By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com

NFC South Predictions

1. Carolina Panthers

There’s a new sense of urgency with this team, and a return to a power-offense is the right idea.

2. New Orleans Saints

The most explosive team in the division, but without a more trustworthy rushing attack, the Saints will have trouble dictating the flow of games.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Solid offense, excellent defense, but this team never puts together back-to-back successful seasons.

4. Atlanta Falcons

At least drafting in the top five again next season will help their rebuilding efforts.

Best Offseason Move

The Saints trading a fourth (and possibly an ’09 second or third) round draft choice for 26-year-old middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Worst Offseason Move

Carolina dealing defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the Jets for a third-and fifth-round draft pick.

Biggest Question

Can Reggie Bush start to carry the Saints?

Quick Hits

Team Bests

Passing Game 1 Saints, 2 Panthers, 3 Bucs, 4 Falcons

Running Game 1 Panthers, 2 Bucs, 3 Falcons, 4 Saints

Offensive Line 1 Saints, 2 Panthers, 3 Bucs, 4 Falcons

Pass Rush 1 Saints, 2 Bucs, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons

Run Defense 1 Panthers, 2 Bucs, 3 Saints, 4 Falcons

Pass Defense 1 Bucs, 2 Panthers, 3 Saints, 4 Falcons

Special Teams 1 Bucs, 2 Panthers, 3 Falcons, 4 Saints

Coaching Staff 1 Saints, 2 Bucs, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons

Front Office 1 Saints, 2 Falcons, 3 Bucs, 4 Panthers

Home Field Advantage 1 Bucs, 2 Saints, 3 Panthers, 4 Falcons

Player Bests

Pure Athlete Julius Peppers, Panthers

Big Play Threat Steve Smith, Panthers

Gets Most out of Talent Jon Stinchcomb, Saints

Gets Least out of Talent John Abraham, Falcons

Breakout Prospects Jon Beason, Panthers

Tanard Jackson, Bucs

Laurent Robinson, Falcons

Breakdown Prospects Derrick Brooks, Bucs

Mike McKenzie, Saints

Joe Horn, Falcons

Best Leader Derrick Brooks, Bucs

Unsung Hero Jamar Nesbit, Saints

Impact Veteran Acquisition Jonathan Vilma, Saints

Impact Rookie Sedrick Ellis, Saints

ALL-NFC SOUTH TEAM

Offense

QB Drew Brees, Saints

RB Michael Turner, Falcons

FB Mike Karney, Saints

WR Steve Smith, Panthers

WR Marques Colston, Saints

TE Jeff King, Panthers

LT Jammal Browns, Saints

LG Jamar Nesbit, Saints

C Jeff Faine, Bucs

RG Jahri Evans, Saints

RT Jeff Otah, Panthers (rookie)

Defense

DE Julius Peppers, Panthers

DT Chris Hovan, Bucs

DT Hollis Thomas, Saints

DE Will Smith, Saints

OLB Thomas Davis, Panthers

MLB Jon Beason, Panthers

OLB Keith Brooking, Falcons

CB Chris Gamble, Panthers

FS Tanard Jackson, Bucs

SS Jermaine Phillips, Bucs

CB Richard Marshall, Panthers

Specials

K Matt Bryant, Bucs

P Jason Baker, Panthers

RS Dexter Jackson, Bucs (rookie)

ST Torrie Cox, Bucs

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