New Orleans Saints

Key Additions: QB Drew Brees (Chargers)
LB Scott Fujita (Cowboys)
LB Tommy Polley (Ravens)
TE Mark Campbell (Bills)

Key Losses: DE Darren Howard (Eagles)
C LeCharles Bentley (Browns)
QB Aaron Brooks (Raiders)
CB Fakhir Brown (Rams)
LB Sedrik Hodge (Dolphins)
HB Antowain Smith (Texans)

Expectations have certainly risen for the New Orleans Saints for 2006. With the additions of free agent Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Bees and rookie phenomenon Reggie Bush. And with Deuce McAllister returning at full strength, the New Orleans Saints have an abundance of talent on the offensive side of the ball. As has been the case for the Saints for what seems like decades, the defense looks to be a point of weakness. Will Smith and Charles Grant are a pretty solid tandem at the end of the defensive line, however the Saints seem to be weak up the middle.

The Saints will show marked improvement offensively, however the defense just isn’t good enough to give the team a chance for a post-season berth.

Projected Record: 4-12

Atlanta Falcons

Key Additions: SS Lawyer Milloy (Patriots)
DE John Abraham (Jets)
DT Grady Jackson (Packers)
WR Ashley Lelie (Broncos)

Key Losses: OT Kevin Shaffer (Browns)
OG Barry Stokes (Lions)
HB T.J. Duckett (Redskins)


The same question rises at the beginning of every Falcons season: Has Michael Vick learned how to throw yet? Well, we’ll see. He still has his big security blanket in Alge Crumpler to throw to, along with two solid young receiving targets in Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. However the Falcons offensive attack will once again be predicated on their ability to run the ball. Vick and Dunn are always dangerous and the talents of young rookie Jerious Norwood gave the Falcons the opportunity to unload T.J. Duckett. Defensively, and specifically against the run (they ranked 26th in the league last season) the Falcons need to improve if they hope to make a playoff push. Bringing in Grady Jackson should help what is otherwise an undersized defensive interior.

Like any other small defense that is built on speed, the Atlanta Falcons can be run on and worn down as the game goes on. While Grady Jackson helps the interior, he is not the savior by any stretch. While the Falcons will remain one of the best running teams in the NFC, their inept passing attack and inconsistent run defense will cost them a playoff appearance.

Projected Record: 7-9

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Additions: RB Jerald Sowell (Jets)
WR David Boston (Dolphins)
LB Jamie Winbourne (Jaguars)
OT Torrin Tucker (Cowboys)

Key Losses: RB Jameel Cook (Texans)
QB Brian Griese (Bears)
FS Dexter Jackson (Bengals)
OT Todd Steussie (Rams)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be the youngest defense in the league, but they are still one of the leagues elite. Led by veterans like Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Anthony McFarland the Bucs should continue their defensive dominance. Where the Buccaneers will improve most in 2006 is on the offensive side of the ball. Chris Simms looks like he can be a very effective quarterback in the NFL despite his stature. And after a stellar rookie season Carnell Williams will be looking to improve on his already impressive rushing statistics.

The NFC South will be a 2-team race down the stretch, with the Panthers taking the division in the last couple of weeks of the season.

Projected Record: 9-7 (Wild-Card Playoff berth)

Carolina Panthers

Key Additions: LB Na’il Diggs (Packers)
C Justin Hartwig (Titans)
WR Keyshawn Johnson (Cowboys)
S Shaun Williams (Giants)
DT Damione Lewis (Rams)

Key Losses: S Idress Bashir (Lions)
CB Ricky Manning Jr. (Bears)
S Marlon McCree (Chargers)
G Tutan Reyes (Bills)
LB Will Witherspoon (Rams)
CB Dante Wesley (Bears)
LB Brandon Short (Giants)

The Carolina Panthers are the pre-season favorite to win the Superbowl, and with good reason. They boast one of the best from fours in the NFC. The return of Kris Jenkins will definitely help the pass rush, which lacked at times in 2005. Offensively, a lot rests on the health of Deshaun Foster who has not played a full 16 game season in his career. #1 pick Deangelo Williams has shown flashes of what he can do, but it is not certain if he can be an every down back in the NFL. The addition of Keyshawn Johnson gives Jake Delhomme the big target that he was missing last year after the departure of Mushin Muhammad.

The only question about the Carolina Panthers for 2006 will be whether or not they can stay healthy. If they can, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be a Superbowl contender.

Projected Record: 12-4