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5 Reasons the Saints WILL Win the NFC South
The NFC South was founded in 2002, and all 4-teams have won the division throughout the years. Over the past few seasons, the NFC South Division has been up for grabs. This division was your typical “Pick Em” because no one seized control. The only team to repeat is the Carolina Panthers, but I believe the New Orleans Saints can dethrone them as NFC South Kings.
#5 The Atlanta Falcons WERE FRAUDS last season!!!!
The NFC South team started the 2015 season at 6-2, and seemed to be on a roll to challenge the Panthers for the division title. That is when the Atlanta Falcons faced the lowly San Francisco 49ers, and that loss began their downward spiral. The Falcons finished the season on a 2-6 losing streak, finishing 8-8 overall. They truly fooled the nation into believing they were a serious contender, but we all found out THAT WAS A LIE!!!! Matty “Crushed Ice” Ryan cannot be trusted. He really struggled last year with 16-INTs and 5-fumble in 2015. Ryan definitely has a lot to prove this season, and he has some help. They did add more weapons on offense with the signing of Mohammed Sanu, and third-round-draft-pick TE Austin Hooper out of South Carolina. This season they need to rebound and reclaim their winning ways. They have some proving to do this season and I will be watching closely.
#4 Jameis Winston and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting closer, but are not there yet
The Bucs are a growing team with a combination of young and veteran players. They will be a serious contender, just not this season. I believe they are going to have a better season than their 2015 season, after finishing 6-10. I believe they can add 2 more wins this season and finish 8-8. They have their trio of star QB/RB/WR and have a ton of potential for the future. They are one more free agency/draft period away from becoming serious contenders for the division title.
#3 The Carolina Panthers do not value key talent
This off-season they were in a bidding war with Star Cornerback Josh Norman. After Josh would not sign the franchise tag, he was allowed to hit free agency. He eventually signed with the Washington Redskins a few days afterwards. I just do not understand how you could allow a pro bowl CB walk into free agency. The Panthers handicapped Cam Newton a few seasons ago by letting their top three WRs walk in free agency. Josh’s impact will be felt on that defense, especially when you are not trotting out an immediate pass rush. The Panther’s unwillingness to spend on pro bowl caliber talent will rear its ugly head eventually, and will cost them this season.
#2 The New Orleans Saints’ defense has received a shot in the arm
They were able to sign veteran defenders James Laurinaitis, Jamarca Sanford, and Nick Fairley this off-season. Laurinaitis will help young stud linebacker Stephen Anthony learn how to watch film and dissect offensive plays. A few seasons ago, star free safety Jarius Byrd was brought in from Buffalo to bring a ball hawking presence to their back end. Sadly, he has not produce the same pro bowl play he displayed in Buffalo. He has battled injuries most of his time in New Orleans, but while on the field he did not show up. In the draft the Saints grabbed Ohio State S Von Bell to help in the back end. Fairley will help them inside and the rookie Sheldon Rankins will help opposite side of Cam Jordan on the line. The Saints should have an improved pass rush and run defense. They have one of the younger up and coming Corners in Delvin Breaux to continue to develop. I expect the Saints defense to be much improved this season.
#1 The New Orleans Saints’ offense will continue to produce
The Saints’ offense were 2nd in the league in total offense with a 310.6-yards passing per game. The room for improvement is the running game, they ranked 24th in the league. That was a part of the problem for them last season, you must keep defenses honest. I do believe the defense giving up 30-points a game contributed to a horrible rushing statistic, because they were throwing to stay in games. If they can return to a productive ground game, along with the addition of TE Coby Fleener and WR Michael Thomas, this Saints offense could be flying higher than ever this season.
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Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.