NFC South ~ NFL Preview; will division winner eclipse the .500 mark this year?

The NFC South was created, in 2002.  The only team, from the division, who has not went to the Super Bowl are the Atlanta Falcons. No team had won back to back division titles, until last year.  The Carolina Panthers defended their NFC South title.  However, there was much debate about them hosting a wild card game, because of their 7-8-1 record.  Will this years division champion eclipse the .500 mark?

Can the Carolina Panthers make it three division titles, in a row?  The Panthers did not make any major moves in free agency.  They picked up a few role players, and the only real loss was DeAngelo Williams.  However, he has had a history of nagging injuries, and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The biggest news before the season is the lose of Kelvin Benjamin. He tore his ACL during practice.  This could be a big blow offensively.  Defensively, they have a kid named Luke Kuechly, who is one of the best tacklers, in the NFL.  They have a good front seven, and added depth by drafting linebacker Shaq Thompson.  The secondary could be a question mark, but with a good pass rush, you can take pressure of average cornerbacks.

After failing to make the Super Bowl, and then having a disappointing 2014, Mike Smith was fired as the Atlanta Falcons coach.    The Atlanta defense can only go one direction, and that is up.  After finishing dead last in yards allowed per game, they signed a handful of defensive players, and then added more with their first two picks.  Vic Beasley and Jalen Collins could be inserted into the starting lineup sooner than later. Offensively, Matt Ryan has Julio Jones and Roddy White to toss the ball to.  DeVonta Freeman will get his chance at running back.

Jameis Winston was the first overall pick, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Lovie Smith will need to turn this team around to keep his job, after a disappointing 2-14 season.