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The Buc Stops Here...in the Cellar
By: Marco, Co-Founder of TSZ
The NFC South is the arena football division of the NFL.
They are all offense, all the time, and no one plays defense. Last season, the
Falcons dominated the league as their offense went to another level. The other
three teams in their division ended up one game below .500. This off-season,
the Saints got their coach back, the Bucs added big names on defense, the
Panthers added yet another running back, and the Falcons convinced TE Tony
Gonzalez to come out of his retirement career as the new PETA spokesperson. This division may be the best division in
all of football. I have no more than one game separating each team in my
projected standings for this season.
Atlanta Falcons
2012 Record: 13-3
The Falcons finished last season with the best record in
football. They start the 2013 season with very few changes to their roster.
Adding running back Steven Jackson to replace an aging Michael Turner should
greatly improve last year’s 29th ranked rushing offense. If Matt
Ryan and his supply of elite receivers duplicate last year, they may snatch the
nickname “The Greatest-est Show on Turf.”
Unlike the offense, you have no idea what to expect from
Atlanta’s defense. Last year, they ranked in the bottom third of the league in
most categories. Ironically, they ranked 5th best in points allowed
per game at 18.7 per contest. I interpret that statistical outlier to mean the
Dirty Birds D was really lucky in 2012. This season will see a regression to
the mean and the Falcons defense will show it’s true colors- black and gold.
That’s right, Saints colors. Their defense will suck almost as bad as New
Orleans did last year.
2013 Projected Record:
10-6 (Over/Under 10) PUSH
New Orleans Saints
2012 Record: 7-9
The Saints had a down season without Sean Payton on the
sidelines last year. He has returned from his sabbatical with a slight change
in philosophy. He said “I might actually call a running play this year.” When
asked, “Does that mean Drew Brees just runs around before he throws the ball?”
Payton said “No comment.”
One guy who doesn’t know how to “no comment” is their new
Defensive Coordinator, the over-hyped Rob Ryan. To be fair, he will inherit the
worst defense in the NFL. They allowed an all-time, single-season record of
7,042 total yards and the one bright spot on defense, DE Will Smith has been
moved to LB in the team’s new 3-4 scheme. Good luck covering Tony Gonzalez,
Greg Olsen, and any other TE. This defense will cost them wins. Luckily, they
have a decent schedule this season thanks to their third place finish.
2013 Projected Record:
9-7 (Over/Under 9.5) UNDER
Carolina Panthers
2012 Record: 7-9
Carolina had a disappointing 2012 campaign. Cam Newton
looked less like Superman and more like Sophomore Slump Man. The Panthers did
finish the year with four straight victories, and they hope to carry that
momentum into the 2013 season. Hiring Mike Shula as the new Offensive Coordinator
will definitely help get the most out of the plethora of talented running
backs- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Oregon rookie
Kenjon Barner. They have the potential to out-match opponents late in games with
running backs with fresh legs. Wide receiver Brandon LaFell is ready for a
breakout campaign opposite veteran little man Steve Smith. They also added much
needed depth at the wide receiver position with Ted Ginn Jr. and Domenik Hixon.
The Panthers ranked 10th in overall defense last
season. They have solid, young linebackers; Luke Keuchly led the league in
tackles in 2012, and they improved the defensive line by adding quality rookies
Star Lotulelei and Kawaan Short. The biggest question mark again this year is
their secondary. They were unable to address this concern through free agency
or the draft.
2013 Projected Record:
8-8 (Over/Under 7) OVER
Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
2012 Record: 7-9
Last season, the Buccaneers were the definition of
inconsistent. Looking at the 2013 roster, they look great…on paper. On the
field, I’m not sold on QB Josh Freeman and company having the competitive
strength to become a playoff team. Doug “Muscle Hamster” Martin (best nickname
in NFL) will help take pressure off Freeman who is in a contract year. My worry
is Freeman will squander the opportunity to showcase his talent. There are
already reports out that he is upset at Tampa Bay’s front office for not
figuring out a deal before the season. He may end up being a mental case all
year.
Dashon Goldson and Darrelle Revis are not the answer for
this young team. They don’t possess leadership qualities the Bucs so
desperately need. Plus, my money says Revis doesn’t stay healthy the whole
season. My biggest take away from the off-season was they let last year’s sack
leader, Michael Bennett, leave via free agency. Many “experts” are picking the
Bucs to be this year’s surprise team. I can’t. When compared to the rest of the
teams in their division, I have them finishing last.
2013 Projected Record:
7-9 (Over/Under 7.5) UNDER
2012 NFC South Standings
- Atlanta Falcons 13-3
- Carolina Panthers 7-9
- New Orleans Saints 7-9
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9
- Atlanta
Falcons 10-6
- New
Orleans Saints 9-7
- Carolina
Panthers 8-8
- Tampa
Bay Buccaneers 7-9
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