Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the NFC Divisions
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
For one time only, each four franchises in the NFC South come together. How does the worst division in football last year stack up against the other three NFC divisions this time round?
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No team in the South posted a winning record last season, allowing the 7-8-1 Carolina Panthers to sneak into the postseason and host a game in the Wild Card Round.
As it happened, the Panthers would beat the Arizona Cardinals, led by third-string quarterback Ryan Lindley, and headed to Seattle for the Divisional Round.
For some perspective, a 7-8-1 record would have only been good for third place in all three of the other NFC divisions, but the Panthers lucked out in the embarrassing NFC South.
It could all be different this year, however. Carolina will be expected to improve. A solid defense with some additional firepower on offense should do just that.
As for the Atlanta Falcons, well they had about as good an offseason as they could have imagined. The addition of pass rusher Vic Beasley on day one of the draft set the tone, and each pick from there on seemed like a strong one.
New Orleans lost Jimmy Graham, but their offense should still put up points as long as Drew Brees is playing. With Brandon Browner, Stephone Anthony and Hau’oli Kikaha joining, the defense should be better too.
Tampa Bay may have finally found their quarterback in Jameis Winston, and he won’t lack for weapons with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.
But of course, every team looks ‘better’ on paper this time of year. That means all 12 of the other NFC teams will also feel they have improved. So how does the NFC South stack up against the other three divisions?
Next: No. 4