NFC South: Carolina the Favorites?

Ok, let's be real here for a couple minutes. Should anyone truly be shocked if the Carolina Panthers capture its first division title since 2008 this year?

Finishing at 6-10 with a rookie signal caller under center this past season, Carolina was seven games behind the first place New Orleans Saints and four behind the second place Atlanta Falcons. Sounds like a hefty task at hand for second-year head coach Ron Rivera, but it's really not as far off as you may think.

Taking a closer look at the 2011 campaign and it's clear that Carolina could have been a playoff team if they had caught just a couple of extra breaks. A little bit of luck, and the Panthers are in the thick of things down South.

First off, it's tough when you're forced to throw a rookie quarterback in a pool of sharks. That's pretty much what Rivera had to do in 2011, starting the No. 1 overall draft pick from day one against the Arizona Cardinals.

Carolina began the season at 2-6 heading in to the Week 9 off week, but the scoring was not lacking. Newton and his offense put up 20+ points in six of those eight games with wins over Jacksonville and Washington. In the second half of the season, Carolina went an even 4-4 with victories over teams such as division rival Tampa Bay (twice) and Houston.

Now, I will admit that the team's six victories weren't against the strongest teams (Tampa Bay, Washington, Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Houston), with a combined record of 26-54 and just one playoff team, but a majority of the 10 losses could have easily been wins as well.

The combined opposition record appears to diminish any value to the victories, but it really doesn't in my opinion. The Panthers were very much alive in all of its losses and, in fact, Newton came really close to leading the team over the defending champion Green Bay Packers in just his second career start (they lost 30-23).

Six of Carolina's 10 losses were by eight points or less, and they were blown out of the water just one time all season (30-3 Week 10 loss to Tennessee). Within the division, Carolina put up just a 2-4 record, defeating Tampa Bay handily on two separate occasions, but being defeated by New Orleans (30-27, 45-17) and Atlanta (31-17, 31-23) twice apiece.

Taking an even closer look and you can see that, despite some key injuries, the offense was very productive all season. Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Cam Newton did throw a decent amount of interceptions (16) but also set single-season rookie records for passing yards (4,051; previously held by none other than Peyton Manning himself) and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (14).

One of the game's most dangerous rushing tandems–DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart–battled injuries throughout the season and each failed to break 1,000 yards for the second season in a row. During their most productive seasons, each of the two would run the ball 200+ times for over 1,000 yards and nearly 10 TDs.

Unfortunately Stewart saw 142 carries (761 yards, 4 TDs) while Williams got 155 (836 yards, 7 TDs). This, of course, still proved pretty productive as they both finished with 5.4 yards/carry averages, but didn't trump Newton's performance of 706 yards for 14 TDs (5.6 Y/C).

There have been numerous Stewart trade rumors spreading throughout the league for the past year or so, but none have been serious. This leads me to believe that he will once again don the Panther #28 jersey and shred through defenses come September. If the two can continue this success, stay healthy and possibly get closer to 200 carries in 2012 who knows if the offense will be stopped.

As a team, the Panthers put up 25.4 points per game in 2011, good enough for fifth in the league. In the running department, they ranked third in yards, first in TDs and first in Y/C...the passing game ranked in the middle of the pack, showing they have room for improvement and that will come with maturity (from Newton).

The defensive side of the ball was the achilles heel for the 2011 Panthers, as you can tell from looking at the offensive production.

The first and largest blow to the defense came before the season really got going. In July, middle linebacker and team leader Jon Beason was made the league's highest-paid MLB in history, signing a $50 million contract over five years ($25 million in guaranteed money). By September 14, he was placed on the season-ending injured reserve with a left achilles injury (total coincidence).

After that, things spiraled down from there.

Without his leadership, James Anderson (144 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 INT, 8 PD, 3 FR in 16 starts) was forced to step up, and he did. But past Anderson, they really didn't get much production from the linebacking position and failed because of that. A great defense needs to force turnovers to give their offense a shot, but they ranked in the bottom half in turnovers in addition to allowing nearly 27 points per game.

Ranking in the bottom five defensively in points, yards allowed, rushing TDs and the bottom 10 in passing yards, passing TDs and rushing yards isn't exactly something you'd want on a resume. Injuries haunted Carolina all season long and the results mirror that.

The defensive line wasn't consistently anchored by the same guy, as Ron Edwards, Terrell McClain and Sione Fua all ended up on the IR at some point in the season.

