Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: 1st in division (13-3 overall)
Strengths: Offensively, they have so many weapons. Two top ten receivers in Roddy White and Julio Jones. Addition of Steven Jackson will be huge. Matt Ryan is a top 10 QB. Defense is pretty solid as well.
Causes for concern: Not too many causes for concern in Atlanta. Only concerns would result from injury.. Not a lot of depth in the offensive line or linebacking core.
X-Factor: Matt Ryan. Hardly a X-factor because it has become clear that this guy can play. And that’s all he needs to do for this team to be successful. He has weapons around him, a defense that can keep them in every game, and a coach that knows how to win. If Matt Ryan plays the way he has played in recent years, the Falcons are a lock for the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints
Prediction: 2nd in division (9-7 overall)
Strengths: Offensive firepower. One of the best pocket passers in the league, maybe of all time, and he has great targets to throw to. Secondary isn’t bad with Jabari Greer and Keenan Lewis on the outside.
Causes for concern: Running game.. No clear favorite to take all the carries. Mark Ingram is yet to prove his Heisman worth, Darren Sproles is a better pass-catcher than runner, and Pierre Thomas has never been consistent. Other than the secondary, the defense has some question marks. Defensive line and linebackers aren’t very intimidating. This team could get run all over.
X-Factor: Sean Payton. Back on the sidelines after a year-long suspension, it will be important for him to bring back that same competitive edge he once dominated the league with. Payton knows how to win, he taught his guys how to win, and they will certainly need that extra motivation this year after last season’s disappointments.
Carolina Panthers
Prediction: 3rd in division (8-8 overall)
Strengths: I would expect a huge year from Cam Newton this year. Also, defense looked good late last season and Luke Kuechly is just a stud at middle linebacker.
Causes for concern: The running game is not looking bright. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both fragile and inconsistent. Also, will Steve Smith stay healthy? And will Brandon LaFell and Ten Ginn step up as other options for Newton?
X-Factor: Cam Newton. He has proven he can run the football. He has proven he can throw the football. He needs to do both this year and he needs to do them really well. This team isn’t strong enough on defense for Cam to struggle at all. He needs to be solid in the red zone. He needs to be smart in the 4th quarter. Cam can take this team to a wild card spot if he wants to.. But I believe Carolina is one more year away from that.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: 4th in division (6-10 overall)
Strengths: Doug Martin is a stud, there’s no doubt about that. But defenses will be gameplanning for him this year, that is for sure. Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson are threats on the outside. Defense is good, not great but still good.
Causes for concern: Doug Martin may hit a sophomore slump which will cause this offense to sputter significantly. Josh Freeman was so inconsistent last year and that’s always a concern. Like I said, defense is good but not great. Not good enough to keep them in some of the games on their tough schedule.
X-Factor: Josh Freeman. He needs to be consistent. If Freeman is consistent, he will keep them in every game. But when he gets trigger happy he starts forcing throws and turning the ball over. He has what it takes but he needs to keep it all together. If Freeman plays consistently, the Bucs could find themselves fighting for second in the division and avoiding the cellar. But, this isn’t a playoff team just yet.
Atlanta is the clear favorite to take this division. The Falcons are one of the better teams in the whole league and I don’t see any of these three threatening them for the division title. New Orleans, Carolina, and Tampa Bay all have question marks but plenty of potential. They will all battle for second in the division but don’t see them grabbing a playoff spot. Atlanta should have this one locked up early, not as early as last year, but still early. Stay tuned!
