The race to Tampa is ready to begin
Tampa Tribune, Fla.
Aug. 31--TAMPA -- Looking ahead to the heart of Florida's snowbird season, 32 NFL vultures have earmarked Tampa as their prime winter destination for the week ending Feb. 1.
Only two clubs will emerge from the flock to square off at Raymond James Stadium in Super Bowl XLIII, the fourth time the Bay area has been chosen to serve as host site for the league's showcase event.
The Redskins and the defending champion Giants kick things off Thursday night in the Meadowlands, and the postseason begins four months later on wild-card weekend.
Here's a division-by-division look at what might happen in between.
NFC SOUTH
The Bucs appear to have the best defense, by far, in this group as they attempt to avoid the usual division title hangover. New Orleans should be better on both sides of the ball, especially if MLB Jonathan Vilma and rookie DT Sedrick Ellis invigorate a ragged defense, and second-year WR Robert Meachem can get open downfield.
There's a sense of urgency in Carolina, where the Panthers have been drab for the past two seasons and DE Julius Peppers went AWOL in 2007. A healthy Jake Delhomme should make a major impact in the passing game, but WR Steve Smith still needs some help. The Falcons are rebuilding under rookie QB Matt Ryan as first-year Coach Mike Smith accents a ground game led by free-agent addition Michael Turner.
NFC EAST
It has been a difficult offseason for the Giants, losing DE Osi Umenyiora to injury, seeing DE Michael Strahan retire and trading TE Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans. That ramps up the pressure on Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning in what could be the NFL's most competitive division.
The Cowboys might have the most talent in the league, but QB Tony Romo needs a better backup and Coach Wade Phillips is winless in four playoff games. A healthy Donovan McNabb should lead the Eagles back into the postseason, while the Redskins appear to be a little short in the trenches for rookie Coach Jim Zorn.
NFC NORTH
If young QB Tarvaris Jackson plays with maturity, the Vikings will be tough to beat. Minnesota was No. 1 in both rushing and stopping the run in 2007, and new DE Jared Allen gives this defense a nasty attitude.
