Projecting the 2014 All NFC-South team, Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seven guysBy cover32 StaffJuly 05, 2014 11:27 pm EDT The offseason is essentially complete, as teams wind down between now and the start of training camp, it’s possible to assess what each team has on their roster; things are essentially set, especially in terms of starting lineups.That being the case, it’s also time to start looking at how teams stack up within their division. One of the best ways to do that is to select the best players at each position from the four teams within the division; dominating that lineup can show that the scales tip in one direction.During a four-week period, the editors at cover32 will be determining the All-Division team for each of the NFL’s eight divisions. Today, it’s a look at the projected All-NFC South squad for 2014. The offseason is essentially complete, as teams wind down between now and the start of training camp, it’s possible to assess what each team has on their roster; things are essentially set, especially in terms of starting lineups.That being the case, it’s also time to start looking at how teams stack up within their division. One of the best ways to do that is to select the best players at each position from the four teams within the division; dominating that lineup can show that the scales tip in one direction.During a four-week period, the editors at cover32 will be determining the All-Division team for each of the NFL’s eight divisions. Today, it’s a look at the projected All-NFC South squad for 2014:
OFFENSEQB – Drew Brees (NO)RB – Doug Martin (TB)TE – Jimmy Graham (NO)WR – Julio Jones (ATL)WR – Roddy White (ATL)WR – Vincent Jackson (TB)T – Jake Matthews (ATL)G – Jahri Evans (NO)C – Ryan Kalil (CAR)G – Ben Grubbs (NO)T – Anthony Collins (TB)K – Graham Gano (CAR)Analysis: In a fairly balanced division, it’s not a huge surprise that New Orleans slightly wins on the offensive side of the ball. Mainly, that’s due to Drew Brees, who just barely edges Matt Ryan and Cam Newton for quarterback honors. Carolina, with their lack of offensive weapons, comes in last.DEFENSEDE – Greg Hardy (CAR)DT – Gerald McCoy (TB)DT – Paul Soliai (ATL)DE – Cameron Jordan (NO)OLB – Junior Galette (NO)ILB – Luke Kuechly (CAR)OLB – Lavonte David (TB)CB – Alterraun Verner (TB)CB – Champ Bailey (NO)S – Jairus Byrd (NO)S – Dashon Goldson (TB)P – Thomas Morstead (NO)Analysis: Given how good Carolina was on defense a year ago, it’s a shock that they only beat Atlanta on this side of the ball. The upstart Saints defense finishes in first place, with the rebuilt Buccaneers group coming in a close second. Things could be changing in the NFC South, where other defenses have caught the Panthers.
FINAL STANDINGSNew Orleans = 9Tampa Bay = 7Atlanta = 4Carolina = 4Analysis: New Orleans is clearly the class of the NFC South, with a surprising Tampa Bay team on their heels. But given that the Bucs have the biggest question mark at quarterback in the division, with newcomer Josh McCown at the helm, it’ll be tough for them to stay in the race in this loaded division.link
