With the Position Breakdown series in full swing, the next division under the microscope is the NFC South. Here’s a defensive position-by-position breakdown of the NFC South, with “the best” at each position followed by “the rest” in descending order.
For clarity, the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Buccaneers are based in the 4-3 defense whereas the New Orleans Saints is the lone franchise organized in the 3-4 alignment. Despite the defensive structure, the level of quality personnel will determine each team’s placings in this analysis.
Be sure to check out the division’s offensive breakdown here.
NFC SOUTH BREAKDOWN BY POSITION: THE DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Best: CAR The Rest: NO, ATL, TB
The famous saying, “It all starts upfront,” definitely applies to Carolina. In a division that underperformed defensively, the Panthers unit finished atop the South ranking 10th in the NFL. Beginning with their front, Carolina accumulated 40 sacks in 2014, the most in the NFC South. Veteran defensive end Charles Johnson’s takedown totals dipped a year ago, but he still managed to get 8.5 sacks and 41 tackles. Recording at least eight sacks in five straight seasons, he has been a mainstay on the edge. Fifth-year end Mario Addison was second on the team with 6.5 sacks. Pass rusher Kony Ealy piled up four takedowns as rookie. An athletic 6’4’’ force now with a season under his belt, Ealy is destined to produce further. Tackles Kawann Short, Star Lotulelei and Dwan Edwards combined for 105 tackles and nine sacks last season. Carolina’s front four lost its ferociousness when 15-sack Pro Bowler Greg Hardy left the team, but their depth still makes them difficult to handle.
The Saints defensive front isn’t filled with superstars, but rather with talented, experienced veterans. The team’s most gifted pass rusher is Cam Jordan. Although not in his 12.5-sack, Pro Bowl form of 2013, Jordan racked up 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 2014. In four NFL seasons, he has tallied 195 tackles and 29 takedowns. Akiem Hicks is another lineman who dropped off from a career-high 2013 campaign. In three years, Hicks has 117 tackles and 6.5 sacks; with him making the transition from tackle to end, his takedown totals can easily increase. It’s highly doubtful that he’ll contribute at the same level as his prime years, but five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams will provide key leadership for a young defense. Fellow tackle John Jenkins will be more of a rotational player.
Their 2014 numbers were underwhelming–a division worst 22 sacks–but the Atlanta Falcons still have solid lineman they can depend on. Former Pro Bowl tackle Paul Soliai has made at least 25 tackles in six consecutive seasons. Tyson Jackson only had 22 tackles last season without any sacks (he had 77 tackles and seven sacks from 2012-2013 with the Kansas City Chiefs). Defensive end Kroy Biermann had a productive 2014 season with 75 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Tackle Jonathan Babineaux has always been reliable along the line. A breakout season from second-year lineman Ra’Shede Hageman will be huge for the Falcons.
After All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay’s front four production begins to tail off. McCoy and edge rusher Jaquies Smith combined for 15 sacks a year ago. High-prized free agent Michael Johnson returns to the Cincinnati Bengals after a disappointing four-sack campaign. Clinton McDonald, who finished with five takedowns a in 2014, will need to take a another step to assist the pass rush. They had the NFC South’s second-most sacks with 36, but they will need more from their rotational players in 2015.
LINEBACKER
The Best: CAR The Rest: NO, TB, ATL
Carolina’s defensive line may not be elite, but their linebacking core definitely is. The unit is headlined by captain Luke Kuechly, a two-time Pro Bowler, a two-time league combined tackle leader and a Defensive Player of the Year recipient in just three NFL seasons. Known for his sure tackling and run stopping ability, Kuechly has established himself arguably the best linebacker in football. His presence has been essential in Carolina placing top-10 defensively since his arrival. With 473 tackles, six sacks and seven interceptions in 48 games, he presumably has the remainder of a Hall of Fame career ahead of him. Beside Kuechly is his running mate and fellow team captain, Thomas Davis. A tackling machine throughout his career, the 10-year veteran has reached 100-plus tackles in three straight years. If it wasn’t for him being hampered by injuries at points during his time in the league, he would be in the same top-tier conversation as Kuechly. A.J. Klein had 39 tackles in year two, but the third-year outside backer needs to take more advantage of his chances this season. Although undersized for the position, the Panthers are eager to see the athleticism and versatility of rookie Shaq Thompson be put on display.
The Saints have a mixture of rookies and crafty veterans at their linebacker spots. Anthony Spencer and Dannell Ellerbe–a former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, respectively–both have a fresh start in New Orleans with chips on their shoulders after being defensive stalwarts for their previous teams. These veterans, along with David Hawthorne, will be expected to provide versatility and savviness to defense that is quite inexperienced in several areas. Rookies Hau’oli Kikaha and Stephone Anthony may be asked to start right away in order to build chemistry and experience to lead this defense for the future.
