Schaddy
08-23-2005, 11:11 AM
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Projected division rank: #1 (12-4)
Last season was a rough one for Carolina. The Panthers played through many key injuries and a tough schedule to come within a game of the playoffs. Well, this year, everyone’s healthy, and John Fox and Co. are ready to prove that their Super Bowl run of 2003-04 was no fluke.
Jake Delhomme became a quality NFL quarterback last year. He threw for 3,886 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, solidifying his place not only as a clutch player, but as a quarterback who can take his team on his back.
The running back situation last year was murky, as injuries caused the team to play musical chairs in the backfield. The one benefit of that is, however, that if everyone can now stay healthy, the Panthers have outstanding depth. DeShaun Foster is one of the more injury prone players on the team, but is a complete back when healthy. He’s got breakaway speed, can pound between the tackles, and is a receiving threat as well. If he starts all 16 games, expect at least 1,300 yards from him. Veteran Stephen Davis was also bitten by the injury bug last year, but will look to come back this season. He probably won’t start, but will provide a solid option who can play in short yardage situations and is a threat near the goal line. When injuries ravaged the Panther backfield last year, Nick Goings stepped up to help save the season. He returns this year, and is similar to Davis; a big, tough inside runner who can catch a bit, too. As is all of this wasn’t enough, Carolina nabbed Eric Shelton, a bruising former Louisville Cardinal, in the draft. Injuries or not, this year Carolina’s backfield situation looks to be improved.
The Panthers lost one star receiver to injury last year, but Steve Smith is back healthy. The only problem is that they lost Mushin Muhammad this year, after he stepped up with a Pro Bowl season in Smith’s absence. Smith figures to return healthy and give Carolina a big play option who can score from just about anywhere on the field. Next to him will be either Keary Colbert, a second year player who put in a solid effort as a rookie and is a precise route runner, or Rod Gardner, a big, strong target who battled inconsistency in Washington. Backing up the top three is reliable veteran Ricky Proehl. Proehl has made a career out of picking up key third downs, getting the key block on a long run, and being a good guy in the locker room. He’ll continue to be a quiet but important part of the Panthers. If he can stay healthy, speedy Drew Carter could provide a big play option. Carolina was dealt a blow when newly acquired tight end Freddy Jones abruptly retired, but Kris Mangum, a solid blocker, and Mike Seidman, a promising young receiver, form a solid duo.
The Panthers’ offensive line was a problem spot last year, but everyone is healthy again, and with the addition of Mike Wahle, should become a team strength. Jordan Gross should continue to improve, and Jeff Mitchell is the rock of the line at center. Interesting battles will take place at both guard and tackle, as Tupe Peko and Tutan Reyes will try to hold off rookie Evan Mathis for the right guard spot, while Travelle Wharton should be able to beat out Jordan Carstens at left tackle. This line was built to run block, and with a solid backfield, Carolina should put up some solid numbers on the ground.
The foundation of Carolina’s defense is the defensive line, and this season it should return to its perch at the top of the league. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker form possibly the most fearsome duo of ends in the league. Both can play the run as well as harass an opposing quarterback. Kris Jenkins, the all star defensive tackle, returns from injury this year, and will look to regain his standing as one of the league’s best at his position. Brenston Buckner is slowing down inside, but the Panthers have quality depth behind him in Kindall Morehead and rookie Attiyah Ellison. Al Wallace provides quality depth at defensive end.
Dan Morgan played in only 12 games last year, but managed 102 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions in that time. Not too shabby. It’s imperative that he stay healthy, as he is one of the best playmaking middle linebackers in the league. The team added former Falcon Chris Draft behind Morgan, and he provides a solid insurance policy should Morgan get hurt again. On the outside, Will Witherspoon just gets better and better. He contributed 103 tackles, 3 sacks and 4 picks last year. Opposite Witherspoon will be Brandon Short, a solid, if unspectacular player.
The secondary has been the weakest part of the Panthers’ defense the past few years, but it got a significant boost this off season. Joining playmaking Ricky Manning Jr. and improving Chris Gamble will be free agent acquisition Ken Lucas. Those three combined to intercept 16 passes last year. Playing behind the Panthers’ elite pass rush, they should continue to create headaches for opposing signal callers. Gamble in particular has the potential to be one of the best corners in the league. Mike Minter has been dinged up through training camp, but is a solid player and a veteran leader at strong safety. He is one of the most important players on the team. At the other safety the Panthers have two options; former Colt Idrees Bashir and rookie Thomas Davis. Davis doesn’t have a true position, but count on him making plenty of plays no matter where he is on the field. He’s a thunderous hitter, a smart playmaker, and an improving pass defender. He can play linebacker and safety, and figures to make some highlights on special teams, knocking people into next week.
