If the NFC East is regarded as the best division in the conference, this might be a close second. As many as three teams have playoff potential, and two could go deep in the playoffs.
ATLANTA: Can Michael Vick establish himself into more of a passer and less of a run-first, ask-questions-later QB? Only two NFC starting QBs had worse completion percentages than his 55 percent, and his running leaves him open to big hits (and injuries). Will the addition of DE John Abraham spark the pass rush, and by extension, create more opportunities for turnovers? Was last season an aberration, or are the Falcons on a downward trend under Coach Jim Mora?
CAROLINA: Can DT Kris Jenkins avoid injury and return the pocket-collapsing presence the defense has missed during his absence due to injuries the past two seasons? Can RB DeShaun Foster remain healthy for an entire season? If he doesn't, who steps in: rookie DeAngelo Williams? Massive Eric Shelton? Nick Goings? Will WR Keyshawn Johnson be a factor or a distraction?
NEW ORLEANS: What impact will rookie RB Reggie Bush have on the field? Is RB Deuce McAllister fully healthy after tearing his ACL early last season? How much of an upgrade is QB Drew Brees over Aaron Brooks? His contract implies a lot, but Brees is coming off shoulder surgery, which scared the Chargers off from giving him big money. How much will the Saints miss C LaCharles Bentley, who signed with Cleveland (and got hurt during camp) and DE Darren Howard?
TAMPA BAY: Will the Bucs' aging stars on defense (DE Simeon Rice, LBs Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, and CBs Rhonde Barber and Brian Kelly) continue to play at a high level? All are 30 or older. How will QB Chris Simms adapt to being "the man"? He took over for Brian Griese after an injury last season. Will RB Cadillac Williams be the workhorse back Coach Jon Gruden wants or will he wear down as he did during parts of the 2005 season?
Next: The NFC North
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