NFC South First Quarter Report Cards
We never really know what to expect from the first few games of the NFL Season. Some call the first two games an extension of the preseason, with good reason. Things are starting to shape up though. Some of the teams were getting a late start, some were sleeping, some were looking better because others were not up to task quite yet. This week we are handing out report cards for the first quarter of the 2008 season. Grades are based on where the team’s performance up until now has landed them in rankings of certain statistical categories. Here, we take a look at the NFC South…
Carolina Panthers (3-1)
Offensive Grades:
Points Per Game: C-
Yards Per Game: D
Passing Yards Per Game: C
Rushing Yards Per Game: C-
Defensive Grades:
Points Allowed: B+
Yards Allowed: B
Pass Yards Allowed Per Game: B
Rush Yards Allowed Per Game: C-
Comments:
Despite being on top of the division, things are not going as planned for the Panthers. The offense is not keeping up with the defense. One last second throw for a TD keeps these guys from being 2-2. The defense has stepped up this season and when the offense gets clicking it should make for an interesting race.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Offensive Grades:
Points Per Game: C+
Yards Per Game: B
Passing Yards Per Game: B
Rushing Yards Per Game:B
Defensive Grades:
Points Allowed: B-
Yards Allowed: C+
Pass Yards Allowed Per Game: D+
Rush Yards Allowed Per Game: B-
Comments:
So far the move from Jeff Garcia to Brian Griese is looking like the right move for the Bucs. They could see another shootout with the Broncos coming up and then they meet the Panthers for what could be for the top spot in the NFC South going into week seven.
New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Offensive Grades:
Points Per Game: B+
Yards Per Game: A
Passing Yards Per Game: A
Rushing Yards Per Game: D
Defensive Grades:
Points Allowed: D+
Yards Allowed: D-
Pass Yards Allowed Per Game: D-
Rush Yards Allowed Per Game: C-
Comments:
The improved defense that the Saints and their fans were hoping for this offseason is not showing up yet if it is there. Injuries are hampering the Saints on both sides of the ball. Deuce McAllister is back, for how long who knows, so the running game may start to step up. Until the defense steps up we could see shoot out after shoot out for the Saints. A missed FG has kept the Saints from joining the Panthers and Bucs at 3-1.
Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Offensive Grades:
Points Per Game: C
Yards Per Game: B-
Passing Yards Per Game: D
Rushing Yards Per Game: A
Defensive Grades:
Points Allowed: C+
Yards Allowed: C-
Pass Yards Allowed Per Game: C+
Rush Yards Allowed Per Game: D+
Comments:
To be honest, having a 2-2 record at this point is over achieving for the Falcons as far as expectations go. The Falcons running game is once again carrying the offense, but Matt Ryan has looked good as a rookie being thrown out there for the most part. The Defense is not likely going to keep them in many games when it comes within the division. With Chicago and Green Bay up next it will be tough to get to that third win too soon.
