Early Look at the NFC West

Not many people are talking about the St. Louis Rams.  They ended the 2006 season strong under first-year coach Scott Linehan.  The biggest question again will be on the defensive side of the ball.  Rookie Adam Carriker should make a difference in helping the Rams improve against the run.  He brings a strong temperament to the defense and will do a better job of controlling the line of scrimmage than Jimmy Kennedy ever did.  His presence should help create more opportunities for Will Witherspoon to make more plays on the move from the middle linebacker position.  If Pisa Tinoisamoa returns healthy, he helps create an identity in Jim Haslett’s defense.  On the other side of the ball, the Rams will score points.  Marc Bulger is coming off a very productive season.  Torry Holt will be healthy after being slowed by knee problems.  Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael bring added versatility to an already strong passing game.  Bennett’s size on third downs and inside the red zone excites Linehan.  Steven Jackson is joining the elite group of running backs in the league.  The offensive line was in transition last season –especially with an injection of youth along the interior.  They should blend themselves into a solid unit this season.

If the Seattle Seahawks can get healthy after an injury-ravaged season, they have the ability to make a run for the NFC Title.  Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander missed a lot of games last season.  Alexander will be 30 years old heading into the season opener and is coming off an injury.  That leaves some questions to be answered.  Deion Branch should be more comfortable in the passing game this season, but needs time to build chemistry with Hasselbeck.  D.J. Hackett is being given an opportunity for a starting role.  I’ve always liked Hackett, but must answer some durability questions as a starter.  Does Marcus Pollard have anything left in the tank?  That’s a big question mark for the tight end position within the passing game.  Several scouts remain concerned about their offensive line – especially on the right side.  And there are some questions about Chris Spencer’s shoulder in the pivot.  There will be a lot to look for on defense.  If they can stay healthy, Marcus Tubbs and Patrick Kerney will make a major impact across the front seven.  This is a defense that must show significant improvement against the run.  Tubbs could be strong an anchor to improve the run defense if his knee is sound.  Kerney is a very productive pass rusher off the perimeter.  Brian Russell and Deon Grant should bring more stability and direction to the secondary from both safety spots.  I’d like to see Marcus Trufant evolve into a playmaker under Jim Mora. 

I believe the San Francisco 49ers are moving in a positive direction, but they still have a lot of questions to answer.  They’ll miss the presence of Norv Turner as offensive coordinator, but need to build off his philosophy.  Turner helped the offense gain credibility and confidence last season.  Frank Gore is a very strong presence on the ground, but the 49ers need to run the ball even more.  Unfortunately, they don’t have another back to give them a strong 10 carries behind Gore.  I am just not sure Marcus Robinson is more than a utility player out of the backfield.   Alex Smith made a lot of strides last season at quarterback, but he needs help in the passing game.  Darrell Jackson adds a steady veteran presence.  Arnaz Battle could be an adequate target.  I don’t expect Ashley Lelie to be the consistent playmaker the 49ers think they are getting.  They do have a young tight end in Vernon Davis that has the ability to create matchup problems, but he must become more consistent with his hands.  The offensive line has a lot of moving parts, but needs to find a consistent starting five.  Rookie Joe Staley could get pushed into a prominent role sooner than later at one of the tackle spots.  Mike Nolan has made a commitment to the 3-4 on defense.  They’ve added a few building blocks, but need a couple years for this defense to have all its parts.  The 49ers need a true pass rusher.  Manny Lawson struggled adapting as a pass rusher during his rookie season. 

Ken Whisenhunt is going to build a winner with the Arizona Cardinals.  He already inherits a team that has been building an intriguing core of young players.  They finally have a young quarterback to build the franchise around with Matt Leinart.  Leinart is mentally tough for a young quarterback and has a group of solid targets to grow with in the passing game.  The biggest question is whether Edgerrin James returns to form and fits within Whisenhunt’s culture.  Obviously, the offensive line will be a major question, but there is some promise here.  They have a core to build around with Reggie Wells, Deuce Lutui, and rookie Levi Brown.  They also have one of the best line coaches in the league with Russ Grimm.  Defense is always a question in Arizona and now they must make an adjustment to the 3-4.  But I am not sure if they have the pass rushers to help lift this defense.  Bert Berry is capable, but he’s had durability questions the past couple seasons.  Chike Okeafor is a nice part, but not someone opponents fear.  I believe the secondary should display more consistency this season under better coaching.  Antrel Rolle lacks ideal matchup speed, but should be a very solid corner with better technique. 

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