Camp Questions: NFC South

NCF South:
Atlanta Falcons – Can the Falcons thin offensive line duplicate 2008’s performance?
The key to keeping QB Matt Ryan from suffering a sophomore slump will be keeping him off his back. The Falcons plan to return their strong running attack featuring Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, and that will help. But by all accounts Atlanta’s line overachieved in 2008. The 2009 bunch has talent but is thin and can’t afford even a single injury.

Carolina Panthers – Can John Fox finally put together back-to-back winning seasons?
The Panthers return 21 of 22 starters from a squad that finished 12-4 squad, but a glaringly ugly loss to the Cardinals left them with an early playoff exit and a bad taste in their mouths. The Panthers certainly have the talent to take this division again, but it always seems that injuries, complacency, or both prevent them from sustaining that kind of success. If John Fox can’t find the prescription for that fever, he’ll find himself on the hot seat once again.

New Orleans Saints – Can Gregg Williams install his defense in the Bayou?
The Saints put together a remarkable year in 2008 considering they had no defense, no running backs, and an injury report the size of the Super Dome. Their offense has proven it can thrive without a between-the-tackles threat, but this team won’t see January football without a strong defense. Minicamps have shown signs of the defense coming together and being more aggressive, but how will they fair in November when there’s no running game to eat the clock and give the D a rest?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Can I see a roster, please?
This might be the most exciting camp to watch. There are position battles all over as Raheem Morris remakes the Bucs into a younger, faster team. Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn, et al are long gone. That leaves position battles at QB, LB, 2nd RB, WR, OL… and I’m probably missing a few. I like the direction the Bucs are going, but they released many of those vets without getting anything back in return. Remember that the Bucs traded almost four years of draft picks for stealing Chucky from the Raiders not too long ago. Will shedding those vets for nothing look silly before Thanksgiving?