We’re not that far removed from a team that missed the playoffs because of a lousy call. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we won our division. Carolina is on the rise and we’ll have to contend with them but NO and ATL are on the way down. Especially NO.

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I’m not convinced Carolina is “on the way up”. Newton didn’t help their record last year at all, yet he’s got all kinds of press. Now that RG3 is in the league, Newton won’t get as much attention. When he has to actually learn to play his position instead of running around to avoid sacks, we’ll see how good he really is.

Atlanta on it’s way down? I would like to know how you’ve come to that conclusion. Ryan, unfortunately, is the real deal…and I suspect Atlanta will be our biggest rival again.

And as far as New Orleans…they are an offensive team and it is the defense that has suffered (outside of the head coach). Brees is fully capable of running the offense on the field. So I would caution against underestimating the Saints until we see their play on the field.

The truth is the NFC South is shaping up to be the toughest division in football, but we’re not quite there yet. Brees and Ryan are great QBs. Newton MIGHT be good…MIGHT be great. Or might be a dud.

If Sullivan can help Freeman meet his potential then the division will have 3-4 elite QBs down the road (though Brees’ time is limited).

The other teams are pretty much offensive teams. That means high scoring games within the division. Sullivan and Schiano seem intent on building a competitive offense.

But we have the potential to become a strongest defensive team in the division within a year or two. This is going to be great to watch.

Type it DOWN, the Garv has spoken!

Seriously though, I think a lot of us ATE optimistic for good reason. It feels good, can’t wait to get to some games this fall. Even the practice “games” this summer will be fun to attend and watch on the tube.