NFL Preview: NFC South

This is the third of a series of divisional previews before the season starts on September 4 in New York.
Buccaneers: As is usual with head coach Jon Gruden, the Bucs have a lot of solid QBs, but no true, clear-cut starter. QB Jeff Garcia led them to a division title last year, but is now upset and wants out. He has QBs Luke McCown and Brian Griese behind him if he starts to mess things up. Their running game is probably not going to do too much this year, but RB Earnest Graham should have a solid year of 900-1,100 rushing yards. The defense is slightly better than average, and is led by LB Derrek Brooks, DE Gaines Adams and CB Ronde Barber. Expect this team to win games 17-14 and 20-17, or somewhere in that vicinity. Prediction: 9-7. Graham backs the Garcia/Griese platoon, and Bucs are over .500.
Panthers: One of the most news-making teams during training camp with the WR Steve Smith/CB Ken Lucas brawl, this is a team that hopes to recover and make the playoffs. It has an oft-injured quarterback in QB Jake Delhomme, and no true go-to guy at running back, expect this offense to sputter. For years, Steve Smith has been this team's only good wide receiver, and he is suspended for the first two games of the season for the lilttle skirmish with Lucas. The defense is one of the better ones in the league, and should help the team more than the offense. Prediction: 9-7. Delhomme stays healthy, but doesn't have the support to do anything special.
Saints: Last year, the offense that carried this team to the NFC Championship game the year before, failed to run the ball, which eventually spread to the pass. If RBs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister can stay healthy and productive, QB Drew Brees should be able to find WR Marques Colston and new TE Jeremy Shockey more often. The defense is about average, and shouldn't help this team much. Prediction: 11-5. Playing in a weak division should help vault them to double-digit wins.
Falcons: After losing Michael Vick to the feds last year, the Falcons went 4-12. Now they are trying to develop a young quarterback in QB Matt Ryan. After signing RB Michael Turner to a lucrative free agent contract, the team has at least a small running game. The defense won't do this team any favors. Prediction: 3-13. Ryan needs at least another year to get accustomed to the NFL, Turner isn't ready to be a starter, and the offensive line isn't helping at all.

Prediction:
Saints: 11-5, (Team MVP) McAllister
Buccaneers, 9-7, WR Joey Gallaway
Panthers, 9-7, Smith
Falcons, 3-13, Ryan