NFC South 2008 Preview: Predictions and Awards
July 16, 2008
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
NFC South Predictions
There’s a new sense of urgency with this team, and a return to a power-offense is the right idea.
The most explosive team in the division, but without a more trustworthy rushing attack, the Saints will have trouble dictating the flow of games.
Solid offense, excellent defense, but this team never puts together back-to-back successful seasons.
At least drafting in the top five again next season will help their rebuilding efforts.
Best Offseason Move
The Saints trading a fourth (and possibly an ’09 second or third) round draft choice for 26-year-old middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
Worst Offseason Move
Carolina dealing defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the Jets for a third-and fifth-round draft pick.
Biggest Question
Can Reggie Bush start to carry the Saints?
Quick Hits
Team Bests
Passing Game 1 Saints, 2 Panthers, 3 Bucs, 4 Falcons
Running Game 1 Panthers, 2 Bucs, 3 Falcons, 4 Saints
Offensive Line 1 Saints, 2 Panthers, 3 Bucs, 4 Falcons
Pass Rush 1 Saints, 2 Bucs, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons
Run Defense 1 Panthers, 2 Bucs, 3 Saints, 4 Falcons
Pass Defense 1 Bucs, 2 Panthers, 3 Saints, 4 Falcons
Special Teams 1 Bucs, 2 Panthers, 3 Falcons, 4 Saints
Coaching Staff 1 Saints, 2 Bucs, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons
Front Office 1 Saints, 2 Falcons, 3 Bucs, 4 Panthers
Home Field Advantage 1 Bucs, 2 Saints, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons
Player Bests
Pure Athlete Julius Peppers, Panthers
Big Play Threat Steve Smith, Panthers
Gets Most out of Talent Jon Stinchcomb, Saints
Gets Least out of Talent John Abraham, Falcons
Breakout Prospects Jon Beason, Panthers
Tanard Jackson, Bucs
Laurent Robinson, Falcons
Breakdown Prospects Derrick Brooks, Bucs
Mike McKenzie, Saints
Joe Horn, Falcons
Best Leader Derrick Brooks, Bucs
Unsung Hero Jamar Nesbit, Saints
Impact Veteran Acquisition Jonathan Vilma, Saints
Impact Rookie Sedrick Ellis, Saints
ALL-NFC SOUTH TEAM
Offense
QB Drew Brees, Saints
RB Michael Turner, Falcons
FB Mike Karney, Saints
WR Steve Smith, Panthers
WR Marques Colston, Saints
TE Jeff King, Panthers
LT Jammal Browns, Saints
LG Jamar Nesbit, Saints
C Jeff Faine, Bucs
RG Jahri Evans, Saints
RT Jeff Otah, Panthers (rookie)
Defense
DE Julius Peppers, Panthers
DT Chris Hovan, Bucs
DT Hollis Thomas, Saints
DE Will Smith, Saints
OLB Thomas Davis, Panthers
MLB Jon Beason, Panthers
OLB Keith Brooking, Falcons
CB Chris Gamble, Panthers
FS Tanard Jackson, Bucs
SS Jermaine Phillips, Bucs
CB Richard Marshall, Panthers
Specials
K Matt Bryant, Bucs
P Jason Baker, Panthers
RS Dexter Jackson, Bucs (rookie)
ST Torrie Cox, Bucs