Carolina endured a rough season in 2004-05, but will be rewarded for their toughness with a healthy cast to begin 2005-06. Carolina will be one of the best teams in the league, with talent on both sides of the ball and a dominant defense. It would not be a shock to see them playing for the Lombardi trophy once again this winter.
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Projected division rank: #2 (11-5)
Michael Vick and Co. reached the NFC title game last year, and remain a good, relatively young team.
Vick is the spark plug, capable of making a game changing play at any moment. He still has a ways to go in the passing game, but his natural athleticism compensates for his lack of top flight passing skills. Vick has also shown a willingness to put himself on the line for a win. Last year’s game in Atlanta against the Panthers is testament to that.
Warrick Dunn and T.J Duckett are a potent duo in the backfield, and a huge help to Vick. The offense was built around the running game last year, and why not? It was outstanding. Dunn is the smaller, shiftier option, and is an excellent receiver and capable blocker. He’s got all the tools to be an every down back, but the Falcons have the luxury of Duckett, which allows them to keep Dunn fresh. Duckett is a good option around the goal line, and continues to improve as an every down threat. Justin Griffith is a good receiver at fullback, and will look to continue improving this year.
Wide receiver is a question mark for Atlanta, maybe the weakest link on a strong team. Peerless Price has been disappointing since arriving from Buffalo on the heels of a 94 catch season. The Falcons are hoping that this year he can regain some semblance of consistency. Even 50 catches would be an improvement. Brian Finneran and Dez White are both relatively solid, but neither is a threat to catch more than 50 balls or break the 1,000 yard mark. That’s why the Falcons are counting on their youth to save this position. Last year’s first round wideout, Michael Jenkins, caught only 7 passes as a rookie, but has the size and athleticism to become a solid top option. This year’s first rounder, Roddy White, had a breakthrough year in college, and will look to continue his upswing as a rookie. He has speed and playmaking ability that could add a vertical threat to the passing game. For all the faults of the wideouts, at least the Falcons boast one of the best tight ends in the game. Alge Crumpler averaged 16.1 yards per catch and scored 6 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl in 2004-05, and will continue to be Vick’s unofficial #1 target.
Atlanta’s line improved last year, and hopes to get even better. Todd Weiner and Kevin Shaffer are a solid pair of tackles, though there is room for improvement, especially from Shaffer. The intense Kynan Forney is a solid right guard, and a grating run blocker. Todd McClure is a serviceable center. The big battle will be at left guard, where Todd Lehr and Martin Bibla will vie for a starting spot.
Defensive line was a strong point for the Falcons last year, and figures to remain solid. Patrick Kerney has developed into one of the best defensive ends in the league, and posted 13 sacks last year. He’s become as reliable against the run as he is disruptive on passing downs. Brady Smith is a solid, if unspectacular, second end. He collected 6 sacks last year and is good against the run. Rod Coleman had a great first year in A town, harvesting 11.5 sacks and earning Pro Bowl honors. Chad Lavalais will look to improve in his second year, as he’s been given the starting job next to Coleman. Lavalais can be a disruptive force if he can keep his weight in check and remain consistent. The Falcons added depth at tackle in the draft with Jonathan Babineaux, an undersized but disruptive player in the Coleman mold. The key for Atlanta’s line this year will be stopping the run.
At linebacker, Keith Brooking is the leader and best player. A fiery competitor, Brooking made 101 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 3 interceptions last year. He will shift to the outside with the addition of Ed Hartwell from Baltimore. Hartwell played in a 3-4 scheme with the Ravens, but figures to be a more than capable middle ‘backer in the Falcons’ 4-3. He made 96 tackles last year. Demorrio Williams will be the third linebacker after a solid rookie year in which he collected 56 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Ike Reese has become more than a sensational special teams player, and is a very good coverage linebacker. He added 52 tackles, a sack and 2 picks last year.
