NFC South - Large contracts and big hopes

Article by Matt King
(Ed. note - article submitted early Sunday morning)

This was the penultimate week to begin the process of sorting out the rosters before the season , and the third week of pre-season games, arguably the most exciting week until the regular season.

The Falcons this week announced they have inked Julio Jones to an extension worth $47M with guarantees. This is a much needed boost to the team given their track record of late.
Owner Arthur Blank said in a statement via the media “We could not be more thrilled to make Julio a Falcon for life, I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished [franchise record for receiving yards] and he has barely scratched the surface in terms of potential”
CEO and president Rich McKay has been reinstated the the NFL’s competition committee following the artificial crowd noise investigation in which McKay was found to have nothing to do with it.
The Falcons could only muster 3 Field Goals in a 9-13 loss to Miami in their latest preseason game. The Falcons gave T.J Yates an extended look with the majority of pass attempts [18/28 for 187 yards with 0 INTs or TDs. Leonard Hankerson led the team with receiving yards in this game with 50 from 3 receptions. Matt Bryant was perfect with 3/3 FGs with a long kick of 50. Next up for the pre season finale, the Falcons host the Ravens.

Last week, the Saints lost narrowly to a plucky Patriots team, which prompted Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to say that “Brandin Crooks is a very good player, and I’m glad we don’t have to play him twice a year, and that he’s not in our division” via the Times . Cooks has spent most of the off season working on Routes and timing [with Brees] and seeking advice from Antonio Brown and Steve Smith.
The Saints play their third pre-season game later on Sunday as they battle JJ Watt and the Texans.

Buccaneers Doug Martin has some added swagger to his step in what is a contract year. Martin is only 26 but has struggled to make an impact over much of the previous two seasons, but all signs so far in pre-season point towards him being more like the rookie that burst onto the scene in 2012 with much hype and is one possible fantasy sleeper, and if he can pull it together, could be one of many reasons the Buccaneers will do better than most people expect.
Jameis Winston struggled in a 7-31 preseason loss to the Browns with a line of 6 completions from 15 attempts, 90 yards 0 TDs and 1 INT. Martin scored the Buccs only points from 9 rush attempts totalling 40 yards with the score [a 19 yard TD]. Vincent Jackson accumulated the most receiving yards with 38 from 2 catches [one of those being a 26 yard gain]. A side note to consider here is former Buccs QB Josh McCown was the best QB on the field this week with 17/23 for 117 yards 2 TDs and 0 INTs. The final game before the games start to matter is a tough trip to Miami.

Since Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear it’s been asked/ wondered, who can replace him? This week we got an answer as OC Mike Shula stated that “the Panthers will replace Benjamin’s production by committee [which if it has the same effect as it does in baseball the situation needs to be avoided fantasy wise] although it’s hoped Rookie Devin Funchess will be the go to guy when we get to the business end of the season. Ron Rivera said “He runs a lot of the same routes [as Kelvin], He’s almost as imposing a target, and the biggest thing with him is the confidence that he plays” via the Associated Press. The Panthers game this week ended in a one point 16-17 Loss to New England. Both teams struggled out of the gate in this one, but Cam Newton ended the game with 17 completions from 28 attempts for 160 yards and 1 TD. Carolina’s rushing game was pretty much shut down from the Patriots D, with Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker breaking the 10 yards for one gain plateau [They both had an 11 yard gain]. Receiving was a brighter story Greg Olsen took 6 catches for 51 yards , Jericho Cotchery took 4 catches for 38 yards, and Mike Tolbert converted their only TD pass for 2 yards [off his only reception]. Graham Gano scored the rest of the teams’ points with a PAT and 3 FGs. Last in the preseason slate for the Panthers is a trip to the Steelers in Pittsburgh who will be hoping they too have a good final tune up before they open the regular season in New England.