2013 NFC South Predictions
Most seasons there is a story of a worst-to-first team. The NFC South division has had a fair share of these moments. For a long period the division was quite weak in terms of having a legit Super Bowl contender.
It doesn’t help when you have two teams that traditionally have been known as losers, and then an expansion team that set off like a runaway train only to be derailed most seasons. Once more though this division could see the last place team win the division. That won’t be hard though as three teams were tied for last in 2012, a fair distance behind the eventual winners. Who out of those three has the best shot? If there is a shot at all.
ATLANTA FALCONS – 2012: 13-3, SOUTH CHAMPIONS, LOST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Last year they Falcons were the team that set the early pace in the NFC, and they stayed the course. Entering into the playoffs there was a general feeling that although they posted a league high 13 wins, they weren’t quite the real deal, and so it proved as they were edged out in the conference title game. During the offseason they acquired Steven Jackson to strengthen the run game. The workhorse veteran will add some different looks, but ultimately look for the now very well paid quarterback Matt Ryan to explore all avenues of every defence he faces with Julio Jones a primary target.
CAROLINA PANTHERS – 2012: 7-9
The Panthers showed up in 2012. Sadly for their fans it was only in the last part of the year when they were out of the playoff race. Going 5-1 in the home stretch, with wins over Atlanta and New Orleans in that run, will give them the belief that has been missing since their only Super Bowl appearance a decade ago. Cam Newton is the quarterback who can hold his head high as the first of the new breed of QB that can run as well as he passes. He is aided by a fast, physical defence that boasts safety Mike Mitchell, who on his day is one of the best safety players in the league.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS – 2012: 7-9
Guess who’s back? Who Dat? None other than head coach Sean Payton. After all the bountygate shenanigans died down the Saints were ripped apart and their coach had to stand by and watch his team struggle to find the highs they previously held under him. Now he has the chance to rebuild again, it won’t take long before he has the team back the right side of .500 after all he still has one key component that is throwing the pigskin around like it’s a backyard game. Drew Brees will more than likely end up passing for more yards than any other QB in the league and as long as he’s still in the pocket the Saints will always be in contention in games.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS – 2012: 7-9
This team has people on the edge of their seat at the start of every season. The promise much, but once we get to halfway they have delivered very little. In 2012 it looked like a case of business as usual as they started 1-3, but then the mid-season slump didn’t occur. Instead they went 5-1 to run their way into possible playoff contention. And it was by the run that they did it. Rookie Doug Martin sparked the revival with some power running that made everyone sit up and notice. During the offseason they have gone about tightening up their defence, by signing one of the elite players in the whole league. When Darrelle Revis hooked up with the Buccs he raised things up a notch. Ryan, Newton and Brees know they have to be on their game if they are not to add to Revis’ tally of picks.
ROUNDUP AND PREDICTION
The Falcons will not have it so easy this year, yes they will still be the team to beat in the South, but they will have to improve on their 3-3 division record from last season. Hang on though, all four teams went 3-3 in the division. That proves how hard this one is to call, they are all as good as each other on their day. The improvements that the Panthers and Buccaneers have made will bring them closer to the pack but it’s the Saints who will want to be the worst-to-first team in’13. Getting off to a fast start is always important so a real test early of both their credentials when Atlanta plays New Orleans on opening weekend, win this one and a valuable tie-breaker has been earned early on.
