NFC South

Carolina Panthers (12-5)

Open Camp: July 26, Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.

Last Year: Won NFC South and earned first-round bye, but lost at home to San Francisco in divisional playoffs. Coach Ron Rivera got extension.

Important Additions: WRs Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant, and Tiquan Underwood; TE Ed Dickson; CB Antoine Cason; Ss Roman Harper and Thomas DeCoud; DE Kony Ealy.

Important Losses: WRs Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr.; LT Jordan Gross; G Geoff Hangartner; CBs Captain Munnerlyn and CB Drayton Florence; S Mike Mitchell.

Camp Needs: Getting QB Cam Newton healthy following offseason ankle surgery; he should be ready to go for camp. Newton has new group of receivers, so developing chemistry is priority. Secondary remains question with potentially three new starters in Cason, Harper and DeCoud. Offensive line is young, team needs stability at left tackle and both guard spots.

Expectations: Panthers are looking to make playoffs in back-to-back seasons for first time, which wont be easy given free agent departures. If Panthers are to be successful, they need to develop cohesiveness quickly on offense.

New Orleans Saints (11-5)

Open Camp: July 24, White Sulphur Spring, W.V.

Last Year: Coach Sean Payton returned from one-year bounty ban and Saints went to playoffs for fourth time in five seasons, also won first road playoff game in franchise history in Philadelphia. Drew Brees eclipsed 5,000 yards passing and passed for at least 39 TDs for third straight season. Rob Ryan joined as defensive coordinator and improved New Orleans ranking from last to fourth. Saints season ended in divisional round at eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle.

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NFC South