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Way-Too-Early 2009 Standings Predictions

Carolina Crazy V2

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Carolina Crazy V2 Newbie

Carolina Crazy V2

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1.*Carolina Panthers (10-6)

Offensive line depth could be a problem although it was addressed in the draft. Offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges, Frank Omiyale and Geoff Hangartner were lost. Unless rookie at CB step up, CB should also be an issue. Until the Peppers saga is solved, the defensive line is still in question. With Peppers there, defensive line is not a strength nor a weakness. Questions will remain on how Delhomme will perform next year as the Panthers face the 2nd toughest schedule in the league which includes away games in Dallas, New England and New York.

2. Atlanta Falcons (9-7)

The Falcons shouldn't improve or decline this year. They haven't lost any key players that can't be replaced besides maybe LB Michael Boley. Grady Jackson was lost but rookie Peria Jerry is ready to step up. They have added Mike Peterson, but with losses of Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, a decline in LB performance could and should occur. By week 11, the Falcons will only have faced one team with a sub .500 record in 08'. After that rough stretch though, the schedule slightly weakens with games against Bills, Saints and Bucs at home.

3. New Orleans Saints (8-8)

Aquisations of DE Paul Spicer, Darren Sharper and Jabari Greer should improve the Saints' 26th Ranked Defense last year. While CB Mike McKenzie was released, many will see Jabari Greer as a slight improvement. With RB Edgerrin James on the market, the Saints could possibly add him to end their search for a 3rd down back. While Pierre Thomas assumed the starting responsibilites last year, the Saints are certainly not comfortable with their RB situation. If Marques Colston stays healthy, Drew Brees will be within grasp of Marino's record.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)

The signing of RB Derrick Ward was certainly an underrated pickup, but is easy to see how it might be overshadowed by the Buccaneers busy offseason. Seven of the Buccaneers' starters in 08' were released this offseason including Future HOF Derrick Brooks, DT Jovan Haye, QB Jeff Garcia, WR Joey Galloway and LB Cato June. Only 2/7 starters released were offensive players which means the defense could see a hit in 09'. Bringing in strong-armed QB Josh Freeman with pick no.17 was considered as a reach by some, but after a year of experience, he can surely develop into a solid starter.

*=playoffs

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Mr ocho nueve Newbie

Mr ocho nueve

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For real i think that its gunna be us and the falcons when it comes to our division. I think the saints dont have enough on defense yet to be division champs. And the bucs, well, I just hope that they are fortunate enough to win 6 games. "Nothing spells bust like Freeman!" Bucs D is not even there anymore, so i wouldnt even worry bout them.

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SorthNarolina Newbie

SorthNarolina

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I think most publications will pick atlanta for the division as they are on the rise and they have had a much more active offseason.

We won't look so attractive with the older QB who had a horrible play off game, no FAs/1st round pick, and the Peppers situation. But we were also the #2 seed in the NFC last year, we have boatloads of talent and could easily have the title of the best rushing offense in the NFL.

I think it will be us and atlanta for the division, most likley swapping places a few times. One of us will be a wildcard and the other division winner. With the way our last meeting went and if matt ryan avoids the sophmore slump, atlanta is a scary foe indeed.

The saints will be on the outside looking in waiting for one of us to slip up, and it very well could happen. But if everything goes to plan their only hope will be a wildcard spot.

A lot of things will have to go right for the bucs to challenge anybody for the division. They aren't as bad as their division ranking would indicate, if you're going to be bottom in the division at least it's the NFCS.

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