The question “How bad was the NFC South last season?” can be answered in a very simple way. The division-winning Carolina Panthers had a 7-8-1 record.
7-8-1.
The NFC South easily was the NFL’s worst division in 2014, and the outlook for 2015 isn’t much brighter. Sure, each team has addressed issues. Just don’t expect the Super Bowl champion to come out of the NFC South. Heck, don’t expect the division champ to advance past the wild-card round.
Here’s how each team shapes up entering the 2015 season, in predicted order of finish.
1. Atlanta Falcons
The best thing the Falcons have going for them is they’re in this wide-open division. They’re also under new leadership, with former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn taking over as coach. He’s not Mike Smith — which is a great thing for Atlanta — and quarterback Matt Ryan has a dynamic array of weapons from which he can choose. The Falcons just had one of the NFL’s best drafts, too.
2. Carolina Panthers
They’re the defending division champs, which is cool, we suppose. They didn’t do a whole lot to improve in the offseason, though, and the preseason wasn’t kind, as No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin went out for the season after tearing his ACL. Carolina also has had issues keeping quarterback Cam Newton upright.
If the Panthers repeat, it will be because of their defense. Linebacker Luke Kuechly is one of the best in the business.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are a trendy pick to bounce back, and some even believe they’ll be in the driver’s seat when it’s all said and done. Defensively, though, there are big question marks. The biggest uncertainty could be in the secondary. Opposing quarterbacks had a 92.9 passer rating against the Saints, but the signing of Brandon Browner signaled a change in philosophy in the Big Easy. Also, we suspect Drew Brees’ eventual decline could be accelerated by the loss of tight end Jimmy Graham.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs’ success — both this season and moving forward — hinges on what Jameis Winston can do in the NFL. Even if he’s very good right away, the Bucs still are in the process of building a winner around their young quarterback. The bottom line, though, is they’re still not very close to contending. There just are too many holes up and down the roster.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports
