We roll on through the NFC with the South today. The South has been the craziest division in the NFL recently with the last place team winning the division the following year four out of the past five years (good news for the Saints). To check out the East and North click here and here.
Atlanta Falcons- Curtis Lofton
Lofton came in and started at middle linebacker as a rookie last year but looked like a seasoned veteran out there. Now entering his second year Lofton will
Lofton has shed weight to improve in coverage as he becomes a three down linebacker this season.
take on a greater role on defense. With the departure of longtime starter Keith Brooking, Lofton will be the leader on the defense and wear the defensive headset. He will also now be playing all three downs as opposed to two, which he did lats year. He is a tackling machine who racked up 94 last year and playing all three downs this year will only increase that number. He has shown dedication by shedding eight pounds to improve his coverage skills which would make him a complete linebacker.
Carolina Panthers- Richard Marshall
Marshall is entering his fourth year in the league and this year appears to be the year where he will finally breakout. He has flashed in his three years amassing seven interceptions and returning two for touchdowns but has not had the opportunity to start. The Panthers released Ken Lucas in the off season paving the way for Marshall to step up. New defensive coordinator Ron Meeks likes his corners to play very physical, which is an area Marshall excels in. Marshall will be highly motivated as he in entering a contract year and knows with solid play he will cash in big in the free agent market.
New Orleans Saints- Tracy Porter
Porter was off to a nice rookie campaign before an injury shelved him for the season after only five games. In those five games though, Porter had emerged as the Saints top corner back. He returns this season as a starter in an improved Saints secondary which will benefit him. Porter possess excellent speed and in a play maker in the secondary. Expect porter to be a key component on a much improved Saints defense this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gaines Adams
The former fourth overall pick has been solid but not spectacular in his first two seasons in the league. He has collected 12.5 sacks and was off to a nice start last season before fading down the stretch. He certainly has some motivation as his head coach publicly said that if he doesn’t record double digit sacks he will be considered a bust. He will also be helped by the defensive system under Jim Bates. Adams used to line up head on against the left tackle but now will line up wide of the tackle giving him an angle and allowing him to use some of his freakish athleticism. I expect Adams to meet his coach’s goal of double digit sacks.
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