Partly A few of his 2006 NFL Preview, Bullseye-Sports activities.com’s Dwayne Bryant presents his feelings and predictions with the NFC South. Groups are mentioned inside their predicted get of end.
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offense: WR Steve Smith returned from the 2004 harm and lit up the league last year, tallying 103 catches, 1,563 yards and twelve TDs. With newly-obtained Keyshawn Johnson on the other facet, Smith ought to face much less double and triple-groups. Keyshawn won't only support the offense in that facet, but his wonderful run-blocking skill will help open running lanes for RB DeShaun Foster. Foster is suffering from injuries in the course of his job, so don’t be amazed to see first-spherical draft decide on DeAngelo Williams get his share of carries in addition. Head coach John Fox prefers a run-initial attack, but with Smith and Johnson at WR and QB Jake Delhomme under center, Fox could well be superior served employing a far more well balanced offense. This offense was working on all cylinders late very last time And that i appear for more of the exact same in 2006.
Protection: This is often 1 hard protection which will do all of it. It all starts off up entrance with pass-hurrying phenoms Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. They put together for 18 sacks and three fumble recoveries – in an off-year. Carolina added DT Maake Kemoeatu to group with Kris Jenkins in the middle. In addition they included Damione Lewis from St. Louis so as to add Significantly-wanted depth to the road. Dan Morgan potential customers the LB crew, but provides a background of personal injury complications. CBs Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble present stable coverage and superb playmaking means from the secondary. In 2005, Carolina’s protection ranked 3rd in yards allowed for every sport and fifth in points authorized. In addition they tallied forty five sacks and 42 takeaways. Search for this defense to carry on for being Amongst the league’s greatest.
Distinctive Groups: There’s always the opportunity https://conservativechoicecampaign.com/ of a return TD when Steve Smith is managing the punt-return duties. Kicker John Kasay related on 26 of 34 FG attempts with five of the eight misses coming from past 50 yards.
Prediction: They could operate. They are able to move. They are able to protect the operate and go. There’s nothing this staff can’t do. Seek out Carolina to earn the tricky NFC South and pretty perhaps snag a primary-spherical bye in the playoffs.
two. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Offense: Given that the Cadillac goes, so goes this offense. Head coach Jon Gruden prefers a conservative technique, which suggests many touches for Williams. He’ll glance to stay healthful and place collectively a time even more amazing than previous year’s rookie campaign during which he totaled 1,178 yards and six TDs In spite of an ankle harm. Joey Galloway was Chris Simms’ primary focus on in 2005. On the other hand, with Michael Clayton healthy once again, I anticipate Clayton being the go-to guy inside the passing activity this time. The offensive line almost got Simms killed previous time. The Bucs signed quite a few OL throughout the draft and free of charge company to improve this unit. However, cohesiveness will get time. So I see this line as a work-in-development.
Defense: The Bucs defense was #1 in yards authorized last period. DE Simeon Rice registered 14 sacks – very good for 3rd-ideal from the league. Tampa Bay provides a strong LB corps with Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Ryan Nece. They're able to run, go over and rush the passer. The secondary attributes playmakers at CB in Ronde Barber (five INTs in 2005) and Brian Kelly. Protection Dexter Jackson’s departure to Cincinnati may perhaps depart this unit susceptible over the center. This is certainly an aging group, but adequate talent remains for this defense to get really formidable once again in 2006.
Specific Teams: The kickoff return group was nearly invisible in 2005. Mark Jones did take care of to common 9.six yards on punt returns. Kicker Matt Bryant produced 21 of 25 FG attempts, including 18 of 19 from thirty-forty nine yards.
Prediction: The Bucs will contend for your Wildcard location and will get one particular furnished Cadillac Williams can stay healthier. Tampa Bay could obstacle for your division title If your offensive line gels sooner instead of later on, but I see it getting later on.