Once he was healthy, DeAngelo Hall was a very good corner last year. He finished with 34 tackles and 2 picks, but will probably double those numbers with a full season’s work. Jason Webster will look to return from injury himself, but may not have a starting spot even if he is 100%. Kevin Mathis filled in very well last year, with 65 tackles and 2 interceptions. Allen Rossum adds depth at corner, and picked off 2 passes last year, but his primary value to the team is as a return man. Bryan Scott is a solid strong safety, and had 96 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pick last year. The concern is who will play next to him. Ronnie Heard filled in capably for Keion Carpenter last year, posting 71 tackles and an interception. Those two figure to duke it out for a starting spot. The Falcons’ disruptive defensive line figures to help the secondary, but the defensive backs will need to improve if the team is to go deep in the playoffs once again.
Atlanta will be a major player this year in the NFC. If they played in just about any division except the one they’re in, they’d be the favorites. Look for Vick to improve as a passer in his second year in Jim Mora’s system, and the defense to be rock solid as always. If the receivers step up, we could be looking at a division champ, and a lot more.
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Projected division rank: #3 (8-8)
Coming off of a down year, the Bucs will look to scrap their way back into the playoff picture in 2005-06.
Brian Griese had a solid year under center last year, throwing for 20 touchdowns and completing 69.3% of his passes. He has many doubters, but looks to be a serviceable starting quarterback.
Running back is a position with plenty of promise for the Bucs. First round pick Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams was a game breaker in college, and figures to have an immediate impact in Tampa. He is a capable receiver, and figures to break off plenty of big gains, both on the ground and through the air. Behind him is last year’s starter, Michael Pittman. Pittman ran for almost 1,000 yards in only 13 games last year, and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Mike Alstott has had plenty of injury troubles recently, but if he can stay healthy, he adds another dimension to the Bucs’ backfield. He is a bruising runner and yet another solid receiver. Jameel Cook is more of a true fullback, and is a very underrated player.
Michael Clayton was fantastic as a rookie last year, hauling in 80 passes for 1,193 yards and 7 scores. He will look to continue his assent up the ranks of the league’s top wideouts this year. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard provide veteran options across from Clayton. Both are susceptible to injury, however. If healthy, Galloway will likely start, and figures to catch around 50 passes. Hilliard is a solid, crafty #3 receiver. At tight end, the Bucs have plenty of depth. Anthony Becht was a disappointment with the Jets, but can still be a solid receiver. Dave Moore is a reliable veteran who has had injury troubles of late. The player with the most promise, though, is rookie Alex Smith. An athletic player, Smith can be a big play threat working the middle of the field. Look for him to get more and more playing time as the season progresses. He may even start.
Tampa’s offensive line has plenty of question marks. Matt Stinchcomb had a good year after coming over from Oakland prior to last year, and is entrenched at left guard. John Wade is a serviceable center, but has struggled with injuries. Derrick Deese looks like he’ll stay at left tackle, but is aging and it showed at times last year. Right tackle Kenyatta Walker finally played closer to his potential last year, and will again start. Rookie Chris Colmer might give a challenge to either tackle, though. The biggest question mark is at right guard, where Jeb Terry, a second year player, will battle rookies Doug Buckles and Dan Buenning.
Tampa’s defensive line remains one of the best in the business. Simeon Rice is still one of the most dangerous edge rushers in the game, and he collected 12 sacks last year. Greg Spires continued his solid play across from Rice, with 60 tackles and 8 sacks. Young Dwayne White had a bit of a breakout year, with 6 sacks of his own. White is a versatile player who will see time as a backup end and even as a tackles on passing downs. At tackle, Anthony McFarland will look to have a healthy year. In 8 games last year he had three sacks and can be a top tier player when healthy. Joining McFarland inside will be former Viking Chris Hovan, and intense player who had a big time off season last year in Minnesota. The Bucs are hoping that playing on a talented line will jump start him.
Derrick Brooks remains the heart and soul of this team, and remains a quality starting linebacker, too. Last year he posted 137 tackles, 3 sacks and an interception. Jeff Gooch and Ryan Nece will battle for the other outside spot. Shelton Quarles, though undersized, has proven a solid middle linebacker. He had 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year. Second round pick Barrett Ruud will one day take over for Quarles, but until that time will have to excel on special teams.
In the secondary, the Bucs return Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly at the corners, giving them one of the best pairs in the business. Barber posted 98 tackles with 3 sacks and 3 picks last year, while Kelly added 58 stops and 4 interceptions. The third corner figures to be Juran Bolden, a free agent acquisition. Safety is a position less settled in Tampa Bay, but there is talent. Jermaine Phillips played only 9 games last year, but had 43 tackles, a sack and an interception. Dexter Jackson will look to take over at free safety after an injury-marred season, but will face competition from Will Allen, who was solid as a rookie.