The good news for Carolina? The defense can only get better from here. In the April draft, the front office added a great talent at linebacker in Boston College's Luke Kuechly at the No. 9 spot. Later in the draft they added some depth at D-End (Frank Alexander in the 3rd Rd) and secondary (CB Josh Norman in 5th, FS D.J. Campbell in 7th).

If Newton continues to improve at quarterback and he receives a repeat season from All Pro wideout Steve Smith (who has publicly stated he wants to play another 3-4 years), in addition to the stout run game continuing its success, then maybe Carolina can win this division without even playing lights out D.

I mean, come on. The Saints are still facing consequences from the BountyGate Scandal, which means no head coach and middle linebacker for 2012, and the Falcons have continued to underachieve when it matters most.

I stand by my statement: Carolina is my NFC South winner for the 2012 season. Just wait, football fans.

Note: I do not own any of the above images. No copyright infringement intended.

Regular Season Award Winners

The Associated Press and National Football League have not released its award winners for the 2011 regular season just yet, but that doesn't mean I, here at All-Out Blitz, can't hand out my seasonal awards.

FYI: These are not predictions, these are simply my award winners. I could care less who the league awards the MVP, ROY, Coach of Year, etc. to...what secret do the voters know that I don't? Exactly. Comments are always welcome in the comment section, of course.

League MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers QB

Stat line: 4,643 yards, 45 TDs, 6 INT, 68.3%, 122.5 QBR

There has been come debate as to whether or not Rodgers and NO's Drew Brees should be given the co-MVP award this season. And I say, no. Not because Brees is less-deserving, but simply because I don't like the idea of giving the award to two different players to share. I'm sure Brees would much rather not win the award than to have to share it with someone else. Rodgers and his 15-1 Packers are a tad more deserving.

People seem to have forgotten that Rodgers' broke Peyton Manning's single-season Quarterback rating record (122.5) in his 15 games, and Rodgers attempted far less passes than Brees throughout the season (502 to 657) which is exactly why he threw for less yards and TDs. Rodgers is more efficient on less pass attempts (68.3%; 9.25 Y/A), and I believe he deserves the award because of that, and because he threw just six INTs.

Runner-ups: Drew Brees, Tom Brady, LeSean McCoy

Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints QB

Stat line: 5,476 yards, 46 TDs, 14 INT, 71.2%, 110.6 QBR

In most cases, this award would go to Rodgers. Simply because he was league MVP he would most likely be awarded top offensive player as well. But I hate that idea and since the MVP race was so close, I decided to spread the wealth and switch things up. This is what I would view as a second-place award this season. Brees couldn't edge out Rodgers in the MVP, but to show how deserving I think he was, I'll hand him the OPOY award as consolation.

There's no doubt he's the reason New Orleans went through the NFC South (13-3) as easily as they did, and minus two off-days against much less opponents (St. Louis, Tampa Bay) and another loss to the league's top team (Green Bay) the Saints could have been flirting with an undefeated season.

Runner-ups: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, LeSean McCoy, Calvin Johnson

Defensive Player of the Year: Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens LB

Stat line: 70 comb. tackles, 14 sacks, 2 INT, 7 FF

This award isn't always about stats, although they do play a huge role in it because it shows productivity. In Suggs case though, I believe it is more about his approach and intimidation level against his opponents. Suggs stepped up and became one of the bigger leaders on Baltimore's defensive squad, maybe surpassing the legendary Ray Lewis in that aspect. His 14 sacks and career/league-high 7 forced fumbles made a huge impact on the field. Completely deserving on Suggs' part.

Runner-ups: DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers QB

Stat line: 4,051 yards, 21 TDs, 17 INT, 60.0%, 84.5 QBR

Newton wasted no time making a great first impression, throwing for 400+ yards in his first two starts. He turned heads from the start, and broke a few records while he was at it: passing yards by a rookie, rushing TDs by a quarterback (14). At age 22, Newton is well on his way to stardom in Carolina, all he needs is a little help from his supporting cast. Hopefully in 2012 the Panthers' defense will be a bit more healthier than in 2011.

Runner-ups: Andy Dalton, A.J. Green

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers DE

Stat line: 37 comb. tackles, 14 sacks, 2 FF

As of a couple of weeks ago, I really didn't have Smith on my radar for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Denver's Von Miller and Arizona's Patrick Peterson had received much of my attention instead. But Aldon has been a huge part of this feisty San Francisco defense, and without him a key piece is missing. Smith has shown off his pass-rushing ability with his 14 sacks, and has made plenty of big plays for the Niners this season. His future is bright alongside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman as the core of SF's defense.

