Canal Street Chronicles
Let’s take a look at record predictions, biggest strength and weakness of each team.
The start of the regular season is now just days away, and the NFC South could be very competitive in 2024, so here is a preview and my thoughts on each team for this season.
Record prediction 3-14
Strength: Wide receivers
The Panthers had a good offseason by acquiring new offensive pieces. Trading for Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette upgraded the wide receiver room, elevating it to the biggest strength of the roster.
Weakness: Edge rushers
Brian Burns has been a subject of trade conversations for the past few years, and the Panthers finally did it this offseason. The Giants traded a 2nd and two 5th-round picks for the All-pro edge rusher. Now, going into the regular season, the Panthers have not filled that hole, and edge rusher has gone from a strength to the biggest weakness.
Record prediction 8-9
Strength: Safeties
In May, The Buccaneers extended veteran Antoine Winfield Jr. to a four-year, $84 million contract. Having Winfield stay while also signing Jordan Whitehead has made the Buccaneers’ safety room a top-position group on the team.
Weakness: Edge rushers
Just like with the Panthers, the Bucs lost a top defensive player in Shaquil Barrett. The Buccaneers were able to acquire some depth pieces, but the top-end talent was not replaced and could be a big worry for the regular season.
Record prediction 9-8
Strength: Safeties
The Falcons signed former Bengals safety Jessie Bates III last offseason and recently signed All-Pro Justin Simmons. This tandem could be one of the best safety rooms in the league and will be the top piece of the Falcons’ defense.
Weakness: Cornerbacks
Cornerback is a position where depth might be its most important. The Falcons have a number one in A.J. Terrell JR., but beyond that, there are many unproven players. The Falcons were able to improve in other positions of need, but cornerback was left behind and became a big weakness.
Record prediction 9-8
Strength: Cornerbacks
Going into the offseason, the Saints had a very good cornerback room with Marshon Lattimore as the number one. After drafting Kool-aid McKinstry in the second round, the Saints have further upgraded the corner room, and it could very well be the best in the NFL.
Weakness: Offensive line
The Saints number one need was to improve at tackle. There have been a lot of positive signs around first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, but right tackle Trevor Penning has struggled during preseason and has not shown enough improvement from the past two seasons. At left guard, there have also been many questions, and although there is still hope that Nick Saldiveri will come back fully healthy, his starting potential is still unknown.
New Orleans Saints - (9-8)
Atlanta Falcons - (9-8)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (8-9)
Carolina Panthers - (3-14)
**Make sure...