Similar to their defensive line, the Buccaneers don’t have much above-average talent after their star player. In this case, the leader is Lavontae David. In three NFL seasons, Davis has 430 tackles, 10 sacks, 19 passes defended and six interceptions. Alike Luke Kuechly, David has exceptional lateral footwork that helps him make plays from sideline to sideline. In a division that consists of underachieving defenses, David and Kuechly are two of the league’s best at linebacker. Rookie Kwon Alexander from LSU is someone who NFL analysts have their eyes on. An aggressive player, he uses his explosiveness to shed blockers and made tackles in the backfield and on the perimeter. Lastly, Tampa can be better with help from veterans Bruce Carter and Larry English.
Former Detroit Lion Justin Durant maybe the best linebacker on the current Falcons roster. Former Houston Texans backer Brooks Reed is a solid pickup who needs to be huge for Atlanta. The player to watch is rookie edge rusher Vic Beasley. If the Clemson standout is as dominant as advertised, he alone makes the Falcons better on defense. The most interesting player is third-year Falcon Paul Worrilow. On paper, Worrilow is a stat stuffer (269 tackles, four sacks and four passes defended in 32 games), but fans have criticized him for not impacting the game completely. Although Pro Football Focus suggests that Worrilow is a liability because of his pass coverage deficiencies, the site also notes that he made stops on 10.7% of his run defense snaps, the eighth-best among inside linebackers in 2014. His numbers against the run earned him a spot on our Pro Bowl Snubs list last season. If Worrilow can improve against the pass, the Falcons defense can improve overall.
CORNERBACK
The Best: NO The Rest: CAR, TB, ATL
The secondary has consistently been an ailment in the Saints defense the last ten years. When the defense was at its best, it was not only able to pass rush, but most importantly cover and create turnovers. This season’s tandem has to potential to be the team’s best in the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era. On one side there’s Keenan Lewis, the former Pittsburgh Steelers corner who helped the Saints become the 4th-best defense in football in 2013. One of the highest rated cover guys that year, Lewis will have a new confidante in Brandon Browner. A Pro Bowler and back-to-back Super Bowl champion in Seattle and New England, Browner brings his menacing 6’4’’ frame to a defense in need of a physical presence. With Lewis and Browner being known as press man coverage corners–a style that New Orleans traditionally runs–the Saints passing defense may return to an upper-echelon level.
Carolina’s top cornerback has garnered more attention from his scuffle with quarterback Cam Newton than his on-field play, and he play is really good. Despite the lack of “top-level” numbers on the stat sheets, Norman played as a Pro Bowl corner in 2014. According to Pro Football Focus, Norman allowed 0.77 yards on 379 coverage sacks, third-best in football behind Chris Harris Jr. (Denver Broncos) and Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks). Opposite of Norman is longtime veteran Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears. Being one of the best zone coverage cornerbacks in football, Tillman is known for his tackling and fumble-forcing ability. A solid year from this duo will make the Carolina Panthers defense even more special.
On paper, Tampa has solid cornerback depth, including starters Johnathan Banks and Alterraun Verner, but the group underperformed in 2014. After his five-pick Pro Bowl campaign in 2013, Verner was acquired by the Bucs last year in Free Agency. Although he was excellent against the run (ranked best in the league among cornerbacks by PFF), he struggled in pass coverage. Banks had four interceptions a year ago, but the former Jim Thorpe Award winner has been inconsistent in his first two NFL seasons. Complete play from this one-two punch will aid the Buccaneer front seven immensely.
Finishing last against the pass in 2014, the Falcons corners place last in this breakdown. Of course the cornerbacks aren’t the only ones responsible for the team’s struggles, but high-level perimeter play is a prerequisite for any defense in today’s NFL, especially in the NFC South. Desmond Trufant is viewed by most as one of the league’s next elite corners. Robert Alford has 71 tackles and 5 picks in two seasons, but he may struggle against big-bodied wide receivers with his lack of size. With both of these guys still young, there is plenty of room to grow.
SAFETY
The Best: NO The Rest: CAR, ATL, TB
During the 2014 offseason, league pundits made the case for the Saints boasting the NFL’s top safety tandem in strong safety Kenny Vaccaro and highly-coveted free agent Jairus Byrd. With three-time Pro Bowler Byrd hampered with injuries during the season and Vaccaro enduring the sophomore slump, those lofty preseason claims were soon laid to rest. If Byrd will returns healthy by the start of September, the Saints will have a fierce pair of centerfielders. When on the field, Byrd is one of the top free safeties in football. With 22 interceptions in six seasons, his ballhawking prowess will be needed in the Saints defensive backfield. Vaccaro further growing as an NFL player is a plus as well.