The Bucs have some questions on offense, namely quarterback and offensive line, but there is talent to work with. Cadillac looks like an impact starter from the start, and Clayton is a top young receiver. The Bucs will have a very good defense, and if the offense can gel, they stand a good shot of making a playoff run.
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Projected division rank: #4 (7-9)
The Saints will score a lot of points this year, and will be fun to watch. The thing is, opponents are going to score a lot of points, too.
Aaron Brooks had a very solid 2005-06 season, throwing for 3,810 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has tons of athletic ability, and if he avoids the glaring mistakes that have plagued him at times during his career, may become the true franchise quarterback that the Saints have hoped he’ll become.
Deuce McAllister is one of the top running backs in the league, so the Saints have a balanced attack. McAllister missed two games last year, but still ran for almost 1,100 yards, and caught 34 passes. With a full year, he’ll challenge the 1,500 yard mark. Backing up is Aaron Stecker, a capable change of pace back and solid receiver. Stecker will spell McAllister and see plenty of action on third downs. Mike Karney is a solid fullback with receiving skills, and Fred McAfee is a useful third running back and great special teams player.
Joe Horn is coming off of a Pro Bowl year and is a legit #1 wideout. He caught 94 passes and scored 11 touchdowns last year, and will again be Brooks’ favorite target. Donte Stallworth continues to tease, but hauled in 58 passes with 5 touchdowns last year. He could break out, but it seems just as likely that he’ll be nothing more than a decent #2 receiver who could’ve been more. Devery Henderson is a smaller, speedier version of Stallworth, and will be a big play threat out of the slot this year. Boo Williams was a big disappointment last year at tight end, but has plenty of talent to still become a good player. Ernie Conwell is a solid veteran backup.
Wayne Gandy and LeCharles Bentley give the Saints two of the league’s best at their positions. Gandy is starting to slow down, but remains a very good left tackle, while Bentley continues to improve at center. Jamaal Brown was one of the best linemen the last two years in college, and figures to step right into a starting job as the Saint’s right tackle. Spencer Folau, if he doesn’t start, will provide a very good backup at both tackle and guard. Montrae Holland figures to get the nod at right guard over Folau.
The hopes of the Saints’ defense rest squarely on the shoulders of the team’s defensive linemen. There have been many first round picks spent on linemen in recent drafts, and now is the time for them to become a dominant unit. Charles Grant and Darren Howard give the Saints an outstanding pair of defensive ends. Each player posted at least 10 sacks last season. Will Smith, who can play end or tackle, is another solid player, as he collected 7.5 sacks as a rookie. Inside is where potential needs to become production. Former first round pick Jonathan Sullivan has been a huge disappointment, and Rodney Leslie hardly played last year due to injury. Brian Young is a solid tackle, and had 59 tackles with 2.5 sacks last year. Howard Green heads into the season as the starter opposite Young, and posted 27 tackles last year. The ends are disruptive playmakers; now if the tackles can become top run stuffers, the Saints defense can become a solid unit.
The situation at linebacker is not much better than defensive tackle. Courtney Watson had a solid rookie year, posting 57 tackles and 2 sacks, and will take over in the middle. Colby Bockwoldt, James Allen and Sedrick Hodge will battle for the outside spots, with Allen and Bockwoldt likely to be the starters. While Bockwoldt is an improving player due to his relentless motor, the others need to step up. This unit as a whole is young, but needs to start making plays if New Orleans has any hope of having a good defense this year.
Mike McKenzie is the one legit starter in a cast of average corners. After coming over at midseason last year, McKenzie finished with 5 picks and will look to improve now that he’s comfortable in the Big Easy. Fred Thomas, Jason Craft, and Fakhir Brown will battle for the corner job opposite McKenzie, with Thomas the frontrunner for the job. Whoever starts will have to step up, as teams will look to throw away from McKenzie whenever possible. Jay Bellamy will likely start at strong safety, and while he doesn’t make many plays, is a relatively solid player. Second round pick Josh Bullocks will likely start immediately at free safety. Bullocks has all the tools to be an outstanding starter in this league, and will be given the chance to show what he can do from day one. If he is a solid starter right away, it will go a long ways towards shoring up the Saints’ secondary.
The Saints will be fun to watch this year, but the defense must improve a lot if this team is going to challenge in a pretty tough division. This is a team of peaks and valleys: Brooks, McAllister, Horn and the defensive ends are top flight; it’s the rest of the team that is a concern if the Saints are to compete this year.
