NFC South Part One: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler

The NFC South is another division that probably gets more criticism than it deserves.  The Falcons and Panthers, despite having some problem areas that caused them to miss out on the playoffs last year, still posted 9-7 and 8-8 records, respectively.  After making some upgrades in the offseason, both teams are poised to give the Saints a run for their money.  The Saints haven't been slouching in the offseason either, though, and the Superbowl Champions are showing no signs of slowing down.  Also on the upswing are the Buccaneers, who despite posting a miserable three wins last season, had two 9-7 seasons before that and have quietly been building one of the strongest youth movements in the league.  The competition in the South will be strong, but the Saints look poised to take the division crown again and keep their hopes at a repeat alive.

New Orleans Saints

2009 Record: 13-3, Division Champions
2009 Playoff Record: 3-0, NFL Champions
Key Losses: Scott Fujita, Charles Grant, Jammal Brown
Key Additions: Patrick Robinson, Clint Ingram, Alex Brown

The New Orleans Saints really did put together a complete team last year.  Not only did they have an offense that was not only solid but outstanding in just about every aspect, but they had a defense that was often overlooked because of certain statistics that didn't favor them.  Let's take a look at those stats, in 2009 New Orleans was ranked 26th in the league in yards allowed per game through the air, something many detractors are quick to point out.  Still, they ranked third in the league in interceptions and thirteenth in sacks.  Their defense was solid where it needed to be and outstanding in some key areas that help win games, and most importantly it kept sixteen games within a score that their offense could manage.  This defense will continue to get better after offseason additions, and could be even more formidable in 2010.

Most of the big losses come on the defensive side, but it still remains remarkably in tact.  Scott Fujita is the big name that will be tossed around, but the rest of the linebacking corps is still solid being led by Jonathan Vilma.  One of the bigger areas for concern, though, is run defense, and the linebackers will be key to improving it.  The problem should be one of coaching and improved play, as they definitely have the talent to put up better numbers against the run.  Of bigger concern than Fujita, though, might be defensive end Charles Grant.  Though his production has never matched his numbers from 2003-04, he was still a solid player along the offensive line.  It seems his replacement will be former Bear Alex Brown, who should have a good chance to revive his career opposite Will Smith.  The two should make for a fearsome tandem, and seeing the sack numbers along the line go up would not be surprising at all. 

The biggest boon for this defense will be their secondary, which has all of its Superbowl Champion starters returning.  Darren Sharper is a future hall of famer at safety, and is starting alongside another standout in Roman Harper.  Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter supplement them at the corner position, and Gregg Williams will continue to focus on this talented unit in his scheme that is big on takeaways.  If the pass rush does improve, it could push their takeaway numbers up even more, which is a scary thought.  The one area where they could improve against the pass is in yards and points allowed, and it's doubtful this will be ignored in the offseason.  At the very least the Saints' D will be as good as it was last year, if things go right it could be better.

On the offensive side of the ball things look as bad as ever for the Saints' opponents.  Their line was one of the untold stories of their Superbowl run, rating fourth in sacks allowed and leading the running game to over 2,000 yards.  They haven't lost any of their starters, and added second round pick Charles Brown in the draft.  This line, again, looks to be a dominant unit in the league.  Also showing some outstanding play last season was the receiving corps.  Marques Colston and Robert Meachem performed exceptionally, but an added bonus was the solid play of the rest of the receivers.  Adrian Arrington, Devery Henderson, and Lance Moore were solid, and the entire unit remains untouched.  Combine that with the fact that Drew Brees, who has passed for over 4,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, is still going strong under center and this offense remains one of the most feared in the NFL.  Some would say their run game is a weak point, but it's probably more accurate to say it takes backseat to their high-powered passing attack.  They amassed over 2,000 yards on the ground last season, binging their total to more than 6,000 yards of offense, and attained a 4.5 YPC average.  Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas bring their own unique brands of playmaking ability to the run game, and combined with the outstanding play of the offensive line, receivers, and quarterback make this the most complete offense in the NFL.

I almost considered putting the Falcons in first, as many people are doing, but the Saints have not lost enough to warrant a prediction of them falling off.  Their defense is still an extremely solid unit, and could improve in the second year under defensive genius Gregg Williams.  Their offense is completely untouched, and skill at every offensive position makes them a dangerous opponent for even the best defenses.  The teams in their division have improved, and weren't exactly slouches to begin with, but New Orleans has built an outstanding team and will be tough to beat this season.  Expect them to be playing come January.