Taking a Look at the NFC South

Teams listed in alphabetical order.

ATLANTA FALCONS
2007 record: 4-12
The forecast: Mostly cloudy
Look up overhaul in the dictionary and the Falcons' logo should appear. They have a new coach (Mike Smith), new QB (rookie Matt Ryan), new RB (Michael Turner) and new K (Jason Elam). The team got rid of virtually every veteran on its roster, including CB DeAngelo Hall, TE Algie Crumpler, RB Warrick Dunn, LB Demorrio Williams and DT Rod Coleman. Yes, the Falcons had a good draft, but they have a long way to go in what should be a competitive division.
The Temperature Will Rise in Hot-lanta If: The offensive line doesn't improve (it allowed nearly 50 sacks and fewer than 100 yards rushing per game), someone doesn't step up to replace all the departed playmakers on defense and Turner stumbles in his first crack at a starting job.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
2007 record: 7-9
The forecast: Partly cloudy, some sun possible
The Panthers' 2007 season essentially ended when QB Jake Delhomme was lost for the season with an elbow injury. Carolina's passing game was nearly non-existent after that, despite the presence of WR Steve Smith (who has been suspended for the team's first two games because of a training camp fight). This is a pivotal season in Carolina. The Panthers' record has declined two seasons in a row, and their usually reliable defense did not generate sacks or turnovers last season at its typical pace.
Carolina Will Be Blue All Over If: Delhomme isn't healthy, the offensive line doesn't gel and the defensive line can't bring the heat.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2007 record: 7-9
The forecast: Mostly sunny
An 0-4 start and a season-ending knee injury to RB Deuce McAllister left the Saints reeling in '07. McAllister should be back, meaning RB Reggie Bush can be more of situational back, which seems to be the role he excels in. Adding TE Jeremy Shockey via trade and a young fleet of receivers give QB Drew Brees plenty of targets. The Saints also shored up their front seven on defense by adding DT Sedrick Ellis in the draft, trading for LB Jonathan Vilma and signing LB Dan Morgan. The real question is will the secondary improve - the Saints were 30th in pass defense and managed just 13 picks.
More Blues on Bourbon Street If: McAllister has lost it and the ground game suffers again, and the pass defense remains pourous.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2007 record: 9-7
The forecast: Mostly sunny
The Bucs rode an efficient offense and a solid defense, particularly against the pass, to a playoff berth for the second time in three seasons. This came despite the potential career-ending injury suffered by RB Carnell Williams. Earnest Graham emerged in Williams' place, and Warrick Dunn returned. QB Jeff Garcia was accurate and largely mistake-free, and he needed to be given the lack of playmaking targets outside of ageless WR Joey Galloway. Both of the Bucs' lines are young, deep and talented, and the other defensive position groups are well-stocked.
The Pirate Ship Will Sink If: Garcia gets hurt or is adversely affected by the team's reported pursuit of Brett Favre and no playmakers emerge on offense.

Next: NFC West