Projected division rank: #1 (12-4)
Last season was a rough one for Carolina. The Panthers played through many key injuries and a tough schedule to come within a game of the playoffs. Well, this year, everyone’s healthy, and John Fox and Co. are ready to prove that their Super Bowl run of 2003-04 was no fluke.
Jake Delhomme became a quality NFL quarterback last year. He threw for 3,886 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, solidifying his place not only as a clutch player, but as a quarterback who can take his team on his back.
The running back situation last year was murky, as injuries caused the team to play musical chairs in the backfield. The one benefit of that is, however, that if everyone can now stay healthy, the Panthers have outstanding depth. DeShaun Foster is one of the more injury prone players on the team, but is a complete back when healthy. He’s got breakaway speed, can pound between the tackles, and is a receiving threat as well. If he starts all 16 games, expect at least 1,300 yards from him. Veteran Stephen Davis was also bitten by the injury bug last year, but will look to come back this season. He probably won’t start, but will provide a solid option who can play in short yardage situations and is a threat near the goal line. When injuries ravaged the Panther backfield last year, Nick Goings stepped up to help save the season. He returns this year, and is similar to Davis; a big, tough inside runner who can catch a bit, too. As is all of this wasn’t enough, Carolina nabbed Eric Shelton, a bruising former Louisville Cardinal, in the draft. Injuries or not, this year Carolina’s backfield situation looks to be improved.
The Panthers lost one star receiver to injury last year, but Steve Smith is back healthy. The only problem is that they lost Mushin Muhammad this year, after he stepped up with a Pro Bowl season in Smith’s absence. Smith figures to return healthy and give Carolina a big play option who can score from just about anywhere on the field. Next to him will be either Keary Colbert, a second year player who put in a solid effort as a rookie and is a precise route runner, or Rod Gardner, a big, strong target who battled inconsistency in Washington. Backing up the top three is reliable veteran Ricky Proehl. Proehl has made a career out of picking up key third downs, getting the key block on a long run, and being a good guy in the locker room. He’ll continue to be a quiet but important part of the Panthers. If he can stay healthy, speedy Drew Carter could provide a big play option. Carolina was dealt a blow when newly acquired tight end Freddy Jones abruptly retired, but Kris Mangum, a solid blocker, and Mike Seidman, a promising young receiver, form a solid duo.
The Panthers’ offensive line was a problem spot last year, but everyone is healthy again, and with the addition of Mike Wahle, should become a team strength. Jordan Gross should continue to improve, and Jeff Mitchell is the rock of the line at center. Interesting battles will take place at both guard and tackle, as Tupe Peko and Tutan Reyes will try to hold off rookie Evan Mathis for the right guard spot, while Travelle Wharton should be able to beat out Jordan Carstens at left tackle. This line was built to run block, and with a solid backfield, Carolina should put up some solid numbers on the ground.
The foundation of Carolina’s defense is the defensive line, and this season it should return to its perch at the top of the league. Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker form possibly the most fearsome duo of ends in the league. Both can play the run as well as harass an opposing quarterback. Kris Jenkins, the all star defensive tackle, returns from injury this year, and will look to regain his standing as one of the league’s best at his position. Brenston Buckner is slowing down inside, but the Panthers have quality depth behind him in Kindall Morehead and rookie Attiyah Ellison. Al Wallace provides quality depth at defensive end.
Dan Morgan played in only 12 games last year, but managed 102 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions in that time. Not too shabby. It’s imperative that he stay healthy, as he is one of the best playmaking middle linebackers in the league. The team added former Falcon Chris Draft behind Morgan, and he provides a solid insurance policy should Morgan get hurt again. On the outside, Will Witherspoon just gets better and better. He contributed 103 tackles, 3 sacks and 4 picks last year. Opposite Witherspoon will be Brandon Short, a solid, if unspectacular player.
The secondary has been the weakest part of the Panthers’ defense the past few years, but it got a significant boost this off season. Joining playmaking Ricky Manning Jr. and improving Chris Gamble will be free agent acquisition Ken Lucas. Those three combined to intercept 16 passes last year. Playing behind the Panthers’ elite pass rush, they should continue to create headaches for opposing signal callers. Gamble in particular has the potential to be one of the best corners in the league. Mike Minter has been dinged up through training camp, but is a solid player and a veteran leader at strong safety. He is one of the most important players on the team. At the other safety the Panthers have two options; former Colt Idrees Bashir and rookie Thomas Davis. Davis doesn’t have a true position, but count on him making plenty of plays no matter where he is on the field. He’s a thunderous hitter, a smart playmaker, and an improving pass defender. He can play linebacker and safety, and figures to make some highlights on special teams, knocking people into next week.
