NFL Preview- NFC South

The Bucs won this division a year ago behind the wyly Jeff Garcia. The Saints fell off the wagon after an appearance in the NFC championship the year before. The Panthers were a disappointment once Jake Delhomme got hurt and the Falcons were just plain and simply a disaster. Here are the picks...

• Saints- The Saints are back in the playoffs this year with a much improved defense with the additions of Sedrick Ellis and Jonathan Vilma. The offense should be a powerhouse again, though they need an inside runner to compliment Reggie Bush. Picking up Shockey was huge and keep your eye on Robert Meacham at wideout.
• Buccaneers- Garcia returns at qb. The guy seems like an ageless wonder and just finds ways to win. They have a running back by committee approach with Cadillac, Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett. They have another ageless wonder at wideout with Joey Galloway who had a monster year last year. The defense has also been returning to the old Super Bowl form. Derrick Brooks is another ageless wonder at LB.
• Panthers- They got off to a quick start last year then Delhomme had a season ending injury. If he and Steve Smith can stay healthy, the passing game should be sufficient. Smith is pound for pound the best receiver in the game. They have a dual running back threat with rookie Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. What used to be one of the best defenses in the game has slipped of late. They need Julius Peppers to get a few more than 2 sacks this year.
• Falcons- It can't get any worse for this franchise than what they went through last year.
  They had to have hit rock bottom right? They were talking about starting Matt Ryan right off the bat, but it looks like they are going to start journey man Chris Redman. They picked up a playmaker in Michael Turner, trouble is, there isn't much of a supporting cast. The defense is decent. Keith Brooking continues to play at a high level at LB.