Clayton Thomas
NFL Football: 2006 NFC South Preview
Check Here Now:
In Half Three of his 2006 NFL Preview, Bullseye-Sports.com’s Dwayne Bryant offers his thoughts and predictions for the NFC South. Groups are listed of their predicted order of finish.
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Offense: WR Steve Smith returned from a 2004 damage and lit up the league last season, tallying 103 catches, 1,563 yards and 12 TDs. With newly-acquired Keyshawn Johnson on the opposite aspect, Smith should face much less double and triple-teams. Keyshawn is not going to solely help the offense in that aspect, however his excellent run-blocking capability will assist open working lanes for RB DeShaun Foster. Foster has been stricken by injuries all through his career, so don’t be stunned to see first-spherical draft choose DeAngelo Williams get his share of carries as well. Head coach John Fox prefers a run-first attack, but with Smith and Johnson at WR and QB Jake Delhomme under middle, Fox could be higher served using a more balanced offense. This offense was running on all cylinders late last season and I look for extra of the identical in 2006.
Defense: This is one robust defense that can do it all. It all begins up front with go-speeding phenoms Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. They mixed for 18 sacks and three fumble recoveries – in an off-year. Carolina added DT Maake Kemoeatu to group with Kris Jenkins within the middle. Additionally they added Damione Lewis from St. Louis so as to add a lot-wanted depth to the line. Dan Morgan leads the LB crew, however has a historical past of injury problems. CBs Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble present solid coverage and wonderful playmaking capacity within the secondary. In 2005, Carolina’s protection ranked third in yards allowed per sport and fifth in factors allowed. In addition they tallied forty five sacks and 42 takeaways. Search for this protection to proceed to be among the league’s best.
Special Teams: There’s all the time the potential of a return TD when Steve Smith is handling the punt-return duties. Kicker John Kasay related on 26 of 34 FG tries with 5 of the eight misses coming from beyond 50 yards.
Prediction: They can run. They will pass. They will defend the run and pass. There’s nothing this team can’t do. Look for Carolina to win the tough NFC South and quite presumably snag a primary-round bye in the playoffs.
2. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Offense: Because the Cadillac goes, so goes this offense. Head coach Jon Gruden prefers a conservative method, which means a number of touches for Williams. He’ll look to stay healthy and put collectively a season even more impressive than final season’s rookie marketing campaign wherein he totaled 1,178 yards and 6 TDs regardless of an ankle injury. Joey Galloway was Chris Simms’ most important target in 2005. Nevertheless, with Michael Clayton wholesome again, I anticipate Clayton to be the go-to man in the passing game this season. The offensive line virtually acquired Simms killed last season. The Bucs signed several OL via the draft and free agency to improve this unit. Nevertheless, cohesiveness will take time. So I see this line as a piece-in-progress.
Defense: The Bucs protection was #1 in yards allowed final season. DE Simeon Rice registered 14 sacks – good for third-finest in the league. Tampa Bay has a stable LB corps with Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Ryan Nece. They can run, cover and rush the passer. The secondary features playmakers at CB in Ronde Barber (5 INTs in 2005) and Brian Kelly. Security Dexter Jackson’s departure to Cincinnati could depart this unit weak over the middle. That is an getting older group, but sufficient talent stays for this defense to be very formidable as soon as again in 2006.
Special Groups: The kickoff return team was virtually invisible in 2005. Mark Jones did handle to common 9.6 yards on punt returns. Kicker Matt Bryant made 21 of 25 FG attempts, together with 18 of 19 from 30-49 yards.
Prediction: The Bucs will contend for a Wildcard spot and may get one supplied Cadillac Williams can stay healthy. Tampa Bay may problem for the division title if the offensive line gels sooner fairly than later, but I see it being later.
3. ATLANTA FALCONS
Offense: Atlanta has led the league in rushing each of the last seasons thanks to RBs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett and QB Michael Vick. Dunn is the speedy, elusive back. Duckett is the large, bruising back utilized effectively around the purpose line. This offense reveals flashes of brilliance, as does Vick. But this offense will continue to struggle sometimes till Vick can enhance on his accuracy and decision-making. Atlanta used their last first-round draft picks on WRs (Michael Jenkins in 2004 and Roddy White in 2005), however TE Alge Crumpler stays Vick’s favorite target. Crumpler is massive, gets separation, makes catches in visitors and rarely ever drops a pass. This offense goes as Vick goes. If he struggles, the offense sputters. Search for more inconsistent play this season.
Protection: This unit ranked 22nd in the NFL final season. Some of that can be contributed to accidents (LB Ed Hartwell and DE Brady Smith missed many of the season) and a few to lack of a pass rush from the front four. Coordinator Ed Donatell was compelled to blitz his LBs to get stress, however that left them out of position in stopping the run. Their 128.9 speeding yards allowed per recreation ranked twenty sixth in the NFL last season. CB DeAngelo Hall (6 INTs in 2005) is developing into one of many league’s finest cowl corners, however he didn’t have a lot help in the secondary in 2006. Atlanta has added safety Lawyer Milloy and rookie CB Jimmy Williams to provide this unit an immediate upgrade. However the biggest addition has to be DE John Abraham. Abraham, Smith, Rod Coleman (10 ½ sacks in 2005) and Patrick Kerney give Atlanta a strong front four. Injuries not withstanding, this unit ought to enhance on final season’s performance.
