All 32 NFL teams head into training camp with playoff aspirations. Only a select few will actually turn such aspirations into reality. Here's why the New Orleans Saints will win the NFC South and make the playoff this year:
4) Mark Ingram
Ingram took a giant step forward in 2014, showing he could a productive lead back with 964 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games. With Jimmy Graham now gone and an improved offensive line, Ingram has everything set up for a breakout year. Will he deliver? If so, the Saints are in fantastic shape.
3) An Improved Defense
Cornerback Brandon Browner will end up being one of the sneaky great additions of this past offseason, and the selections of Stephone Anthony and Hau'oli Kikaha in the 2015 NFL Draft will breathe some youthful exuberance into the defensive unit. The defense has gelled quite nicely in training camp, and that could very well mean that they shock everyone with major improvements up and down the board. If so, this team is the favorite to win the NFC South.
2) The NFC South
The Carolina Panthers are the definition of a "hide and go seek" football team. The Tampa Bay Bucs will have a rookie under center and they're...the Bucs. Atlanta will be in a transitional period under a first-year head coach and they're stuck in a cycle of perpetual underachievement. The door is wide open for the Saints to dominate.
1) Drew Brees
Can we just stop with the Drew Brees "over the hill" garbage? Brees was forced to throw more than any other NFL quarterback in 2014, leading the league with an eye-popping 659 passing attempts. That marked his fifth straight year with 650 passing attempts or more. Interceptions are gonna come with that high volume, but Brees' mastery of the position and fruitful relationship with Sean Payton means more Arena Football League-like numbers in 2015.
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