UTTQ 2011 NFL Predictions: NFC South

The 2011 season may have not begun, but our 2011 NFL Regular Season predictions have. Here's a brief summary of each NFC South team, in no particular order, starting with the defending division champion Atlanta Falcons:

ATLANTA FALCONS
The Matt Ryan era in Atlanta has been everything Mike Smith and company has hoped for, except a playoff win. With three winning seasons in a row, the Falcons are hoping Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and new offensive weapon Julio Jones can finally lead them to the promised land. The defense will place emphasis on the corner/safety group, with John Abraham and company commanding the defense up front. Smart linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will hope to improve the linebacking core as the Falcons try to navigate a difficult schedule and division.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
There's a new regime in Carolina. Coach Ron Rivera and first overall pick quarterback Cam Newton will try to instill back winning ways in the Panthers organization. The offense still features the familiar running attack in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, along with receiving threat Steve Smith. The defense will still be led by defensive stalwart Jon Beason, flanked by Thomas Davis and James Anderson. Big play from last season also earned defensive end Charles Johnson a big contract. On paper, this team shouldn't be as bad as it was last year. However, this team's success will be a reflection of Newton's play: an average performance at best.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
America's darlings of a few years ago. The Saints are still led by the impeccable duo of Sean Payton and Drew Brees. With Reggie Bush gone to Miami, the Saints lose a dynamic of their offense. Mark Ingram comes in to take the top running back spot. Offensive line will need to collectively become a unit. On defense, the addition of Aubrayo Franklin should hopefully allow the defensive line to step up. Mike linebacker Jonathan Vilma is still the heart of this D, with the secondary of Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Jabari Greer, and Tracy Porter hoping to provide shutdown support. Overall, a very balanced team, but they could also suffer from the new additions.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs were a surprise team last season, thanks in large part to the play of quarterback Josh Freeman. Look for him to improve this year, despite a menacing schedule. The Bucs hope that Arrelious Benn can progress as much as Mike Williams. On defense, rookie middle linebacker Mason Foster hopes to lead this defense for years to come. Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn will try to command the line, while troubled but talented corner Aqib Talib hopes to rack up picks in coverage. This Bucs team has plenty to be happy about, and could possibly sneak in at the wild card spot.


NFC SOUTH TITLE: New Orleans Saints

• If the Saints can get the newcomers up and running they will have a dangerous team. Drew Brees also returns with a relatively intact receiving core.

WILD CARD TEAMS: Atlanta Falcons

• The Falcons have the weapons to survive the season, but another early exit in the playoffs looks likely. The Bucs have the talent, but the talent must first jell. Carolina has little chance at the playoffs with too many changes up front, particularly at quarterback.