1. Atlanta Falcons
A stacked team that stays intact at many key positions.
2. New Orleans Saints
They are one of the best offensive teams and one of the worst defensive teams.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They could go past New Orleans, but the Bucs offense isn’t good enough.
4. Carolina Panthers
With the loss of the offensive coordinator the Panthers might have to wait another year.
Head Coach: Mike Smith
Key Position: Linebacker – A big reason why they didn’t get to the Super Bowl was the play of this unit. They were exposed and out of position in the NFC Championship game. They’ll need to improve here if they want another chance at a title.
Key Acquisitions: DE Osi Umenyiora (New York Giants), RB Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams)
Key Rookies: CB Desmond Trufant
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Key Position: Defense – They have transformed to a 3-4 style with Rob Ryan being added to the coaching staff. There are many areas that need work, but it will be interesting to see if this group warms up to the scheme.
Key Acquisitions: CB Keenan Lewis (Pittsburgh Steelers), LB Parys Haralson (San Francisco 49ers), QB Luke McCown (Atlanta Falcons), TE Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns)
Key Rookies: S Kenny Vaccaro, DT John Jenkins
Head Coach: Greg Schiano
Key Position: Secondary – The biggest problem on the defense last year has now become a strength. With CB Darrelle Revis and S Dashon Goldson the secondary has some backbone and it should put less pressure on the defensive front to make plays.
Key Acquisitions: CB Darrelle Revis (New York Jets), S Dashon Goldson (San Francisco 49ers), RB Peyton Hillis (Kansas City Chiefs), FB Brian Leonard (Cincinnati Bengals), TE Tom Crabtree (Green Bay Packers), WR Kevin Ogletree (Dallas Cowboys)
Key Rookies: CB Johnthan Banks
Head Coach: Ron Rivera
Key Position: Secondary – Easily one of the weakest units in the NFL, but they do have some playmakers that need to step up with an awesome front seven unit in front of them. It will be tough with Atlanta and New Orleans playing them twice.
Key Acquisitions: LB Chase Blackburn (New York Giants), WR Ted Ginn Jr. (San Francisco 49ers), WR Domenik Hixon (New York Giants)
Key Rookies: DT Star Lotulelei, DT Kawann Short, RB Kenjon Barner
westhesportsguy.com 