Partly 3 of his 2006 NFL Preview, Bullseye-Sports.com’s Dwayne Bryant gives his views and predictions to the NFC South. Teams are outlined inside their predicted order of end.
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offense: WR Steve Smith returned from a 2004 harm and lit up the league past period, tallying 103 catches, 1,563 yards and twelve TDs. With recently-obtained Keyshawn Johnson on another aspect, Smith must deal with considerably less double and triple-teams. Keyshawn won't only enable the offense in that component, but his wonderful run-blocking skill might help open running lanes for RB DeShaun Foster. Foster has been stricken by injuries during his career, so don’t be amazed to determine very first-spherical draft pick DeAngelo Williams get his share of carries too. Head mentor John Fox prefers a operate-very first assault, but with Smith and Johnson at WR and QB Jake Delhomme below Centre, Fox might be improved served utilizing a more balanced offense. This offense was operating on all cylinders late very last period and I seem for more of precisely the same in 2006.
Protection: That is a single rough protection which can do all of it. Everything commences up entrance with move-rushing phenoms Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. They put together for eighteen sacks and 3 fumble recoveries – in an off-12 months. Carolina extra DT Maake Kemoeatu to group with Kris Jenkins in the middle. In addition they additional Damione Lewis from St. Louis to add much-needed depth to the road. Dan Morgan sales opportunities the LB crew, but incorporates a heritage of personal injury challenges. CBs Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble provide good protection and great playmaking potential during the secondary. In 2005, Carolina’s defense rated 3rd in yards allowed for each recreation and fifth in points permitted. They also tallied 45 sacks and 42 takeaways. Hunt for this defense to carry on to generally be One of the league’s most effective.
Distinctive Groups: There’s constantly the potential of a return TD when Steve Smith is managing the punt-return obligations. Kicker John Kasay connected on 26 of 34 FG attempts with 5 with the eight misses coming from over and above 50 yards.
Prediction: They can operate. They might move. They are able to protect the operate and pass. There’s absolutely nothing this workforce can’t do. Hunt for Carolina to earn the rough NFC South and very probably snag a primary-round bye during the playoffs.
two. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Offense: As being the Cadillac goes, so goes this offense. Head coach Jon Gruden prefers a conservative solution, which means many touches for Williams. He’ll search to remain healthy and place with each other a https://conservativechoicecampaign.com/ period more remarkable than last season’s rookie campaign through which he totaled one,178 yards and 6 TDs Even with an ankle damage. Joey Galloway was Chris Simms’ key focus on in 2005. On the other hand, with Michael Clayton healthier all over again, I be expecting Clayton to generally be the go-to guy from the passing game this season. The offensive line Just about bought Simms killed very last season. The Bucs signed several OL from the draft and no cost agency to boost this device. However, cohesiveness will choose time. So I see this line as a piece-in-progress.
Defense: The Bucs protection was #one in yards permitted very last season. DE Simeon Rice registered 14 sacks – excellent for 3rd-most effective within the league. Tampa Bay has a reliable LB corps with Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Ryan Nece. They can operate, deal with and hurry the passer. The secondary capabilities playmakers at CB in Ronde Barber (5 INTs in 2005) and Brian Kelly. Security Dexter Jackson’s departure to Cincinnati may perhaps depart this unit susceptible over the center. This is certainly an getting old team, but plenty of expertise continues to be for this protection to become quite formidable Once more in 2006.
Special Groups: The kickoff return team was virtually invisible in 2005. Mark Jones did regulate to common 9.six yards on punt returns. Kicker Matt Bryant built 21 of 25 FG attempts, together with 18 of 19 from 30-forty nine yards.
Prediction: The Bucs will contend to get a Wildcard place and will get a single furnished Cadillac Williams can stay balanced. Tampa Bay could problem for the division title When the offensive line gels sooner as opposed to afterwards, but I see it becoming later on.
