The curse of the NFC South: Atlanta wins division in 2008

[gtexan02]

Strange fact about the NFC South: Since its inception in 2002, the team that finished in last place in the division ALWAYS goes on to win the division the following year. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

Im a little nervous saying this, but trends are trends. I know that they are rebuilding. But stranger things have happened. The Atlanta Falcons were last in the division last year, meaning they have to win it this year. Just thought I'd share that with you

[Ole Miss Texan]

I've always thought this was really interesting. Too bad the AFC South hasn't been like that!

I say this every year but I can't see that 'curse' staying a live this season. I kinda hope it continues though, it's pretty cool. Might go ahead and predict Matt Ryan wins O.R.O.Y.?

[gtexan02]

Its weird because after the Saints 06 season, everyone was sure there was no way any team, least of all Tampa Bay, could win the NFC South. Then they broke out 11 wins and NO was stuck at 7. Weird division for sure

[J-Russ]

Originally Posted by gtexan02

Strange fact about the NFC South: Since its inception in 2002, the team that finished in last place in the division ALWAYS goes on to win the division the following year. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

And before last year, the first place team always finish in last the next year. The Saints broke that curse last year, thus breaking the curse all together this year? Who's know. One thing I know is that sooner or later someone is going to break the cycle. The Heisman curse for example, had a history of NFL busts, until Palmer came into the league. Now the cycle restarts with Leinhart, Bush, etc.

With all that said, I think Matt Ryan is going to be the next biggest thing in the NFL, and he'll led them to the playoffs this year against a inconsistent NFC South.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by J-Russ

And before last year, the first place team always finish in last the next year. The Saints broke that curse last year, thus breaking the curse all together this year? Who's know. One thing I know is that sooner or later someone is going to break the cycle. The Heisman curse for example, had a history of NFL busts, until Palmer came into the league. Now the cycle restarts with Leinhart, Bush, etc.

With all that said, I think Matt Ryan is going to be the next biggest thing in the NFL, and he'll led them to the playoffs this year against a inconsistent NFC South.

I don't see the Falcons getting past Carolina. I think Peppers is gonna bounce back & carry the defense & their RB duo is starting to look scary. On top of that, they get Delhomme back, who had 8 TDs in three games before he got injured last year.

[The Pencil Neck]

Originally Posted by J-Russ

And before last year, the first place team always finish in last the next year. The Saints broke that curse last year, thus breaking the curse all together this year? Who's know. One thing I know is that sooner or later someone is going to break the cycle. The Heisman curse for example, had a history of NFL busts, until Palmer came into the league. Now the cycle restarts with Leinhart, Bush, etc.

With all that said, I think Matt Ryan is going to be the next biggest thing in the NFL, and he'll led them to the playoffs this year against a inconsistent NFC South.

That's not true. If that was true, it would just be the same two teams swapping positions every year.

Here's the reality:

2002
Tampa Bay - 12-4
Atlanta - 9-6-1
Saints - 9-7
Panthers - 7-9

2003
Panthers - 11-5
Saints - 8-8
Buccs - 7-9
Falcons - 5-11

2004
Falcons - 11-5
Saints - 8-8
Panthers - 7-9
Buccs - 5-11

2005
Buccs - 11-5
Panthers - 11-5
Falcons - 8-8
Saints - 3-13

2006
Saints - 10-6
Panthers - 8-8
Falcons - 7-9
Buccs - 4-12

2007
Buccs - 9-7
Panthers - 7-9
Saints - 7-9
Falcons - 4-12

[J-Russ]

Originally Posted by The Pencil Neck

That's not true. If that was true, it would just be the same two teams swapping positions every year.

Whoops, proved me wrong. Could've sworn they said that last year on one of the pre-game show. I should have done some research before posting that. Still every cycle must come to an end at one point.

[Silver Oak]

I think it could be better stated that the NFC South is very inconsistent in strength of teams from season to season. At least compared to our division.

[Koolaid Time]

Take into account that the Falcon's offensive line ranks right up there with the Texans circa 2002.

Ryan better be tough, because the kid WILL take some hits..

[ATXtexanfan]

hard to imagine atlanta doing anything other than sucking

[gtexan02]

2-1, currently in 1st. Weird

[kastofsna]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Might go ahead and predict Matt Ryan wins O.R.O.Y.?

no way. he's played average against two miserable defenses, and unbelievably horrendous against the Bucs. looks like every other rookie QB right now

[Ryan]

Matt Ryan's job is easy right now the way The Burner is running.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Still a possibility but their defense is going to have to step up. I'm so glad I have Michael Turner on my fantasy team.

[gtexan02]

You may call me "Gtexan02 Seer of the NFL"

[gtexan02]

dee-doo-dee-doo dee-doo-dee-doo

Freaky

Carolina Panthers 7 2
Atlanta Falcons 6 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6 3
New Orleans Saints 4 5

Getting closer

[gtexan02]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

I've always thought this was really interesting. Too bad the AFC South hasn't been like that!

I say this every year but I can't see that 'curse' staying a live this season. I kinda hope it continues though, it's pretty cool. Might go ahead and predict Matt Ryan wins O.R.O.Y.?

I think Ryans got a great shot

[TimeKiller]

Originally Posted by gtexan02

I think Ryans got a great shot

Him or Chris Johnson from the Titans.

[Ole Miss Texan]

Originally Posted by gtexan02

Strange fact about the NFC South: Since its inception in 2002, the team that finished in last place in the division ALWAYS goes on to win the division the following year. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself.

Im a little nervous saying this, but trends are trends. I know that they are rebuilding. But stranger things have happened. The Atlanta Falcons were last in the division last year, meaning they have to win it this year. Just thought I'd share that with you

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

I've always thought this was really interesting. Too bad the AFC South hasn't been like that!

I say this every year but I can't see that 'curse' staying a live this season. I kinda hope it continues though, it's pretty cool. Might go ahead and predict Matt Ryan wins O.R.O.Y.?

Originally Posted by gtexan02

I think Ryans got a great shot

Way to go gtexan. Even though Atlanta didn't win the division you could still say "since it's inception, the last place team in the division made the playoffs the following year."

Matty Ice with the OROY
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...honor?MSNHPHMA

[kastofsna]

pretty damn good division. too bad Miami has to face them next year. and the AFC South, too. in fact (to go completely off-topic), next year's Dolphins schedule is the hardest the NFL has seen since 1999. great. just great.