Carolina endured a rough season in 2004-05, but will be rewarded for their toughness with a healthy cast to begin 2005-06. Carolina will be one of the best teams in the league, with talent on both sides of the ball and a dominant defense. It would not be a shock to see them playing for the Lombardi trophy once again this winter.
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Projected division rank: #2 (11-5)
Michael Vick and Co. reached the NFC title game last year, and remain a good, relatively young team.
Vick is the spark plug, capable of making a game changing play at any moment. He still has a ways to go in the passing game, but his natural athleticism compensates for his lack of top flight passing skills. Vick has also shown a willingness to put himself on the line for a win. Last year’s game in Atlanta against the Panthers is testament to that.
Warrick Dunn and T.J Duckett are a potent duo in the backfield, and a huge help to Vick. The offense was built around the running game last year, and why not? It was outstanding. Dunn is the smaller, shiftier option, and is an excellent receiver and capable blocker. He’s got all the tools to be an every down back, but the Falcons have the luxury of Duckett, which allows them to keep Dunn fresh. Duckett is a good option around the goal line, and continues to improve as an every down threat. Justin Griffith is a good receiver at fullback, and will look to continue improving this year.
Wide receiver is a question mark for Atlanta, maybe the weakest link on a strong team. Peerless Price has been disappointing since arriving from Buffalo on the heels of a 94 catch season. The Falcons are hoping that this year he can regain some semblance of consistency. Even 50 catches would be an improvement. Brian Finneran and Dez White are both relatively solid, but neither is a threat to catch more than 50 balls or break the 1,000 yard mark. That’s why the Falcons are counting on their youth to save this position. Last year’s first round wideout, Michael Jenkins, caught only 7 passes as a rookie, but has the size and athleticism to become a solid top option. This year’s first rounder, Roddy White, had a breakthrough year in college, and will look to continue his upswing as a rookie. He has speed and playmaking ability that could add a vertical threat to the passing game. For all the faults of the wideouts, at least the Falcons boast one of the best tight ends in the game. Alge Crumpler averaged 16.1 yards per catch and scored 6 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl in 2004-05, and will continue to be Vick’s unofficial #1 target.
Atlanta’s line improved last year, and hopes to get even better. Todd Weiner and Kevin Shaffer are a solid pair of tackles, though there is room for improvement, especially from Shaffer. The intense Kynan Forney is a solid right guard, and a grating run blocker. Todd McClure is a serviceable center. The big battle will be at left guard, where Todd Lehr and Martin Bibla will vie for a starting spot.
Defensive line was a strong point for the Falcons last year, and figures to remain solid. Patrick Kerney has developed into one of the best defensive ends in the league, and posted 13 sacks last year. He’s become as reliable against the run as he is disruptive on passing downs. Brady Smith is a solid, if unspectacular, second end. He collected 6 sacks last year and is good against the run. Rod Coleman had a great first year in A town, harvesting 11.5 sacks and earning Pro Bowl honors. Chad Lavalais will look to improve in his second year, as he’s been given the starting job next to Coleman. Lavalais can be a disruptive force if he can keep his weight in check and remain consistent. The Falcons added depth at tackle in the draft with Jonathan Babineaux, an undersized but disruptive player in the Coleman mold. The key for Atlanta’s line this year will be stopping the run.
At linebacker, Keith Brooking is the leader and best player. A fiery competitor, Brooking made 101 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 3 interceptions last year. He will shift to the outside with the addition of Ed Hartwell from Baltimore. Hartwell played in a 3-4 scheme with the Ravens, but figures to be a more than capable middle ‘backer in the Falcons’ 4-3. He made 96 tackles last year. Demorrio Williams will be the third linebacker after a solid rookie year in which he collected 56 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Ike Reese has become more than a sensational special teams player, and is a very good coverage linebacker. He added 52 tackles, a sack and 2 picks last year.
