Drew Brees Celebrating the Saints Super Bowl Victory
The next stop on my 2010 NFL preview tour is the NFC South, the home of the defending NFL Champion New Orleans Saints. What a story the Saints were in the 2009 NFL season and 2010 Super Bowl. Will the magic continue?
Division Winner
New Orleans Saints
Yes, I think it will. The Saints just have too many weapons to be slowed down on offense for any period of time, especially with Drew Brees running the show. They’ll also benefit from a second year of Gregg Williams on the defensive side. This was a tough call because it’s clear that the Saints will get everybody’s best shot and the Falcons will be making a push to claim the division. But, ultimately I think the Saints will hold the Falcons off and claim the NFC South title.
MVP
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
The best player in the division is not always the MVP, but this year that will happen in the NFC South. Brees loves to carve up defenses with precision and does not favor any receiver over another. He threw for 34 touchdowns in 2009 with only 11 interceptions. I expect a similar performance in 2010.
Most Important Player
Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons
For Atlanta to contend for a division title they will need a healthy Turner for the full season. After running for 1,699 yards in 2008, he had just more than half of that (871) in 2009 while missing five full games and parts of three other games. Word is that Turner spent most of the off season in the Falcons’ gym, determined not to let that happen again.
Offensive Player of the Year
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
For most divisions I will not pick the same player for both MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. In the NFC South Brees is just that good.
Defensive Player of the Year
Will Smith, DE, New Orleans Saints
Smith had an excellent 2009 season, sacking the quarterback 13 times. How can he top that? With a better season in 2010. The addition of Alex Brown and emergence of Sedrick Ellis will lead to a much improved Saints defensive line and more room for Smith to operate.
Top Newcomer
Dunta Robinson, CB, Atlanta Falcons
Robinson is a huge addition to a Falcons defense that struggled mightily against the pass in 2009. They were 28th in the NFL. Robinson’s ability to hold the opposing team’s top receiver in check should open up the opportunity for Atlanta to pick up more “coverage” sacks in 2010. They were tied for 26th in the league last year with 28 sacks.
Top Rookie
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta Falcons
Another big addition to the Falcons defense, Weatherspoon should sure up the linebacker position in a likely transition from Mike Peterson. I also considered Gerald McCoy here but I think the lack of talent around him will inhibit his ability to make an impact.
Most Improved
Dan Connor, LB, Carolina Panthers
Connor will get his chance to shine in 2010 and I expect him to take advantage of it. With Jon Beason moving over to the weakside Connor will take over the middle linebacker position on the Panthers defense after serving as a backup in his first two years in the NFL.
Most Pressure
Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After firing his offensive coordinator deep into the preseason and firing his defensive coordinator deep into the regular season many were doubting the ability of Morris to serve as an NFL head coach. He seems to have stabilized the franchise at this point but any odd shenanigans that occur during the 2010 season could lead to his departure.
Biggest Loss
Scott Fujita, LB, New Orleans Saints
Fujita was a passionate player and a defensive leader for the Saints. He left for Cleveland as a free agent. New Orleans appears to have a number of candidates to replace Fujita all of who are unproven.
Who do you like in the NFC South? Let me know in the comments below.
Photo source: IAN RANSLEY DESIGN + ILLUSTRATION
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