3. ATLANTA FALCONS
Offense: Atlanta has led the league in dashing Each and every of the last two seasons because of RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett and QB Michael Vick. Dunn will be the fast, elusive back. Duckett is the large, bruising back again utilized properly within the goal line. This offense demonstrates flashes of brilliance, as does Vick. But this offense will go on to battle often until Vick can boost on his accuracy and selection-earning. Atlanta made use of their last two first-round draft picks on WRs (Michael Jenkins in 2004 and Roddy White in 2005), but TE Alge Crumpler continues to be Vick’s beloved concentrate on. Crumpler is significant, will get separation, helps make catches in site visitors and almost never at any time drops a move. This offense goes as Vick goes. If he struggles, the offense sputters. Appear for more inconsistent Engage in this year.
Defense: This unit rated twenty second while in the NFL last period. A number of that may be contributed to accidents (LB Ed Hartwell and DE Brady Smith skipped almost all of the time) and a few to deficiency of a move hurry in the front 4. Coordinator Ed Donatell was compelled to blitz his LBs to have strain, but that still left them away from place in stopping the run. Their 128.nine speeding yards allowed for each video game rated twenty sixth inside the NFL last period. CB DeAngelo Hall (6 INTs in 2005) is developing into one of several league’s greatest include corners, but he didn’t have A lot assist in the secondary in 2006. Atlanta has extra safety Lawyer Milloy and rookie CB Jimmy Williams to provide this device a right away upgrade. But the most important addition should be DE John Abraham. Abraham, Smith, Rod Coleman (ten ½ sacks in 2005) and Patrick Kerney give Atlanta a reliable front four. Injuries not withstanding, this device should increase on very last period’s overall performance.
Distinctive Teams: Allen Rossum’s punt and kickoff return figures dropped large-time more than his 2004 numbers. DeAngelo Corridor could see some punt return obligation if Rossum is ineffective. Kicker Todd Peterson wasn’t resigned Irrespective of only missing two FG tries final period. It stays being observed who’ll choose in excess of the kicking responsibilities.
Prediction: If Vick will take a stage forward as a passer, this team could contend for a Wildcard spot. If he remains inconsistent, Atlanta could possibly be investigating A further eight-eight campaign.
four. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Offense: If QB Drew Brees’ shoulder is healthful, this offense may be perilous. New head mentor Sean Payton will only will need Brees to be a match supervisor. The Saints are loaded at RB. Incumbent starter Deuce McAllister is coming off a knee harm, but really should be able to have the load. If not, next-General draft pick Reggie Bush will just do fine. With McAllister balanced, Payton will continue to obtain ways to obtain the ball to the hands of your at any time-perilous Bush. Bush will most certainly be utilized as a third-down back, in two-back again sets with McAllister, for a slot receiver and possibly for a return guy. The Saints also extra Michael Bennett to help make to get a deep steady of backs. Brees also has WRs Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, in addition to 6-foot-8 TE Zach Hilton.
Defense: The Saints struggled within the defensive facet in the ball last year. They rated twenty seventh in rushing yards allowed and twenty eighth in factors allowed. They also managed a meager 19 takeaways for the whole time. The group did very little during the offseason to enhance this bunch. DEs Will Smith and Charles Grant are sound. The LBs are a concern. As a bunch, they will’t go over, they could’t stop the run and they are able to’t hurry the passer when known as on. The secondary has a few noteworthy members, Mike McKenzie and Fred Thomas. But there’s small assistance behind them. They’ve additional LBs Scott Fujita, Anthony Simmons and Eddie Moore, and FS Brian Scott, S Omar Stoutmire and DT Hollis Thomas. That’s too many new faces. A major adjustment period of time lies ahead prior to any major advancement will likely be viewed.
Distinctive Teams: Having Michael Lewis again from damage should spark the return activity. 41-calendar year-aged kicker John Carney returns following a sound 2005 marketing campaign.
Prediction: Whether or not Brees is healthful, the defense has a means to go prior to this workforce will probably be competing for a playoff location. I be expecting a gradual start out, but a stable second 50 percent with the season for the Saints. I wouldn’t be expecting greater than 6-ten.
FINAL Feelings: Carolina is strong in all factors and is probably the top decisions to gain the NFC Championship. Tampa Bay should land a Wildcard place provided that the offensive line retains Simms upright. Atlanta will only go so far as Vick requires them, which may very well be anywhere from 3rd during the division to the 3rd seed in the playoffs. The Saints are heading in the correct direction, but I’d say they’re two years from competing for your playoff spot.