NFC South: Mid Point Breakdown

As the NFL moves closer towards the end of season, the parity is starting to sort itself out this season more importantly, it is easier to separate the pretenders from the contenders in the quest to win Superbowl XLV in Arlington, TX.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons (7-2)

Pros: The Falcons have a strong team, particularly at home.  Matt Ryan and Roddy White have chemistry on the field. If the Falcons continue to play well, the Falcons will clinch home field advantage and get games at home where they have been very successful.

Cons: The Falcons struggle to find a consistent balance of run and pass on the road. The Falcons have a tendency to let teams back in the game. In the second half of the season if the Falcons continue to let teams hang around the Falcons will lose games they should not lose.

New Orleans Saints (6-3)

Pros: The Saints are getting healthier each week.  Drew Brees is playing well.  Reggie Bush is returning.  The motivation to prove last year’s Superbowl run was not a fluke.

Cons: When the defense does not get turnovers, team can run and pass on the Saints quite easily. The Saints are the defending Superbowl champions, opponents will give them their best shot.  The defense is not strong, so the offense will have to play at a much higher level the second half of the season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)

Pros: The Buccaneers played an excellent first half of the season. Josh Freeman looks like a solid young quarterback. LeGarrette Blount is a runningback with a lot to prove.  Mike Williams has been an excellent receiver.  Coach Raheem Morris is motivated to prove his skeptics wrong.

Cons: The Buccaneers have feasted on poor competition.  As the stakes rise, Freeman is going to have to play even better.  The Bucccaneers second half schedule does not get any easier.

Carolina Panthers (1-8)

Pros: The Panthers have Steve Smith.  The Panthers have the opportunity to experiment on offense and defense so they can prepare to address draft needs the second half of the season. Hopefully, Brandon LaFell will emerge as a compliment to Steve Smith.

Cons: The Panthers have too many injuries. At this point, the players probably will just collect the check as it is not very motivational to play for Coach Fox who will not be around after the season.

Projected Division Winner:  Atlanta Falcons
Each year, the NFC South division seems to have a new winner.  It appears the stars have aligned for the Atlanta Falcons.  The Falcons should win the division title on December 27th at home against the Saints.  Coach Smith will keep the Falcons on track. The Falcons should be in line for a deep playoff run.