The NFC South foes must try to catch up to the Carolina Panthers in 2015.
The Panthers pummeled the Falcons in the regular-season finale in 2014 to become the first team to repeat as the NFC South champions since the NFL’s realignment in 2002.
By last season, the title was exchanged between all of the teams with the Saints winning in 2006, 2009 and 2011. The Panthers won in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2014. The Falcons earned division titles in 2004, 2010 and 2012. Tampa Bay won them in 2002, 2005 and 2006.
The Saints won the Super Bowl in the 2009 season, and the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in the 2002 season. The Panthers lost to New England in the Super Bowl in the 2003 season. The Falcons are the lone team that has not reached the Super Bowl as a division member.
Last season the Panthers won their final four games to take the title with a 7-8-1 record. They beat the Cardinals in the wild-card round before being eliminated in the divisional round by the Seahawks.
Because of their elite defense — perhaps the only elite unit in the division on offense or defense — the Falcons, Saints and Bucs will chase the Panthers again.
The Falcons, in Dan Quinn’s first season as head coach, are revamping their offensive line, trying to find a rushing attack and a pass rush.
“I’m just excited to get back here with all the guys and put this thing together,” Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones said. “I’ve been running hills, doing little things to get back to the old me. I’m doing things I couldn’t do last year because with the foot injury I wasn’t able to have an offseason like I wanted to.”
The Saints had a tumultuous offseason that included the unceremonious departure of defensive end Junior Gallette.
Tampa Bay, which drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston No. 1 overall, plans to play too many young players to be considered a legitimate title contender.
With training camps now open, here’s an overview of the Falcons’ opponents in the division.
CAROLINA
Last season: 7-9 (first place)
Key newcomers: WRs Ted Ginn Jr. and Devin Funchess; OT Michael Oher; CBs Charles Tillman and Chris Houston; S Kurt Coleman; LB Shaq Thompson.
Key losses: DE Greg Hardy; RB DeAngelo Williams; S Thomas DeCoud; OT Byron Bell.
Top storylines: Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was busy this offseason locking up quarterback Cam Newton, tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis. Newton must continue to develop as a passer for the offense to truly flourish. The Panthers tried to improve his protection by adding Michael Oher. The versatile Thompson was added to help the defense.
Camp site: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.
Odds to win NFC South: 2 to 1.
Odds to win Super Bowl: 40 to 1. (The Falcons are also 2 to 1 and 40 to 1.)
NEW ORLEANS
Last season: 7-9 (second place)
Key newcomers: RB C.J. Spiller; C Max Unger; CB Brandon Browner; LBs Dannell Ellerbe, Anthony Spencer and Hau'oli Kikaha; DT Kevin Williams; T Andrus Peat.
Key losses: TE Jimmy Graham; OLB Junior Galette; WR Kenny Stills; LG Ben Grubbs; RB Pierre Thomas; LB Curtis Lofton; CBs Patrick Robinson and Corey White; K Shayne Graham.
Top storylines: At 36, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is getting a little long in the tooth. Folks are staying to openly wonder if his Super Bowl window is closing. Brees tied for the league in yards passing last season (4,952), but he also tossed 17 interceptions. The Saints, like the Falcons, are looking to re-establish the run to take some of the pressure of Brees. He will be without Graham, who was traded to Seattle. Spiller should be an upgrade from Thomas. Gallette's 10 sacks must be replaced.
Camp site: White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
Odds to win NFC South: 9 to 4.
Odds to win Super Bowl: 40 to 1.
TAMPA BAY
Last season: 2-14 (last place)
Key newcomers: QB Jameis Winston; LB Bruce Carter; DT Henry Melton; S Chris Conte; CB Sterling Moore; DE George Johnson; T Donovan Smith; G Ali Marpet.
Key losses: S Dashon Goldson; LB Mason Foster.
Top storylines: The Bucs quickly snapped up former Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter after last season ended. Health issues sidelined Jeff Tedford, his predecessor, during the last exhibition season. Tedford never returned, and the Bucs' offense sputtered all season. Koetter will be in charge of grooming Winston, the Heisman Trophy winner who led the Seminoles to a national championship as a redshirt freshman. The Bucs' season will turn on how quickly they can make Winston productive. He does have 1,000-yard wide receivers to work with in Vincent Jackson and Michael Evans. If running back Doug Martin can regain his form, the Bucs might even have a rushing attack. The Bucs are also counting on second-round draft picks Smith and Marpet to help fortify their offensive line. The defense is anchored by Pro Bowl tackle Gerald McCoy.
Camp site: Team facility in Tampa, Fla.
Odds to win NFC South: 15 to 2.
Odds to win Super Bowl: 100 to 1.
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