Most Indispensable-NFC South
We have finally reached the finale of my "Most Indispensable" series finishing off with the NFC South, home to the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Still sounds strange to me, as I was never a believer in the Saints or their Quarterback and even after seeing first hand both do very well in the sports ultimate game, I still remain a skeptic. The New Orleans Saints return with most of their starters from last years but he can they least afford to lose?....
New Orleans Saints
Scouts Inc-Jahri Evans-OG
My Pick:
I will agree with their choice here as Jahri Evans is a key piece to an offensive line that had a huge year last year allowing Drew Brees to have a masterful check down performance in the Super Bowl. The addition of a running game to an already explosive offense improved their football team, and the Saints will need to continue this growth in that area to repeat their offensive dominance as teams may put an emphasis on limiting their passing game. Defenses will continue to throw pressure Drew Brees' way and the offensive line will need to continue to play well and nothing helps that more than stability on that line.
Atlanta Falcons
Scouts Inc-Roddy White-WR
My Pick:
Again, I'll go with the choice listed as Roddy White has been huge in the development of young quarterback Matt Ryan. With another year in the offense for Tight End Tony Gonzalez and with all indications pointing to Michael Turner finally being healthy, the offense is headed in the right direction, and the loss of their stud receiver would cripple the steady growth this offense has shown.
Carolina Panthers
Scouts Inc-Steve Smith-WR
My Pick:
While Smith may have been my choice in past years, the change in that offense will move me in a different direction. To be completely honest, I have no faith in new starting quarterback Matt Moore and for that very reason I cannot give this title to Steve Smith as I feel he'll be a non factor the entire year. This offense has shown a dedication to the run, and when healthy, has proven to be very effective. Just a couple of years ago the Carolina Panthers took their two headed monster of Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams all the way to divisional round of the playoffs with the opportunity to host an NFC Champsionship. Their Quarterback turned the ball over a few times and the rest is history. That's why I'll do a first in this list and give two players that title. Jonathan Stewart and Deangelo Williams can share this as they the football on Sundays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Scouts Inc-Kellen Winslow-TE
My Pick:
I'll go in a different direction here as Tampa Bay has always been a defensive team and with defensive veterans like Derrick Brooks gone, the team has chosen to go young and do so at every position. While I feel Ronde Barber is very important to that locker room because of his experience and leadership I'll go with Barret Ruud who may be one of the more underrated linebackers in the league. Year after year he is a leader among tackles and with a defense building through the draft, it will be important to have the voice of their leader in the huddle.