Once he was healthy, DeAngelo Hall was a very good corner last year. He finished with 34 tackles and 2 picks, but will probably double those numbers with a full season’s work. Jason Webster will look to return from injury himself, but may not have a starting spot even if he is 100%. Kevin Mathis filled in very well last year, with 65 tackles and 2 interceptions. Allen Rossum adds depth at corner, and picked off 2 passes last year, but his primary value to the team is as a return man. Bryan Scott is a solid strong safety, and had 96 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pick last year. The concern is who will play next to him. Ronnie Heard filled in capably for Keion Carpenter last year, posting 71 tackles and an interception. Those two figure to duke it out for a starting spot. The Falcons’ disruptive defensive line figures to help the secondary, but the defensive backs will need to improve if the team is to go deep in the playoffs once again.
Atlanta will be a major player this year in the NFC. If they played in just about any division except the one they’re in, they’d be the favorites. Look for Vick to improve as a passer in his second year in Jim Mora’s system, and the defense to be rock solid as always. If the receivers step up, we could be looking at a division champ, and a lot more.
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Projected division rank: #3 (8-8)
Coming off of a down year, the Bucs will look to scrap their way back into the playoff picture in 2005-06.
Brian Griese had a solid year under center last year, throwing for 20 touchdowns and completing 69.3% of his passes. He has many doubters, but looks to be a serviceable starting quarterback.
Running back is a position with plenty of promise for the Bucs. First round pick Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams was a game breaker in college, and figures to have an immediate impact in Tampa. He is a capable receiver, and figures to break off plenty of big gains, both on the ground and through the air. Behind him is last year’s starter, Michael Pittman. Pittman ran for almost 1,000 yards in only 13 games last year, and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Mike Alstott has had plenty of injury troubles recently, but if he can stay healthy, he adds another dimension to the Bucs’ backfield. He is a bruising runner and yet another solid receiver. Jameel Cook is more of a true fullback, and is a very underrated player.
Michael Clayton was fantastic as a rookie last year, hauling in 80 passes for 1,193 yards and 7 scores. He will look to continue his assent up the ranks of the league’s top wideouts this year. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard provide veteran options across from Clayton. Both are susceptible to injury, however. If healthy, Galloway will likely start, and figures to catch around 50 passes. Hilliard is a solid, crafty #3 receiver. At tight end, the Bucs have plenty of depth. Anthony Becht was a disappointment with the Jets, but can still be a solid receiver. Dave Moore is a reliable veteran who has had injury troubles of late. The player with the most promise, though, is rookie Alex Smith. An athletic player, Smith can be a big play threat working the middle of the field. Look for him to get more and more playing time as the season progresses. He may even start.
Tampa’s offensive line has plenty of question marks. Matt Stinchcomb had a good year after coming over from Oakland prior to last year, and is entrenched at left guard. John Wade is a serviceable center, but has struggled with injuries. Derrick Deese looks like he’ll stay at left tackle, but is aging and it showed at times last year. Right tackle Kenyatta Walker finally played closer to his potential last year, and will again start. Rookie Chris Colmer might give a challenge to either tackle, though. The biggest question mark is at right guard, where Jeb Terry, a second year player, will battle rookies Doug Buckles and Dan Buenning.
Tampa’s defensive line remains one of the best in the business. Simeon Rice is still one of the most dangerous edge rushers in the game, and he collected 12 sacks last year. Greg Spires continued his solid play across from Rice, with 60 tackles and 8 sacks. Young Dwayne White had a bit of a breakout year, with 6 sacks of his own. White is a versatile player who will see time as a backup end and even as a tackles on passing downs. At tackle, Anthony McFarland will look to have a healthy year. In 8 games last year he had three sacks and can be a top tier player when healthy. Joining McFarland inside will be former Viking Chris Hovan, and intense player who had a big time off season last year in Minnesota. The Bucs are hoping that playing on a talented line will jump start him.
Derrick Brooks remains the heart and soul of this team, and remains a quality starting linebacker, too. Last year he posted 137 tackles, 3 sacks and an interception. Jeff Gooch and Ryan Nece will battle for the other outside spot. Shelton Quarles, though undersized, has proven a solid middle linebacker. He had 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year. Second round pick Barrett Ruud will one day take over for Quarles, but until that time will have to excel on special teams.
In the secondary, the Bucs return Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly at the corners, giving them one of the best pairs in the business. Barber posted 98 tackles with 3 sacks and 3 picks last year, while Kelly added 58 stops and 4 interceptions. The third corner figures to be Juran Bolden, a free agent acquisition. Safety is a position less settled in Tampa Bay, but there is talent. Jermaine Phillips played only 9 games last year, but had 43 tackles, a sack and an interception. Dexter Jackson will look to take over at free safety after an injury-marred season, but will face competition from Will Allen, who was solid as a rookie.
