blacksaint

By BARRY WILNER, AP Football Writer
August 28, 2007


^NFC SOUTH =

^NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (10-6)=

Strengths: Big-time offense with QB Drew Brees, RBs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, WR Marques Colston. Rapidly developing offensive line. Explosive pass rush of Will Smith and Charles Grant. Topnotch special teams.

Weaknesses: Saints don't force enough turnovers. Secondary is no better than decent. If Brees goes down, they're finished.

Players to watch: Bush, S Josh Bullocks.

Biggest change: Saints now are expected to contend for title.

Schedule key: Games 11-13 within division, two on road.

Why they will finish first: Last year's surge was just the beginning in the Big Easy.

^CAROLINA PANTHERS (9-7)=

Strengths: Coach John Fox knows how to turn around team after a bad season. RBs DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams are ready to blossom. WR Steve Smith is a star. Defensive line has difference maker in Julius Peppers.

Weaknesses: Neither QB, Jake Delhomme or David Carr, puts fear in opponents. Secondary could be vulnerable without retired leader, safety Mike Minter.

Players to watch: Smith, Peppers.

Biggest change: It could come at quarterback if Delhomme struggles.

Schedule key: Games 14-16 vs. Jaguars, Seahawks and Cowboys.

Why they will finish second: Saints simply have more talent, but Panthers are a clear second.

^TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-9)=

Strengths: Coach Jon Gruden's diligence and enthusiasm, which tends to rub off on many players. RB Cadillac Williams, if healthy, and still dangerous WR Joey Galloway, can make big gains, and G Davin Joseph could be a Pro Bowler. LB Derrick Brooks and CB Ronde Barber remain formidable.

Weaknesses: The defense is aging and not as deep as it's been. Short-yardage back Mike Alstott is out for season. Gruden's act might have worn thin with some players.

Players to watch: QB Jeff Garcia, LB Cato June.

Biggest change: Defense no longer is considered elite, although it's still good.

Schedule key: Opening five games offer no breathers: Seahawks, Saints, Rams, Panthers and Colts.

Why they will finish third: Defense doesn't dominate any more in Tampa Bay and offense's performance is unpredictable.

^ATLANTA FALCONS (4-12)=

Strengths: Running game with Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood. TE Alge Crumpler is solid. All three LBs are playmakers, and CB DeAngelo Hall should be. A healthy John Abraham can be a sacks machine.

Weaknesses: QB, considering the Michael Vick situation, which could destroy the season before it begins. Secondary is so-so, special teams are worse.

Players to watch: Crumpler, LB Michael Boley.

Biggest change: Not having Vick anymore.

Schedule key: Games 11-13 vs. Indy, St. Louis and New Orleans.

Why they will finish fourth: Poor Bobby Petrino has walked into a hornet's nest.

Click on link below for the rest of the Divisions:
NFL 2007: A look at the upcoming season, by divisions - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

saint4life
(504)

saintsrule

I hope the Saints do well.

DeadmaN

I still say that number should be more like 11-5 or even 12-4
considering how much power we have on offence