May 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) leaves the field following organized team activities at the Saints training facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Who is the best quarterback in the NFC South? Is it the Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan? Or is it Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints? What about Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers and Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

It’s safe to say the NFC South has one of the most interesting lists of names at the position in the NFL today. Brees has broken records, Ryan continues to improve and both Freeman and Newton have the potential to be something special.

Let’s take a look at how we would rank the crop of NFC South quarterbacks.

1. Drew Brees

May 23, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during organized team activities at the Saints training facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Were you expecting anyone else? Brees is a guy on his way to the Hall-of-Fame, has won a Super Bowl and shattered countless records. He’s a major reason as to why the NFL has transitioned to more of a passing league thanks to the exceptional numbers he puts up each season.

Brees is the definition of a franchise player, whether it’s character, locker room presence or play on the field. There’s no point in rehashing his well-known stats, but it’s safe to say Brees is a player on his way to Canton. As far as the 2013 season goes, there is no reason to believe his play will take a dip.

Brees is the best quarterback in the NFC South, at least for now.

2. Matt Ryan

May 29, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during organized team activities at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Nipping at the heels of Brees is Ryan, who has continued to improve over the course of his five seasons with the Falcons. He’s not playing at an MVP level yet and continues to struggle in the playoffs, but it’s safe to say if the trend continues he’s well on his way to being one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.

Last year along, Ryan threw for over 4,700 yards with a 32-14 touchdown to interception ratio. Ryan certainly benefits from playing with the likes of Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, but his game is a product of his outstanding skill set more than anything.

When Brees calls it quits, Ryan will inherit the mantle as the best quarterback in the NFC South. That is, unless one of the following guys can take major strides in development over the next few years.

3. Cam Newton

May 30, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton throws a pass at the practice held at the Carolina Panthers practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

We’re going to take some heat for this one.

Just hear us out. Right now if you were to pick a starting quarterback to roll with for the next two or three seasons, you would be insane to not take Newton over Freeman. Newton is a dual-threat quarterback with untapped potential who could develop into one of the NFL’s best. We’re not sure if we can say the same about Freeman after four years.

Newton had a slump last year but still put up over 3,800 yards and 19 touchdowns through the air. He added another 741 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Newton also had a higher completion percentage (57.7) than Freeman (54.8).

That was in a slump. We’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg with Newton, and as the franchise (potentially) continues to improve, so should he. If there’s a darkhorse to become the best quarterback in the NFC South, it’s Cam Newton.

4. Josh Freeman

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) calls a play against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Someone has to be the odd man out in a division absolutely stacked with quarterback talent. That man would be Freeman in Tampa Bay.

Freeman actually had the best year of his career last season as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. Yet, the front office thought it wise to add a promising rookie quarterback in the third round of this year’s draft with Mike Glennon.

There may be a reason for that.

Freeman is in a contract year and has more than enough weapons to take the Bucs places. Whether he does or not could decide whether he is higher up on this list next season, not to mention whether he is even playing in the NFC South.

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November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) calls signals from the line against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are just as talented as the Atlanta Falcons as we look ahead to the 2013 NFL season and the battle for the NFC South crown.

Atlanta is one of the most talented teams in the NFL and only continues to improve. That said, the Saints can say the same thing with a revamped defense under Rob Ryan and with head coach Sean Payton back in the fold.

We bring this up because John Clayton of ESPN recently answered a question about the NFC South by saying the Falcons are still the team to beat:

“I’ve so far voted for the idea that the return of Payton and the presence of Drew Brees should put the Saints back into playoff contention. I don’t think they will be as dangerous as the 2009 team. I think the change in defense to the 3-4 will take some time but should work out. Nevertheless, I still believe the Atlanta Falcons have the best chance of winning the division. That puts the Saints in the top 12. The receiving corps isn’t as deep as it was on the 2009 team. The offensive line is very good but not to the level of the ’09 team. I respect the Saints in their attempt to come back after a tough season. Last year, I compared the Saints to Ohio State when it lost its head coach and went on probation. Those days are behind the Saints, and they can bounce back.”

We disagree.

Last season when the Saints had the worst statistical defense in NFL history and was without Payton, the team still managed to defeat the Falcons in Week 10 to the tune of 31-27.

In other words, each game between the two teams is once more going to come down to whether Matt Ryan or Drew Brees can score the most points.

While the Falcons have done a nice job of improving this offseason, the Saints get their head coach back and presumably improve on defense as Rob Ryan makes New Orleans switch to a 3-4. As Clayton points out, the offensive line is just fine because whoever takes over the left tackle spot will still be protected by Brees’ ultra-fast release. The receiving core is about the same as 2009 when you take into account the combo of Joe Morgan and the rookie Kenny Stills.

It’s unfair to say the Falcons are the best team in the NFC South. Right now it the Saints and Falcons are on the same level.

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November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) dunks the football over the goal post after scoring against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, the Saints’ most hated rival is saved for the final team in the opposition analysis for the NFC South: The Atlanta Falcons. Out of all of the teams in the NFC South,maybe even the NFC itself, Atlanta has itself set up for a trip to the Super Bowl, not just the playoffs. Their additions more than make up for their subtractions in free agency and the draft this year. This is not a team to take lightly. So, lets see what they’ve gained.

