Tuesday 6 September 2016 13:38, UK
The Panthers, Falcons, Buccs and Saints will collide again in the NFC South but what's likely to happen?
Carolina Panthers
Head Coach: Ron Rivera
Key Man: Last year, Cam Newton established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. After coming so close to the NFL's greatest prize, it will be up to Newton to mount the title challenge once more.
Major Additions: It was not the additions in Carolina, but the departure of cornerback Josh Norman that kept everyone talking. After rescinding the franchise tag, Norman joined the Washington Redskins and the Panthers drafted three rookie corners to fill the void.
Last Season: So close, yet so far. The Panthers had a stunning 15-1 regular season, with Newton enjoying an MVP season. Passing for 35 touchdowns and rushing for 10, Newton led the Panthers to the Super Bowl but was shut down by Denver Broncos' impeccable defence.
Prospects: The last sighting of Newton was his disgruntlement post-Super Bowl. Can he recapture last season's magic? The Panthers D still looks formidable and with a relatively kind schedule, head coach Ron Rivera will be expecting to reclaim the division.
Prediction: 1st (11-5)
Atlanta Falcons
Head Coach: Dan Quinn
Key man: Wide receiver Julio Jones led the NFL in catches last year and will be integral to the Falcons' offense again this year.
Major additions: Alex Mack has been drafted in at centre, filling a problem position for the Falcons. The $32.5m five-year deal handed to No 2 wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has been criticised but, with Jones certain to be heavily marked, he could be a shrewd addition.
Last season: Dan Quinn won his first five games in charge, but the Falcons ultimately collapsed by losing their next eight out of 11 and didn't make the play-offs. But after back-to-back losing seasons, second-place in the NFC South was a significant improvement.
Prospects: Jones is the star man and he might need to contribute more than the eight touchdowns he scored last season to drag Atlanta into the post-season. Matt Ryan is a capable quarterback who needs a bigger box of tricks to make the most of Jones.
Prediction: 2nd (9-7)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head Coach: Dirk Koetter
Key man: Mike Evans, now approaching his third pro year, is the Bucs' main touchdown threat. He notched three last campaign, which needs to be improved upon, but he has the tools to justify the mega-bucks deal he penned after becoming the second chosen wide receiver of the 2014 draft.
Major additions: The Bucs surprised the NFL by taking kicker Robert Aguayo in the second round. Veteran pass-rusher Robert Ayers can be an important player in Tampa, and J.R Sweezy replaces the retired Logan Mankins.
Last season: 2015 began with the acquisition of quarterback Jameis Winston as No 1 overall draft pick but ended with Lovie Smith, the head coach, getting the sack. Six wins out of 16 was a dramatic improvement on 2014's two wins, but they never threatened play-off qualification.
Prospects: Last season Doug Martin trailed only Adrian Peterson in rushing yards. With Winston having built a year of NFL experience, he should be able to unlock more from Martin and Evans. The Buccs' hopes rest on that.
Prediction: 3rd (8-8)
New Orleans Saints
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Key man: Mark Ingram, the former Heisman Trophy winner, continues to be a crucial piece to the Saints' puzzle. Approaching his sixth NFL year, the running back should hope to enter his prime having notched six touchdowns in 2015. Drew Brees' playbook is likely to revolve around releasing Ingram.
Major additions: After impressing in Indianapolis, tight end Coby Fleener has moved to New Orleans to replace Ben Watson. Drafting Sheldon Rankins can help to shore up an underperforming defense.
Last season: The Saints failed to make the play-offs for the second consecutive year on account of a leaky defense, yet did set a league record for passing touchdowns (45). Veteran quarterback Drew Brees, who will lead the Saints for a tenth straight year, became the fastest player in history to reach the 400 career touchdowns mark.
Prospects: The pressure is on to shed their reputation as one of the NFL's worst defensive teams. Their harshest critics suggested the Saints were among the worst ever in 2015. A 7-9 record in 2015 coupled with the fragility of Brees implies that Saints fans shouldn't become too optimistic.
Prediction: 4th (6-10)