Particular Teams: Allen Rossum’s punt and kickoff return numbers dropped big-time over his 2004 numbers. DeAngelo Hall might see some punt return responsibility if Rossum is ineffective. Kicker Todd Peterson wasn’t resigned despite solely lacking FG tries final season. It stays to be seen who’ll take over the kicking duties.
Prediction: If Vick takes a step ahead as a passer, this crew could compete for a Wildcard spot. If he stays inconsistent, Atlanta might be looking at one other eight-8 campaign.
4. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Offense: If QB Drew Brees’ shoulder is wholesome, this offense may very well be dangerous. New head coach Sean Payton will solely want Brees to be a game manager. The Saints are loaded at RB. Incumbent starter Deuce McAllister is coming off a knee damage, however must be prepared to hold the load. If not, second-general draft choose Reggie Bush will just do fine. With McAllister wholesome, Payton will still find methods to get the ball into the palms of the ever-harmful Bush. Bush will most likely be used as a 3rd-down again, in -again sets with McAllister, as a slot receiver and presumably as a return guy. The Saints additionally added Michael Bennett to make for a deep steady of backs. Brees additionally has WRs Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, in addition to 6-foot-eight TE Zach Hilton.
Defense: The Saints struggled on the defensive aspect of the ball last season. They ranked 27th in speeding yards allowed and twenty eighth in factors allowed. In addition they managed a meager 19 takeaways for your entire season. The staff did little in the offseason to enhance this bunch. DEs Will Smith and Charles Grant are solid. The LBs are a concern. As a bunch, they can’t cowl, they can’t cease the run they usually can’t rush the passer when called upon. The secondary has a pair noteworthy members, Mike McKenzie and Fred Thomas. But there’s little help behind them. They’ve added LBs Scott Fujita, Anthony Simmons and Eddie Moore, as well as FS Brian Scott, S Omar Stoutmire and DT Hollis Thomas. That’s too many new faces. A major adjustment interval lies forward before any important improvement shall be seen.
Special Groups: Getting Michael Lewis again from harm ought to spark the return game. 41-12 months-previous kicker John Carney returns after a strong 2005 campaign.
Prediction: Even if Brees is wholesome, the protection has a way to go earlier than this crew can be competing for a playoff spot. I anticipate a sluggish begin, however a stable second half of the season for the Saints. I wouldn’t expect greater than 6-10.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Carolina is solid in all elements and is likely one of the top selections to win the NFC Championship. Tampa Bay should land a Wildcard spot so long as the offensive line keeps Simms upright. Atlanta will solely go as far as Vick takes them, which could possibly be wherever from third in the division to the third seed in the playoffs. The Saints are on the right track, however I’d say they’re years away from competing for a playoff spot.
Find Out More At:
“The MisAdventures of Clayton Thomas” Episode 1…(The Older Woman)
|
|
Mr Clayton Jones, c.1744-45 (oil on canvas) by Thomas Gainsborough – Mug – Standard Size $14.50 This mug is created using the finest dye sublimation techniques and creates a stunning dishwasher safe finish. Great as a gift, or for promotional items. Each of our mugs come individually boxed for protection in transit…. |
|
|
Munich $7.99 This soundtrack caps a busy year for John Williams: In addition to Munich, he also scored Star Wars: Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith, War of the Worlds, and Memoirs of a Geisha. When it comes to Hollywood’s A-list big-budget needs, Williams, with 46 Oscar nominations by the end of 2005, remains the go-to composer. But does he deserve his reputation? Well, it depends on what you want from a scor… |
|
|
Broadway – The American Musical (PBS Series) $36.95 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Lassie $2.50 This 1994 update on the Lassie legend stars Thomas Guiry as a troubled city kid whose family retreats to the country, where he befriends the famous collie and changes for the better. Conflict develops when a ruthless sheep rancher causes trouble for everyone. Director Daniel Petrie (The Bay Boy) aims only to revive the healthy spirit of previous Lassie films (and the television series) in a new mi… |
|
|
Amityville Dollhouse [VHS] $9.98 … |
|
|
Jessie James Rides Again [VHS] $19.98 … |
|
|
The Great Gatsby [VHS] $9.90 This adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, scripted by Francis Ford Coppola, puts costume design and art direction above the intricacies of character. It’s certainly a handsome try, and perhaps no movie could capture The Great Gatsby in its entirety. Robert Redford is an interesting casting choice as Gatsby, the millionaire isolated in his mansion, still dreaming of the woman he lost. And S… |
|
|
Something the Lord Made $4.30 The genesis of heart surgery is recalled in this powerful true story. In 1940′s Baltimore, Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and lab technician Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) attempt to create a procedure that could save the lives of babies born with heart ailments. But when their work is threatened by racism and bureaucracy, the pair struggles to keep their dreams of revolutionizing medicine alive. With… |
|
|
Spider-Man 3 $9.99 … |
|
|
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift $2.99 … |