It seems that their most dangerous additions were on offense. Somehow, they coaxed Tony Gonzalez into playing one more year for Atlanta. Add to that Stanford TE Levine Toilolo (seriously, with Star Lotulelei and Levine Toilolo, spell check is going to hate the NFC South) and you have a potentially dangerous combination. Now, Toilolo is nowhere near the level of greatness Gonzalez is and he has some work to do honing his skills as both a blocker and a receiver if he hopes to share the same field as Gonzalez. But, he is a sleeper prospect and one that can emerge with a vengeance, considering he has the best TE this past decade as a mentor and a great supporting cast of wide receivers in Roddy White and Julio Jones. If nothing else, he has a chance to grow for a year and still contribute without having to be the main weapon at TE.

December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta helped its ground game by trading Michael Turner in for Steven Jackson. While he is still an older veteran (he’ll be 30 by the time he takes the field on opening day), he has a lot left to give this team and is a great upgrade in the running game. Jackson still has burst and plenty of punishment left to dish out in the ground game and is also able to add something in the passing game as well. Lucky for him, he won’t have to be the featured piece in the offense due to the efficient passing game the Falcons run. He won’t have nearly as many opponents keying in on him than when he was a Ram. Jacquizz Rodgers should be happy to have such a great backfield mate because he can be utilized more to his strengths in the passing game. Of course, there is still Jason Snelling who can be used more efficiently in a backup role and on short yardage situations.

The offensive line has been shuffled a bit with the release of Tyson Clabo and the retirement of Todd McClure but the Falcons are so sure with the talent they have on the roster to replace these veterans that they didn’t sign or draft any major offensive line competition. It seems they are set to go with Peter Konz or Joe Hawley at the center position, Garret Reynolds at right guard, and Mike Johnson or Lamar Holmes at the right tackle position. Nothing is set in stone for the center and the right tackle position at this point but the competition will be fierce and the starters will be more than capable replacements for McClure and Clabo.

October 21, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Osi Umenyiora (72) celebrates after sacking Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest free agent addition is Osi Umenyiora who will replace longtime Atlanta defensive end John Abraham. There is much to doubt about Umenyiora but, in my opinion, there is a lot more to fear. He is 29 and hungry for a starting spot on the defense after being constantly shuffled in New York. On the other side of the line there is still Kroy Biermann but he will have to guard himself against Malliciah Goodman, the Falcon’s fourth round pick. Goodman has incredible measurables with long arms and huge hands, measuring 11 inches. Yowza. He is going to add depth behind Biermann, for now, with a chance to develop as he is rotated into the lineup. Their other end, Stansly Maponga, will be behind Umenyiora and is expected to hone his craft as a pass-rush specialist. Having Umenyiora as a mentor will be great motivation for Maponga.

If you look at the NFC South, the only team with serious question marks in the passing game is Carolina, where you still have to deal with Steve Smith for at least one more year. The Falcons, after having lost Brent Grimes in free agency and releasing Dunta Robinson, needed a starting caliber defensive back and one to play in the slot. Desmond Trufant gives this Falcons team a fast, physical presence at defensive back. Robert Alford, their next pick, is another 4.3 speed defensive back with great return skills. They still have Asante Samuel at the other DB spot and Thomas DeCoud and William Moore at the safety positions. The Falcons may have lost some pro bowl-quality talent in their defensive backfield but were aggressive attacking that loss in the draft.

May 4, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Brian Banks (53) runs through a drill at Falcons Rookie Camp at the Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, we cannot ignore Brian Banks. His story is inspirational, having come from a wrongful prison sentence onto the practice field of an NFL team. While he has run the first team defensive at middle linebacker, Akeem Dent will likely retain that job unless Banks continue to impress as he has been. Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas will man the other two linebacker spots. I doubt Banks will strictly serve as a motivational piece for this team but it will certainly help make Atlanta hungrier for the Lombardi Trophy.

Worry or Stay Cautious?

Definitely worry. This team was dangerous last year and didn’t make it to the Super Bowl. Their no-huddle attack will likely be back and having Jackson will bring balance back to the offense. Matt Ryan will have Gonzalez for one more year and still has White, Jones, and Harry Douglas to throw to. On defense the Falcons replaced what they lost with youth and speed. Trufant, Alford, Goodman, and Moponga as rookies and Umenyiora as the veteran will serve to improve an already potent defense. The Saints will have to be smart when they face the Falcons. While their offensive line is by no means green, it is not the same line as it was last year. That may give the Saints a chance to try out their new defensive alinement on the right side of the line, where they have the least continuity and the biggest question marks. Sam Baker, while serviceable, has been inconsistent in his career and the Saints will have a chance to get to Matt Ryan through Baker. Drew Brees will likely have to be at the top of his game and face a defensive backfield similar to the one he will face against the Buccaneers, though likely a little faster. The ground game will be key in this game to help give Brees some cushion against the Atlanta secondary. That will be hard against the experienced linebacker core of the Falcons. We will see what the Saints have up their sleeves when the Falcons visit the Dome on September 8th.

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