Runner-ups: Von Miller, Patrick Peterson

Comebacker Player of the Year: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions QB

Stat line: 5,038, 41 TDs, 16 INT, 63.5%, 97.2 QBR

I'm disgusted with how many quarterbacks are being handed my awards, but 2011 truly was the Year of the Quarterbacks (as cliche' as ESPN has made that statement). Stafford became the fourth different quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season and threw for a career-high 41 TDs as his 10-6 Lions made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. He hurt his shoulder and played just three games last season, in his second year as a professional. Successful third year, I'd say, Mr. Stafford.

Runner-ups: Alex Smith, Eli Manning, Frank Gore, Reggie Bush

Breakout Player of the Year: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots TE

Stat line: 90 Rec., 1,327, 17 TDs, 14.7 YPR

Gronkowski, in his second professional season, has put together the best season by a tight end in NFL history, hands down. Gronk set records for both yards and touchdowns by a tight end in a single-season. He not only led tight ends in touchdowns, but he led the entire league with 17 touchdowns, topping Detroit's Calvin "Megatron" Johnson, and averaged more yards per catch than fellow tight end Jimmy Graham, who was the No. 2 guy among Gronk's position. He may have Tom Brady throwing him the ball, but either way this award was a no-brainer in my eyes, and belongs to Gronk.

Runner-ups: Victor Cruz, Jason Pierre-Paul, NaVorro Bowman

Coach of the Year: Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

In just one season, his first as a professional football coach, Harbaugh (Baltimore's HC John Harbaugh's brother, as we are all well aware of by now) has turned the cellar-dwelling Niners in to Super Bowl contenders. His defense is one of the most fierce as of right now, and there's no telling if Green Bay and New Orleans will have as much success against Willis, Bowman and the Smiths as they expect. Harbaugh's intensity and will to win may be the most intriguing part about his approach to the game.

Runner-ups: Mike McCarthy, Gary Kubiak

Photo credit:
Rodgers: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Suggs: Larry French/Getty Images
Gronkowski: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Why Players Union Should Leave NFL Hopefuls out of CBA/Lockout Situation

Despite more recent reports allegedly denying the original report that the Players' Union didn't contact the top draft hopefuls for April's 2011 NFL draft, I found it necessary to address this situation.

Less than a week ago there were several different sources saying that representatives from the NFLPA urged the top collegiate prospects, those who were expected to attend the draft and be taken in the first round, to boycott the draft and watch it at home on television.

Apparently they don't think it would be a good idea for these players to walk across the stage and shake Commissioner Roger Goodell's hand after his name is called.

I really only have one thing to say to this. I really am not taking a side in the NFL labor negotiations, I think both sides are equally to blame and that they should be able to work things out and end this lockout before the start of the season. But it isn't fair at all for these players to drag the soon-to-be-NFLers in to the situation before their name is even called.

Yes, yes, I understand that these guys are the league's future, and that they should understand exactly what is going on and side with the rest of the players. But it's incredibly selfish for the current NFL players to tell the young guys not to attend the draft. The current players obviously went through this same process several years ago and were able to attend the draft, hear his name called and walk across that stage to meet with Goodell before his picture was taken.

They got the entire draft experience, and it's an experience that these guys will never forget. It's the moment when they realize they finally made it to their destination, and reached the professional level. To take this experience away from these players--something they've worked their butts off for the last several months--would be the worst way possible to welcome these players in to the league.

If this ends up happening, which at this point it doesn't really appear as though all the players will boycott, then I will lose so much respect for the current players.

Former New England Patriot linebacker and current ESPN NFL Analyst Tedy Bruschi agreed with the other current players that they should boycott the draft, and hearing his comments on NFL Live nearly made me punch the television screen.

He says it's rookies' "duty" to skip the draft. Uh, no. I'm sorry, Tedy, but it certainly is not their duty. Their duty, ever since the college football season ended, is to prepare themselves for the draft with workouts, meetings and interviews, not to mention the Senior Bowl practice, game and NFL Combine back in February.

Not that I have much authority or say in this at all (I would love it if I did, though), but my message to rookies: ATTEND THE DRAFT IF YOU GET AN INVITE!

Photo credit

Patrick Peterson: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Cam Newton: Joe Robbins/Getty Images