JOESAM2002

Like it or not, here it is.
SCOUT'S HONOR: NFC South first look
BY BRIAN DELUCIA
Special to FOXSports.com
Jun. 16, 2003 6:57 p.m.

Here is a brief early look at how the NFC South stacks up heading into the 2003 season:
Jon Gruden brought a competitive edge to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, but it’s the defense that still propels the Buccaneers. Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli get their guys to play aggressively, but the level of intelligence among this unit sometimes goes too unnoticed. Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, and Shelton Quarles are the brains of this defense.

Gruden relies heavily on Brad Johnson to avoid turnovers and schemes his offense to keep opponents off-balance with his multiple formations. At some point though, consistency is needed out of the backfield and along the offensive line. Gruden and offensive lineman Bill Muir know how to cover their weak spots at offensive tackle. That plays a big difference in what was a 9-7 offense to a 12-4 record last season. Gruden will find a way to keep the Buccaneers rolling again.



Michael Vick is the Atlanta Falcons’ answer to Brett Favre, but in a much different sense. Vick’s pure athleticism and physical skills open a lot of things up for their offense. Peerless Price provides a legit downfield threat and there is more overall speed for Vick to utilize. But the biggest element of success for Vick and the Falcons is the diversity they have in the backfield between Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett. They give their offense a true balance.

Their defense could have some trouble against physical running teams, but the biggest factor will be their secondary. They need more consistency from their cover guys. Ray Buchanan is poised to prove he can still play at a high level. He’s their best answer to matchup against an opponent’s top receiver despite his lack of ideal size.

The Carolina Panthers are a scary team because their defense keeps them in a lot of games. It all starts up front. Kris Jenkins is evolving into an interior force. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker generate a lot of pressure off the perimeter. Their linebackers cover a lot of ground, and that production helps hide their vulnerable spots in the secondary. The biggest question is whether they can protect that secondary for another season. Reggie Howard and Terry Cousin are capable corners, but are best-suited as nickel guys. And Deon Grant must become more consistent at free safety. This group didn’t generate enough turnovers despite the production it had from the front seven.

There aren’t many thrills offensively, but Stephen Davis will help them control the clock on the ground. That could make their defense even stronger. Rodney Peete deserves a lot of credit, but I feel Jake Delhomme will eventually take hold at quarterback when he becomes comfortable with the system. Delhomme is smart and efficient. That’s all the Panthers need from their offense.


Critics wonder whether or not the talented Aaron Brooks is the right quarterback to lead the Sains back to the playoffs.
Erik S. Lesser /
Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints are putting a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of quarterback Aaron Brooks. They have the personnel to create a lot of favorable matchups and production from their backfield with Deuce McAllister. Brooks must be held accountable this time around. Todd Bouman is an intriguing alternative if Brooks fails to produce. And they still have Michael Lewis providing their offense with good field position.

I have questions whether they really upgraded the secondary. Tebucky Jones looks good on paper with his size and speed, but he must show he can make plays. Dale Carter is unpredictable and Ashley Ambrose began to fade in Atlanta last season. There is no question they have more quickness upfront and Orlando Ruff offers more stability against the run at middle linebacker. But I still feel their matchup ability remains suspect. Nobody really knows what to expect of this Saints’ team at this point. They could be very good or find themselves struggling for answers and dodging controversy again.