NFL 2014 preview: Easy early schedule puts Saints in NFC South top spot

With Drew Brees leading the way, it looks like the New Orleans Saints will win the NFC South this season, edging second-place Carolina.

1. NEW ORLEANS
2013 | 11-5, 2nd in South
Last year in playoffs | 2013

Going all the way: The schedule sets up beautifully, not facing a team with a 2013 winning record until Week 8 and four of the first six games coming against teams with new coaches. With Drew Brees at the helm, and weapons such as Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, and speedy newcomer Brandin Cooks, this figures to be an offensive powerhouse. The defense has turned the corner too, and coaches are especially excited about cornerback Keenan Lewis.

They’re doomed: The Saints need some key pieces to fall in place for their secondary to come together. They added safety Jairus Byrd, who’s coming off back surgery, and corner Patrick Robinson is recovering from knee reconstruction. Champ Bailey was cut Saturday.

Now hear this: “I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I’m having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn’t I wanna do that?” — Brees, 35, who says he wants to play until he’s 45

2. CAROLINA
2013 | 12-4, 1st in South
Last year in playoffs | 2013

Going all the way: He’s not always the most accurate passer, but Cam Newton is so athletic he constantly keeps defenses honest. So far, rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin is absolutely worth the first-round pick, although he’ll see a lot of double-team coverage. The defensive front seven that led the league last season with 60 sacks returns intact, led by linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive end Greg Hardy. Ron Rivera, last season’s coach of the year, knows how to get his players ready.

They’re doomed: The Panthers shifted a lot of pieces on the offensive line. The secondary is basically starting from scratch, and safety Roman Harper, 31, missed camp with a bad case of turf toe.

Now hear this: “Michael Jordan used to go to the hole all the time and dunk. But if you ask Michael, he realized that later in his career, he had to develop that jumper. So he went to work at it. Cam’s the same way. He needs to develop as a passer.” — Rivera, on Newton

3. TAMPA BAY
2013 | 4-12, 4th in South
Last year in playoffs | 2007

Going all the way: Tampa Bay’s first-string defense was on the field for 14 possessions in exhibition games and gave up only a field goal. The Buccaneers have top-notch players at defensive tackle (Gerald McCoy), weakside linebacker (Lavonte David), and strong safety (Mark Barron). On offense, a towering trio of pass catchers should give defenses problems — Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

They’re doomed: Quarterback Josh McCown played great in place of the injured Jay Cutler in Chicago, but can he keep up that pace? It won’t be an easy task for the 35-year-old behind a shaky Tampa Bay line that’s still in need of some guard help despite the recent addition of six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins via a trade with New England. Last year’s starter, Mike Glennon, backs up McCown.

Now hear this: “We’re the Dunkaneers.” — Jason Licht, general manager, on Buccaneers’ trio of 6-foot-5 receiving targets.

4. ATLANTA
2013 | 4-12, 3rd in South
Last year in playoffs | 2012

Going all the way: Before dropping off the ledge last season, the Falcons collected 56 victories from 2008 to 2012, so they know how to win. Matt Ryan is still a top-notch quarterback, and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White are explosive when healthy.

They’re doomed: The offensive line played a big role in surrendering 44 sacks last season, and its luck has been worse this summer. The Falcons lost left tackle Sam Baker to a knee injury, forcing rookie Jake Matthews into that pivotal spot, then lost potential starting right tackle Mike Johnson to a season-ending foot injury. The defense absorbed a big loss when linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon in an off-season workout.

Now hear this: “I think that as an offense, the goal is to put points up on the board, every time you get it. If we can figure out ways to run the ball, be a little bit more-balanced than we have been in the past, I think that’s going to happen.” — Ryan