NFC South at the Quarter Mark

Carolina Panthers (3-1) - Convincing wins over the Chargers in week 1 and the Bears in week 2 have the Panthers on top of the division. The power running game as well as the revitalized throwing arm of Jake Delhomme has taken the Panthers back out of the dregs of the NFC. We've yet to see the return to form of Julius Peppers, although he should get plenty of chances to prove himself against the likes of Arizona, Oakland, Detroit, and Atlanta. The defense is performing adequately, but will have to improve (especially against the run) if they expect to go far into the playoffs. Oh, and Steve Smith has to avoid punching someone else on his team. He must have landed a good hit on Ken Lucas- noses aren't the softest part of the body.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) - The Bucs have always been good on defense, but this year they're not doing so hot especially against the pass. Most of that can be attributed to the aging cornerbacks who have clearly lost a step on their younger opposition (see: Ronde Barber vs. Greg Jennings). When any defense lets Brandon Lloyd hit the century mark, its time to take a look at the problem(s). On offense Jeff Garcia got benched after the week 1 loss to the Saints. Brian Griese has filled in and won three straight despite throwing a dangerously high number of interceptions. That obviously won't be a winning strategy for long. The Bucs have a very manageable schedule, but I think they miss the playoffs this year.

New Orleans Saints (2-2) - Oh look, it's 2006 again without the excitement. For all the noise the Saints made in bringing Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans he's done exactly nothing. Actually, that's not true... he found his way to the injury report (surprise) and has 16 receptions for 151 yards and no touchdowns. Not bad numbers for a tight end, but I still don't understand the hype. First round pick Sedrick Ellis is out with an injury for a month, which means Jonathan Vilma will be seeing more offensive lineman pretty soon (just like in New York!). In the secondary basically everyone good is injured, which isn't saying much. Luckily for the defense Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and can put enough points on the board to keep them off the field. Reggie Bush, despite being unable to run anywhere between the hashes, is having a great season so far due to his receiving ability. Deuce McAllister is back (tentatively). We'll see how long he lasts. I could see the Saints as a playoff team, but defense wins championships and they don't really have a chance.

Atlanta Falcons (2-2) - First step: win a road game. Next: beat a good team. Final: beat a good team in a road game. Seriously it's like night and day with the Falcons. At home they're unstoppable (against the Lions and the Chiefs...) but on the road against good teams they can't even score a touchdown. Matt Ryan looks like a rookie no matter how you swing it. However, I do think the Falcons have a great nucleus of young players to build around: Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner, and Sam Baker (who despite his "reach" tag in the draft isn't playing terribly). Their #13 ranking in pass defense is only because opponents know they can't stop the run, and there isn't a defensive starter outside Keith Brooking that anyone would consider irreplaceable (and even he's arguable). Looking at their schedule, I see enough games remaining that the Falcons could finish 8-8.