The Bucs have some questions on offense, namely quarterback and offensive line, but there is talent to work with. Cadillac looks like an impact starter from the start, and Clayton is a top young receiver. The Bucs will have a very good defense, and if the offense can gel, they stand a good shot of making a playoff run.
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Projected division rank: #4 (7-9)
The Saints will score a lot of points this year, and will be fun to watch. The thing is, opponents are going to score a lot of points, too.
Aaron Brooks had a very solid 2005-06 season, throwing for 3,810 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has tons of athletic ability, and if he avoids the glaring mistakes that have plagued him at times during his career, may become the true franchise quarterback that the Saints have hoped he’ll become.
Deuce McAllister is one of the top running backs in the league, so the Saints have a balanced attack. McAllister missed two games last year, but still ran for almost 1,100 yards, and caught 34 passes. With a full year, he’ll challenge the 1,500 yard mark. Backing up is Aaron Stecker, a capable change of pace back and solid receiver. Stecker will spell McAllister and see plenty of action on third downs. Mike Karney is a solid fullback with receiving skills, and Fred McAfee is a useful third running back and great special teams player.
Joe Horn is coming off of a Pro Bowl year and is a legit #1 wideout. He caught 94 passes and scored 11 touchdowns last year, and will again be Brooks’ favorite target. Donte Stallworth continues to tease, but hauled in 58 passes with 5 touchdowns last year. He could break out, but it seems just as likely that he’ll be nothing more than a decent #2 receiver who could’ve been more. Devery Henderson is a smaller, speedier version of Stallworth, and will be a big play threat out of the slot this year. Boo Williams was a big disappointment last year at tight end, but has plenty of talent to still become a good player. Ernie Conwell is a solid veteran backup.
Wayne Gandy and LeCharles Bentley give the Saints two of the league’s best at their positions. Gandy is starting to slow down, but remains a very good left tackle, while Bentley continues to improve at center. Jamaal Brown was one of the best linemen the last two years in college, and figures to step right into a starting job as the Saint’s right tackle. Spencer Folau, if he doesn’t start, will provide a very good backup at both tackle and guard. Montrae Holland figures to get the nod at right guard over Folau.
The hopes of the Saints’ defense rest squarely on the shoulders of the team’s defensive linemen. There have been many first round picks spent on linemen in recent drafts, and now is the time for them to become a dominant unit. Charles Grant and Darren Howard give the Saints an outstanding pair of defensive ends. Each player posted at least 10 sacks last season. Will Smith, who can play end or tackle, is another solid player, as he collected 7.5 sacks as a rookie. Inside is where potential needs to become production. Former first round pick Jonathan Sullivan has been a huge disappointment, and Rodney Leslie hardly played last year due to injury. Brian Young is a solid tackle, and had 59 tackles with 2.5 sacks last year. Howard Green heads into the season as the starter opposite Young, and posted 27 tackles last year. The ends are disruptive playmakers; now if the tackles can become top run stuffers, the Saints defense can become a solid unit.
The situation at linebacker is not much better than defensive tackle. Courtney Watson had a solid rookie year, posting 57 tackles and 2 sacks, and will take over in the middle. Colby Bockwoldt, James Allen and Sedrick Hodge will battle for the outside spots, with Allen and Bockwoldt likely to be the starters. While Bockwoldt is an improving player due to his relentless motor, the others need to step up. This unit as a whole is young, but needs to start making plays if New Orleans has any hope of having a good defense this year.
Mike McKenzie is the one legit starter in a cast of average corners. After coming over at midseason last year, McKenzie finished with 5 picks and will look to improve now that he’s comfortable in the Big Easy. Fred Thomas, Jason Craft, and Fakhir Brown will battle for the corner job opposite McKenzie, with Thomas the frontrunner for the job. Whoever starts will have to step up, as teams will look to throw away from McKenzie whenever possible. Jay Bellamy will likely start at strong safety, and while he doesn’t make many plays, is a relatively solid player. Second round pick Josh Bullocks will likely start immediately at free safety. Bullocks has all the tools to be an outstanding starter in this league, and will be given the chance to show what he can do from day one. If he is a solid starter right away, it will go a long ways towards shoring up the Saints’ secondary.
The Saints will be fun to watch this year, but the defense must improve a lot if this team is going to challenge in a pretty tough division. This is a team of peaks and valleys: Brooks, McAllister, Horn and the defensive ends are top flight; it’s the rest of the team that is a concern if the Saints are to compete this year.