3. ATLANTA FALCONS
Offense: Atlanta has led the league in hurrying Each individual of the last two seasons owing to RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett and QB Michael Vick. Dunn is the fast, elusive back. Duckett is the big, bruising back again utilized effectively across the intention line. This offense displays flashes of brilliance, as does Vick. But this offense will continue on to battle once in a while until finally Vick can boost on his accuracy and decision-earning. Atlanta applied their last two first-spherical draft picks on WRs (Michael Jenkins in 2004 and Roddy White in 2005), but TE Alge Crumpler continues to be Vick’s beloved focus on. Crumpler is large, receives separation, can make catches in website traffic and almost never ever drops a pass. This offense goes as Vick goes. If he struggles, the offense sputters. Appear For additional inconsistent Participate in this time.
Protection: This unit ranked twenty second during the NFL last year. Many of that can be contributed to accidents (LB Ed Hartwell and DE Brady Smith missed most of the time) and a few to insufficient a go rush from the entrance 4. Coordinator Ed Donatell was forced to blitz his LBs to acquire strain, but that still left them from placement in halting the run. Their 128.9 speeding yards permitted per match rated twenty sixth from the NFL past season. CB DeAngelo Hall (six INTs in 2005) is producing into one of the league’s ideal cover corners, but he didn’t have Substantially assist in the secondary in 2006. Atlanta has extra security Attorney Milloy and rookie CB Jimmy Williams to offer this device an immediate enhance. But the largest addition needs to be DE John Abraham. Abraham, Smith, Rod Coleman (10 ½ sacks in 2005) and Patrick Kerney give Atlanta a good entrance four. Injuries not withstanding, this unit need to strengthen on final season’s efficiency.
Particular Teams: Allen Rossum’s punt and kickoff return figures dropped huge-time over his 2004 numbers. DeAngelo Corridor could see some punt return responsibility if Rossum is ineffective. Kicker Todd Peterson wasn’t resigned Irrespective of only missing two FG attempts final year. It stays to generally be noticed who’ll just take in excess of the kicking obligations.
Prediction: If Vick takes a step forward to be a passer, this crew could contend for a Wildcard location. If he continues to be inconsistent, Atlanta could possibly be taking a look at An additional 8-eight campaign.
4. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Offense: If QB Drew Brees’ shoulder is wholesome, this offense can be dangerous. New head coach Sean Payton will only need to have Brees for being a game manager. The Saints are loaded at RB. Incumbent starter Deuce McAllister is coming off a knee harm, but needs to be willing to carry the load. Otherwise, 2nd-General draft pick Reggie Bush will do just fantastic. With McAllister healthy, Payton will nevertheless find techniques to get the ball to the arms of the ever-hazardous Bush. Bush will more than likely be applied as a 3rd-down back again, in two-back sets with McAllister, as being a slot receiver And perhaps like a return male. The Saints also added Michael Bennett to create for your deep secure of backs. Brees also has WRs Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, as well as 6-foot-8 TE Zach Hilton.
Defense: The Saints struggled on the defensive aspect in the ball final season. They ranked twenty seventh in hurrying yards allowed and 28th in details authorized. Additionally they managed a meager 19 takeaways for the whole year. The group did very little from the offseason to further improve this bunch. DEs Will Smith and Charles Grant are good. The LBs are a concern. As a gaggle, they are able to’t deal with, they will’t halt the run and they are able to’t rush the passer when referred to as upon. The secondary has a couple noteworthy members, Mike McKenzie and Fred Thomas. But there’s little enable guiding them. They’ve extra LBs Scott Fujita, Anthony Simmons and Eddie Moore, as well as FS Brian Scott, S Omar Stoutmire and DT Hollis Thomas. That’s a lot of new faces. A serious adjustment interval lies forward prior to any significant advancement might be viewed.
Specific Groups: Acquiring Michael Lewis back from damage ought to spark the return sport. 41-yr-old kicker John Carney returns following a reliable 2005 campaign.
Prediction: Even if Brees is healthier, the protection has a method to go prior to this workforce is going to be competing for the playoff location. I be expecting a gradual start off, but a solid 2nd half in the year for your Saints. I wouldn’t expect more than six-10.
Ultimate Feelings: Carolina is strong in all features and has become the major possibilities to acquire the NFC Championship. Tampa Bay really should land a Wildcard location assuming that the offensive line keeps Simms upright. Atlanta will only go so far as Vick requires them, which can be between 3rd from the division to the third seed during the playoffs. The Saints are heading in the ideal course, but I’d say they’re two several years away from competing for just a playoff spot.