The Carolina pairing is led by former Saints strong safety Roman Harper. After spending his first eight NFL seasons in New Orleans, Harper came filled in admirably for the Panthers with 62 tackles and a sack. Despite being known for his pass coverage struggles, Harper caught a career high four interceptions in 2014. A two-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, Harper’s presence will continue to help out Tre Boston’s development as an NFL safety.
When the Atlanta Falcons went 13-3 in 2012, they benefited from the Pro Bowl safety tandem of Thomas Decoud and William Moore. The pair had 151 tackles and 10 interceptions combined during the campaign. Two seasons later, Decoud was released by the Falcons. One element that will contribute to Atlanta having a solid defense is the ability to create takeaways, especially at the safety spot. Their inability to do so has hurt the defense. Moore has maintained steady production, but the pick numbers from him and Ricardo Allen must rise for Atlanta to become defensively formidable again.
In March 2013, San Francisco 49ers two-time Pro Bowler Dashon Goldson signed with the Buccaneers to join forces with second-year man Mark Barron to form one of the hardest-hitting safety duos in the game. Now a little over two years later, the pair is no longer with the Bucs. Tampa ranked 17th against the pass in 2013, but they fall down to 28th a year ago. With new faces in their defensive backfield like Major Wright and DJ Swearinger–two more players known for their hard hitting–the Buccaneers need players who can not only lay the wood, but snatch the football.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Best: ATL The Rest: NO, CAR, TB
Atlanta easily has the best special teams bunch in the NFC South. The most decorated player is return man Devin Hester, who is the NFL’s all-time leader in return touchdowns (20). A four-time All-Pro and one of the most dangerous returners in league history, Hester will eventually run his way into Canton, Ohio. Veteran Eric Weems has also made the Pro Bowl with his special teams contributions. Since joining the Falcons in 2009, Matt Bryant has been one the NFL’s most reliable kickers. Punter Michael Koenen’s 40.8 net average was the sixth-highest in football last year.
The Saints have done a solid job in finding special teams dynamos. From Reggie Bush to Darren Sproles, and now from C.J. Spiller to Brandin Cooks. Rookie Marcus Murphy has also shown flashes of explosion with his kickoff opportunities this preseason. Zach Hocker and Dustin Hopkins are talented young kickers fighting for the starting job. 2012 Pro Bowler Thomas Morstead’s 42.9 net average was second best among punters in 2015.
The special teamers in Carolina have a healthy dose of experience in the NFL. Graham Gano has made an average of 85 percent of his field goals in three years in Carolina. Brad Nortman’s 44.9 punt average was among the league’s best. Throughout collegiate and professional careers, Ted Ginn Jr. has been a weapon in the return game.
Buccaneers punter Michael Koenen has had eight 3,000-plus gross punting yards in 10 NFL seasons. The rest of their special teams guys are early in their careers. Kicker Patrick Murray is entering his second year while Kaelin Clay has the potential to be the team’s starting returner as a rookie.
COACHING
The Best: NO The Rest: CAR, TB, ATL
Saints’ Sean Payton is the best of the NFC South coaches. Since taking the helm for in 2006, New Orleans has earned three division titles and two berths in the NFC Championship game. After losing to the Chicago Bears in the conference title game in 2006, the Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime before beating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The 2009 Super Bowl victory was the franchise’s first and only league championship. A Coach of the Year recipient, Payton has a 86-52 record in eight seasons on the sidelines. Being the division’s longest-tenured coach, his place on this breakdown may seem “by default,” but he indeed has a noteworthy resume.
Although Tampa Bay’s Lovie Smith has more head coaching experience, 2013 Coach of the Year Ron Rivera gets the nod over him. In just four seasons, Rivera has molded the Panthers into one of the league’s most dominant defenses. The defense consistently placing in the top 10 was a key reason why they claimed consecutive division crowns, the first NFC South team to do so. Quarterback Cam Newton gets most of the praise for the franchise’s turnaround, but Rivera is equally as, if not more, responsible for the success.
Lovie Smith has appeared in a Super Bowl, but he only has three playoff appearances in 10 seasons of coaching. Going 2-14 in his first season in the NFC South, Smith will have to quickly regroup and recover ground in the division if he wants to retain his job in Tampa.
Atlanta’s Dan Quinn is one of the latest rookie head coaches in the NFL. Recognized for his stellar work with the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense, Quinn will have his hands full in trying to construct a respectable defense. With the talented skill players in this division, early struggles seem inevitable.
Be sure to check out the division’s offensive breakdown here.
