Camping in the NFC South

Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the NFC South midway through training camp.

ATLANTA
Question: How much will the Michael Vick ordeal affect the team?
Answer: Is there anything else? Not only is the Vick case a distraction to the team, there is a good chance the club has lost its franchise player for at least a season and possibly forever. With RB Warrick Dunn ailing and some inconsistent receivers, their offense has no chance. Fan outrage against Vick likely will be taken out on the team. It will be a long season in Atlanta.

CAROLINA
Questions: Are QB Jake Delhomme's best days behind him? Who will emerge at running back DeAngelo Williams or DeShaun Foster?
Answers: Delhomme's play slipped last year, but injuries to the offense had a lot to do with it. He's the Panthers' best hope for returning to the playoffs. Williams' star is rising, and if Foster is nicked again, look for the speedy Williams to take more carries.

NEW ORLEANS
Questions: Are the Saints, gulp, a legitimate Super Bowl contender? Can the secondary, which is one of the team's few weak links improve?
Answers: I think the Saints, along with the Cowboys, are Super Bowl front-runners in the NFC. They have the most dangerous offense in the NFC and a bend-but-don't break defense. If the defense can increase its takeaways and get better play from the secondary, the Saints might be marching in with the Lombardi Trophy.

TAMPA BAY
Questions: Is this a win or else season for Coach Jon Gruden? Will young players such as QB Chris Simms, RB Cadillac Williams and WR Michael Clayon emerge?
Answers: I think Chucky is in a lot of hot water. His offenses have not ranked higher than 22 in any of the past three seasons, and the Bucs have averaged less than seven wins per season over the past four. Gruden is going with Jeff Garcia at QB, so Simms will sit. Williams is hurt by Gruden's preference to pass more than run. Clayton might be displaced in the lineup by Maurice Stovall.