NFL Review and Predictions - NFC West

A series of reviews, predictions and ramblings on what to expect in the upcoming NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. As always, don't hold me to these.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
A lot has changed in the desert since the end of last season. Team leader, all around good guy and starting QB Kurt Warner has retired, wide receiver Anquan Boldin was moved to Baltimore and defensive standout Karlos Dansby is no longer with the team. So what do they have? At QB Matt Leinart will take the lessons learned from being on the bench and try to turn them into on-field success like the Packers Aaron Rodgers did behind Brett Favre. Leinart still has the chance to throw to Larry Fitzgerald which should help his accuracy. On defense they will fly to the ball, lead by SS Adrian Wilson. Rookie DT Dan Williams from Tennessee will also contribute. The Cards are still clearly the class of the division, but will struggle to win a playoff game.


San Francisco 49ers
Coach Mike Singletary wants to be the best to ever walk the sidelines. This team might just challenge him enough to see if that can true. The 49ers have built a decent team through the draft and with wide receiver Michael Crabtree, two rookie olineman that will start this seasons. These draft picks join the Pro Bowl talents of running back Frank Gore, linebacker Patrick Willis and safety Dashon Goldson. The big question remains under centre - can Alex Smith live up to the his first overall selection. Smith will be given all the opportunity to take the job and run, but if he can't succeed with the talent around him, it will interesting to see how Singletary reacts.



Seattle Seahawks
A new coach and a new look (no more lime green uniforms) the Seahawks will try hard to make sure the home field advantage at Qwest Field doesn't go to waste. The Seahawks have to cross their fingers that QB Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy for a whole season, something he hasn't been able to do lately. If he doesn't the options are weak - Charlie Whitehurst and JP Losman. Eww...IF Hasselbeck does stay healthy he will have some offensive weapons. Rookie wide receiver Golden Tate joins veterans Deion Brance and TJ Houszmanzadah (sp?). In the backfield he has Julius Jones and Leon Washington. Defense is what will keep the Seahawks in games though. A young fast linebacking core can make up for a lot of mistakes. Led by Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatufu and Leroy Hill will all have big years.



St. Louis Rams
The Rams only have one direction to go, thank goodness. After a terrible season last year which saw them go 1-15, they have some hope with the arrival of first overall pick and $50 million dollar man, quarterback Sam Bradford. He joins one of the most underrated players - running back Steven Jackson. Jackson is one of the best all-around running backs. Unfortunately, he hasn't had any support and teams are able to key on him. The Rams haven't upgraded their wide receivers much, although Donnie Avery will be improved. Their defense isn't spectacular and will get beat up because they will be on the field for extended periods of time. Three wins will be great for the Rams.