NFC South Stock Watch - Pat Y

[The Falcon Jedi]

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch
December, 8, 2010
Dec 8
11:42
AM ET

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By Pat Yasinskas
FALLING

John Abraham, defensive end, Falcons. Overall, he’s bounced back nicely from a rough 2009 season. Abraham has nine sacks and should get back to double digits after having only 5.5 last year. But Abraham wasn’t a factor at all in Sunday’s victory against Tampa Bay. He didn’t even get near quarterback Josh Freeman. When a quote sheet was distributed in the press box after the game with words attributed to Abraham, a sports writer cracked, “Oh, so John Abraham actually was here today?’’ If the Falcons really are going to go deep in the postseason, they need Abraham to show up consistently.

Kellen Winslow, tight end, Buccaneers. There’s an old saying in the NFL that big players step up in big games. Well, Sunday’s game with Atlanta was the biggest game Tampa Bay has had in several years. Winslow’s probably the biggest individual name on Tampa Bay’s roster. But he only produced three catches for 26 yards.

The grass at Raymond James Stadium. The NFL Players Association does a survey about the best playing fields in the NFL. Since it’s been done, Raymond James Stadium has won most year’s and never been ranked worse than second in the league. However, you wouldn’t have guessed any of that by looking at the field Sunday. With the University of South Florida playing a game there Saturday night, the field took a beating. When the Bucs and Falcons got going, there was as much dirt and mud showing as grass and some guys were having trouble cutting. Might be time to put a little more space between college and NFL games in the stadium.

RISING

[+] EnlargeDonald Penn
AP Photo/Chris O'MearaBucs tackle Donald Penn kept Falcons pass-rusher John Abraham at bay Sunday.
Donald Penn, offensive tackle, Buccaneers. He was the guy largely responsible for Abraham never getting near Freeman. When Penn signed his huge contract in the offseason, a lot of people thought the Bucs had overpaid for a very ordinary left tackle. The reality now is Penn’s having a season that makes him a legitimate candidate for the Pro Bowl. He easily has been the NFC South’s best tackle this season.

Tyson Clabo, offensive tackle, Falcons. He plays right tackle, which isn’t the glamour position. But, in a contract year, Clabo has been steadily excellent all season. He’s another guy that deserves Pro Bowl consideration.

Robert Meachem, wide receiver, Saints. In Sunday’s victory against Cincinnati, he only caught three passes, but they went for 106 yards. That’s 35.3 yards per reception and Meachem’s day was highlighted by a 52-yard touchdown. This guy has become a true deep threat for the Saints and probably should start getting a few more passes thrown his way.

[Red Falcon]

Activate Sid the Kid!!! At least give him a shot. Also, re-sign Clabo and let Dahl go, that's if they are planing on letting someone go. Move Baker to right guard and draft someone at LT..... just my thoughts.