Hogan vs. Flair All Over Again - Location of the NFC South

And we continue with the location category of the team analysis. We're still in the dirty south and take a look at the NFC side of the regions.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

City: Atlanta, GA

Population: 5.4 million (metro)

Distance: 147 miles

The closest of any of the teams to Birmingham. Still, I have to be honest, it's not a city I enjoy spending a lot of time in. It's huge, traffic is awful, and you always feel like you're about two wrong turns away from a car-jacking. With so many transplants to the city, it also seems to be missing that Atlanta-only uniqueness that the great cities all have.  The fact that it's a 2 hour drive is something, but it's not a city I'm making plans to drive to on a regular basis.

5/15

Carolina Panthers -
City: Charlotte, NC
Population: 1.7 million (metro)
Distance: 390 miles

The only time I've ever spent in Charlotte was in an airport, so I don't have a great feel for the city. I have spent some time in North Carolina itself and from what I've seen, it's a beautiful state. Outside of that, the rest is on reputation. I hear the BBQ is good, I know the city is growing fast, and the state definitely loves its basketball. Also, if it's good enough for Ric Flair, it's good enough for me. I was surprised that it got within the 400 mile mark from Birmingham, and knowing my cheapness, that sounds drivable.

11/15

New Orleans Saints
City: New Orleans, LA
Population: 1.1 million (metro)
Distance: 344 miles

If ever a city were in it's own universe, it'd be New Orleans. It's a whole different world in New Orleans and most people either love the city or hate it. Me? Give it to me in small doses. You can't beat the food. There's great music and a lot to see while you're there as well. On the other hand, if I fall for the "I bet you $5 I can tell you where you got your shoes" trick one more time, I'm going to need to take out a loan. The night-life/Bourbon street/Mardis Gras aspect? It's great if that's your thing. For me, it's a little much. But that food...

8/15

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
City: Tampa, FL
Population: 4 million (metro)
Distance: 602 miles

Like I said in the previous post, this is one of the tougher categories to score because there are a lot of these cities I've never been to and have no real feel for. Tampa is on that list. I'm sure it's a great city, I'm just not the person to ask. In the "what else could I do if I were to go down there to watch a game" category, they've got great beaches and Busch Gardens are always a good things. It's good enough for Hulk Hogan to call it home. Still, this is a shot in the dark....

8/15

And now for the cuts...