Michael Vick is hyped as the next John Elway or more. He was supposed to carry Atlanta past Tampa Bay in the NFC South this season and, perhaps, on to the Super Bowl.

Then Vick did what comes naturally, scrambling in a meaningless exhibition game against Baltimore. He was hit from behind and went down with a broken leg.

Not a good thing in a division that had three teams with winning records and a fourth, Carolina, which made a major push upward last season.

Vick's injury solidifies Tampa Bay's position as the favorite to win the division again.

But since Pittsburgh ended its run of four titles in six years after the 1979 season, only three teams have won repeat championships: San Francisco (1988-89), Dallas (1992-93) and Denver (1997-98). Their quarterbacks were Joe Montana, Troy Aikman and Elway.

1. BUCCANEERS

Coach: Jon Gruden (15-4, second year)

2002 record: 12-4, first in division, Super Bowl XXXVII champions after beating Oakland 48-21.

Key newcomers: LB Dwayne Rudd, C John Wade, WR Jacquez Green, QB Jim Miller, rookie DE Dewayne White.

Key losses: QB Rob Johnson (Washington), S Dexter Jackson (Arizona).

Overview: DT Warren Sapp is in the final year of his contract, but it's hard to imagine him in any other uniform. LB Derrick Brooks is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year for good reason. QB Brad Johnson never seems to get any credit, but he's smart and makes good decisions.

Super stat: Bucs had the NFL's top-ranked defense in 2002.

2. FALCONS

Coach: Dan Reeves (49-51-1, seventh year)

2002 record: 9-6-1, second in division, lost to Philadelphia in divisional playoff game.

Key newcomers: WR Peerless Price, WR MarTay Jenkins, CB Tyrone Williams, S Cory Hall.

Key losses: QB Michael Vick (out for at least the first month with a broken leg), CB Ashley Ambrose (New Orleans), WR Shawn Jefferson (Detroit), TE Reggie Kelly (Cincinnati), FB Bob Christian (retired).

Overview: Vick's return to form is the key to the season. His absence could mean a slow start, which could make it tough to catch Tampa Bay. Price represents a tremendous upgrade at receiver. LB Keith Brooking is a two-time Pro Bowler.

Super stat: Vick's 1,066 rushing yards in his first two years are more than any QB in league history.

3. PANTHERS

Coach: John Fox (7-9, second year)

2002 record: 7-9, fourth in division.

Key newcomers: RB Stephen Davis, QB Jake Delhomme, WR Ricky Proehl, WR Kevin Dyson, rookie OT Jordan Gross.

Key losses: TE Wesley Walls (Green Bay), RB Lamar Smith (free agent), defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio (Jaguars head coach).

Overview: DE Julius Peppers could lead the league in sacks now that he's off suspension. Davis gives the Panthers the kind of bruising RB Fox's offense needs. DE Mike Rucker gets overshadowed by Peppers, but not for long. The team has four QBs, including the aging Rodney Peete and former Florida State star Chris Weinke, but somebody has to step to the forefront.

Super stat: Defense was No. 2 in the NFL last season.

4. SAINTS

Coach: Jim Haslett (27-23, fourth year)

2002 record: 9-7, third in division.

Key newcomers: CB Ashley Ambrose, P Mitch Berger, TE Ernie Conwell, QB Todd Bouman, OT Wayne Gandy, S Tebucky Jones, rookie DT Johnathan Sullivan.

Key losses: S Sammy Knight (Miami), QB Jake Delhomme (Carolina), OT Kyle Turley (St. Louis).

Overview: RB Deuce McAllister made Saints fans feel better about trading Ricky Williams. WR Donte Stallworth can take double coverages away from Pro Bowler Joe Horn. With Horn, Stallworth and McAllister, they can be very good on offense if QB Aaron Brooks can stay healthy and not force the ball into coverage.

Super stat: New Orleans' 432 points last season were the most in team history.

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