Your Fantasy Football Offseason Refresher: NFC South
The NFC North had to house a few of the biggest surprises last year. First, the new Orleans Saints came out of nowhere and just blew up fantasy squads everywhere. Second, the Carolina Panthers where picked by many to play for the title, but only managed to frustrate fantasy owner in en route to a mediocre season. As for the other two teams, Atlanta was inconsistent as usual and Tampa Bay just flat out fell off the map.
Before sharing my notes with you I want to explain a few things. I have added a position category for the offensive line (OL). I rarely see anyone else paying much attention to this when breaking down players, but, it is pretty important to consider when getting a feel for their true value. Cliche’ or not, it all starts up front.
Also, when you see PMTS it means “pretty much the same” meaning not much has changed with this teams particular positions since last year. Just saving you some time. You know these teams already and we are just interested in getting up to date at this time.
With that out of the way here are some notes I’ve taken on the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons
OL - With a new coach there were some changes in an effort to match Bobby Patrino’s offensive style (his teams scored some points in Louisville). They lost a guard and a center but gained run blocking guard Toniu Fonati.
QB - Lost Shaub but still have the inconsistent Vick (who seems to have trouble staying out of the news) Scratch that! He is more than likely done because of the whole dog fighting bit. The new back up starter is Joey “Interception Machine” Harrington.
RB - Still have Jerious Norwood and Dunn. Lose Justin Griffith but gain the services of a fullback by the name of Ovie Mughelli.
WR - You wouldn’t notice the loss of Ashley Lelie unless I told you but you will notice the arrival of Joe Horn. If he stays healthy, should help out here. Other than that, PMTS.
TE - PMTS
K - Billy Kundiff and Aaron Elling will compete for a spot…scary.
D - Lost Kerney, cut a few others and will play Brooking in an uncomfortable position.
Carolina Panthers
OL - PMTS. Remember that they where pretty banged up last year and were damn good two years ago. Added USC center Ryan Kahil in the draft.
QB - Delhomme gets a new back up in David Carr. Heard rumors the front office brought Carr in to take over but we’ll see what training camp brings.
RB - Foster and D’angelo Williams return in what looks to be a RBBC. D’angelo Williams recently gave us a peak behind the curtain with his endorsement of the changes to the offensive scheme…more screens, a lot like the one he ran in Memphis.
WR - Keyshawn out, Dwayne Garrett in. Steve also likes what he sees in the new offense.
TE - Mangum retired so that leaves Micheal Gaines and someone they drafted who Mel Kiper called a back up, Dante Rosario.
D - PMTS. Still solid but lost some depth.
New Orleans Saints
OL - PMTS but with more depth.
QB - PMTS. Brees is solid. Jamie Martin is a decent backup.
RB - The same plus drafted Antonio Pittman.
WR - Lost Horn which is a shame but still have all those young options. Added David Patton and rookie Robert Meachum.
TE - Added Eric Johnson who before getting hurt was pretty damn good on a horrible Niners team a few years back.
K - No more Carney. Added Mare.
D - They shored up the secondary and linebacker corp with a few free agents from the Bengals and Jason David from the Colts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OL - Lost three lineman. Two to free agency and just released the other. Added veterans LT Luke Petigout and G Matt Lehr.
QB - Simms is back after the whole spleen thing but Jeff Garcia comes in to compete for the starting spot. Also noticed that they have added the shotgun formation.
RB - PMTS but added fullback BJ Askew
WR - PMTS. No big deal but believe it or not they are giving David Boston another look.
TE - Jeremy Steven from the Seahawks. Looks good one day but then gets busted for something the next…we’ll see.
D - Struggled last year but how much of that was due to a stinky offense? Either way they still have a good core and have patched up some holes with quality players. Cato June from Indy, Kevin Carter from Miami to name a few big names and the high draft pick Gaines Adams.
You have to assume that it is almost a given that the Saints will be tough but the division should be tougher as well. They should put up some points as usual. Caroline should bounce back with a healthy line and some new offensive plays. I like the backs in the middle rounds of point per catch leagues if the added screen passes become a reality.
Not quite sure what to think of Atlanta. They have some players but there are a ton of questions marks especially on the o-line. Vick might have to run out of necessity. With Tampa the line is a bit worrisome as well but might be able to overcome it with a strong D.
I’ll be back in a few days to give you my notes on the NFC East.
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Fantasy Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Tampa Bay Buccaneers