I just think that the loss of their HC will be a tough hill to climb. <p>
3. CAROLINA PANTHERS - I will admit it. I thought Cam Newton was going to be terrible last year. He showed me nothing in pre-season. Well he was great as a rookie. I think the league will catch up a bit on his rushing abilities. But the talent is unquestionable. It is year 2. Year 2 of Cam. Year 2 of the HC and rest of the coaches. The team should be able to equal last years 6 wins. <p>
4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - QB Josh Freeman took a step back last year. The team gave him a legit #1 WR in Vincent Jackson. The team is still in flux in my eyes. They have a new HC in Greg Schiano. Every other coach is also in their first years here in Tampa. New schemes. New coaches. Same old Bucs with a 4 win season.