5 Bold Predictions: NFC South

With the NFL preseason hitting full steam tonight I want to begin walking through the NFL. Each day I will be posting 5 bold predictions in regards to every NFL division, including the division winners.

5 BOLD PREDICTIONS

NFC SOUTH

1. Steven Jackson will rival Doug Martin as the best running back in the division.

As a Rams fan, I have had my eyes glued to Steven Jackson since his rookie season. I have always argued, had Jackson been on a more successful team with a better offense, he would have been a top 5 running back in the NFL. Now he has that opportunity. NOt to say he will be one of the top 5 backs, because he has suffered from some aging and some injuries in recent years, but expect big things from Jackson and the Falcons this year.

2. The Saints will not improve on last year's record

Last year the New Orleans finished the season at 7-9 in the wake of their Bountygate scandal. Sean Payton did not coach and the defense struggled. Payton returns this season, but the NFC South draws the mighty, defensive minded NFC West. This sends the Saints to St. Louis and Seattle, while facing Arizona and San Francisco at home. Saints finish at 6-10.

3. Cam Newton won't grow up this year

The only thing in my mind holding the Panthers back is quarterback Cam Newton. And the problem isn't necessarily with his level of play, but with his intangibles. Last year when Cam was stared down by adversity, he cried. He crumbled. Just wathcing Cam Newton from his rookie season it is easy to tell he is in touch with his inner child. The guy knows how to have a good time. His smile is infectious. But his inner child is bleeding over into his attitude and affecting his team's performance. I will be keeping a close eye on how Cam reacts to adversity this year. If he has grown up, the Panthers are Wild Card contenders, but if not, the Panthers will take a step back from last year.

4. Darrelle Revis will have a big year

Darrelle Revis enters the 2013 season off an ACL injury and joins the previously worst ranked pssing defense in the NFL, the Tamps Bay Buccaneers. With the talent Revis brings it is not a stretch to see the Bucs in the playoffs or even winning the division.

5. The Buccaneers will finsih atop the NFC South (But not by much)

The Atlanta Falcons not only draw the NFC West in their out of division games, but play the New ENgland Patriots and Green Bay Packers as well. With the emergence of Doug Martin (The Muscle Hamster) as a top 5 running back last year, and the addition of Darrelle Revis, the Bucs have a great opportunity to take control of the
NFC South. Whether they win the sole NFC South, or tie the Falcons with the same record, look for Tampa to make a big splash in the NFL this year