Training camp battles: NFC South

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The third of our NFC division-by-division looks at training camp battles:

Atlanta

Does rookie Sam Baker have what it takes to start at left tackle over Renardo Foster? (US Presswire)

Baker was a first-round surprise, with Atlanta trading up to acquire him, but he was the only offensive lineman the Falcons chose in the draft. That was another surprise. A year ago, the Falcons were as bad protecting their quarterbacks (they ranked 26th in sacks allowed) as they were opening holes for their running backs (also ranking 26th, with 95 yards a game). But the Falcons must feel that injured linemen Todd Weiner and Foster will be OK and that the line's poor play a year ago had more to do with a raft of injuries and the blocking schemes than it did the talent. We'll see. The Falcons have a new coaching staff, and that staff has a new approach. Baker is massive, technically sound and a natural left tackle, and he'll wind up the starter sooner or later. But it usually takes offensive linemen a season before feeling comfortable, so he might have to sit and wait his turn.

Edge: Foster, but only if he's recovered from a knee injury that cut short his 2007 season.

Opening day starter: Baker, because I think he passes the competition in training camp.

Carolina

The Panthers knows it's not Jake Delhomme who makes the difference in their offense; it's their running backs, and a season ago, their running backs were ineffective, with none of them rushing for more than 876 yards or scoring more than five times. So the Panthers gambled on Stewart with their first pick and hope he and Williams comprise a 1-2 punch that takes the heat off Delhomme and the team's passing attack. The two offer contrasting styles, with Williams more of a threat to turn the corner and Stewart a sledgehammer between the tackles. I mentioned the Panthers gambling here because Stewart is coming off a toe surgery that made some suitors nervous in April. Nevertheless, I know more than a few GMs who believe he was the best back in this year's draft. I guess we're about to find out.

Edge: Williams, because he's the incumbent, because he's good and because Stewart is recovering from a toe injury.

Opening day starter: Williams

New Orleans

Ex-Patriot Randall Gay should start at cornerback for New Orleans. (US Presswire)

Cornerback is a tough call in New Orleans: A) because the Saints have so many of them and B) because a lot of what's about to happen depends on Mike McKenzie's recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2007. The Saints believe McKenzie will be OK, which means he should hold down one starting spot. That leaves the other open to competition, with Gay trying to unseat the beleaguered David. And let's not forget about rookie Tracy Porter, Jason Craft and Aaron Glenn. All are in the mix, with Craft a possibility to start or, believe it or not, fail to make the team. Yep, that's how iffy this spot is. All I know is the Saints felt compelled to spend millions on Gay when they already had David. Then they drafted a cornerback in the second round. That should tell you how they feel about the position.

Edge: Gay because the Saints are tired of watching David surrender big plays.

Opening day starter: Gay

Tampa Bay

Really, I think this comes down to Williams vs. Graham, but with Williams trying to recover from a torn patellar tendon there's the possibility (likelihood?) he opens the season on the PUP (physically unable to perform list). Graham had a terrific season last year, with the Bucs signing him to a four-year contract extension afterward. Dunn is more of a third-down option, only he doesn't see it that way. He thinks he can be the starter. And let's not forget Michael Bennett, who looked good in offseason workouts but is a long shot to compete for the job. What the Bucs might wind up doing is trying the ol' running back-by-committee approach, shuttling these guys in to keep all of them fresh. Hey, whatever works. I just don't see how Williams is ready for the opener, which means Graham's your man ... for now.

Edge: Graham, because he's healthy, because he's coming off a big season and because Williams is recovering from a major injury.

Opening day starter: Graham