NFC West Primer

The last of the primers has us visiting the NFC West. A lot has changed with defending champ Arizona. Can they repeat?

Can Leinart captain the Cards offense?

Arizona Cardinals
2009 record: 10-6, 1st in division
Head coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Key Additions: QB Derek Anderson, G Alan Faneca, K Jay Feely, LB Joey Porter
Key Losses: LB Karlos Dansby, K Neil Rackers, S Antrel Rolle, WR Jehreme Urban, WR Anquan Boldin

1. Okay. Is Matt Leinart really ready to be "the guy" in Arizona?
We've seen nothing to indicate he is. That being said, Leinart did have the honor of sitting behind a future Hall of Famer in Kurt Warner. If Leinart were to ask for advice, we know Warner will give it. Leinart has lost the job before and the signing of Derek Anderson, no matter how terrible he's played the last two seasons, should serve as yet another form of motivation. It all depends how Leinart approaches things. If he's canned for Anderson, it's high time the Cards move on at the position.

2. Can the Cards defense overcome the losses of Rolle and Dansby?
This is almost as critical as the retirement of Warner. Both Dansby and Rolle were sensational for Arizona. Bringing in Porter is a good move, but I'm not sold on it. Being able to draft former Horned Frog LB Daryl Washington could be just the right fix the Cards linebacking corps needs. The secondary will suffer from Rolle departing. Rolle has great instincts and quickness. I know they still have Adrian Wilson but he can't play everywhere. If Darnell Dockett and Company can bring QB pressure, the lack of depth in the defensive backfield won't be as noticeable.

3. Can Beanie Wells be the guy to take the bulk of the carries?
Wells was bitten by the injury bug when he was at Ohio State. Beanie averaged a good 4.5 yards a carry last year. It's not so much about Beanie being able to be the true #1 back as much as it is can the Cardinals rush the ball with consistency. Wells could get to 1,100 yards with good health and good blocking...and a commitment to run.

Warner's absence will still be the biggest one felt in 2010.

Smith must now show he's an NFL QB.

San Francisco 49ers
2009 record: 8-8, 2nd in division
Head coach: Mike Singletary
Key Additions: QB David Carr, CB Karl Paymah
Key Losses: T Tony Pashos, CB Walt Harris, WR Arnez Battle

1. Are the 49ers as legit as people think?
Tough to really tell. You know the Niners will play defense because of the guy in charge. It's the offense that concerns me. QB Alex Smith has yet to prove he's a starter in the league. The Niners to give Smith a bit of help in the draft by presenting him two excellent lineman (Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati). The recent signing of Brian Westbrook was facilitated with Glen Coffee abruptly retiring. That may be an even bigger plus with Westbrook being a dual threat. And don't forget that WR Michael Crabtree will be around for the whole season.

2. Is too much being asked of Davis and Iupati?
While watching the draft, a couple of "experts" said that Iupati was a bit more of a project than Davis. One Iupati starts downhill, defenders better watch out or it's a pancake. I was a bit taken aback that San Fran traded up to #11 to get Davis. He most likely would have been there at #13. Davis could get thrown in to the fire as the left tackle and the protector of Smith's backside.

3. How much will Westbrook add to the offense?
You can't imagine how big I feel this deal is. If anything, Westbrook can add the experience factor to the team. He can also serve as a mentor to Frank Gore. That's scary. Gore is already one of the best backs in the NFL and Gore has already learned from Westbrook. The Niners consulted with Gore before making the move. Not surprised Gore said yes.

I didn't feel the defense had any issues.

Seattle needed life and found it in Carroll.

Seattle Seahawks
2009 record: 5-11, 3rd in division
Head coach: Pete Carroll
Key Additions: RB Leon Washington, TE Chris Baker, G Ben Hamilton, QB Charlie Whitehurst
Key Losses: WR Nate Burleson, DE Cory Redding, FB Justin Griffith, S Deon Grant

1. Can QB Matthew Hasselbeck stay healthy?
The Seahawks made attempts to bolster the offensive line by drafting T Russell Okung and singing Hamilton from Denver. The retirement of Walter Jones will echo this season, but Okung could be the next great lineman to play in the Emerald City. It also depends on the health of C Chris Spencer. With Rob Sims being dealt, Spencer must now show he was worthy of being a high draft choice.

2. Are the Seahawks ready for Carroll's "rah-rah" attitude?
They better be. In fact, they need it. Infusing enthusiasm is Carroll's calling card. That alone could garner the Seahawks an extra win or two this season. Carroll says he was ready to return to the NFL to give it another go. It may take a year or two and people forget that Carroll had a winning record overall before he went to USC.

3. How deep are the Seahawks at wide receiver?
Very deep. They were hoping to move Deion Branch and his contract, but no one would bite. We'll never see the Deion Branch that was in New England, but this group can flat out play. Mike Williams has been the surprise so far. Branch, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deon Butler, second round pick Golden Tate and Williams give new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and Hasselbeck more than enough weapons at the position.

The Seahawks will bounce back a bit in 2010.

Bradford may be under pressure to start
immediately. The Rams should ease him
into that role.

St. Louis Rams
2009 record: 1-15, 4th in division
Head coach: Steve Spagnuolo
Key Additions: LB Na'il Diggs, CB Kevin Dockery, QB A.J. Feeley, DT Chris Hovan, G Hank Fraley, LB Bobby Carpenter
Key Losses: T Alex Barron, LB Paris Lenon, WR Ruvell Martin

1. Will #1 overall pick Sam Bradford start on opening weekend?
That's a lot to ask from a kid that missed a lot of playing time last year. I think the Rams made an excellent move by bringing in Feeley until Bradford is ready. Bradford may surprise me and get the nod for the first game. I'd find a way to get both Bradford and Feeley playing with the starters during preseason just to see where everyone fits.

2. More than one win?
No one can predict just one win, but the reality is harsh. I see two games that I think (I stress, think) the Rams might be favored to win (week 7 @ Tampa Bay and week 15 v. Kansas City). They have Arizona in week 1, pay a visit to an improved Oakland team in week 2, host the Washington Redskins in week 3. Tough start to the season. The Rams host Seattle in week 4 and that might be a third game where the Rams could be viewed as a favorite as Seattle historically does not play well in St. Louis.

3. Will RB Steven Jackson have to be the offense again in 2010?
Seems like he's been the Rams offense the last two seasons. If the Rams are to be successful from the offensive side of the ball, the passing game will have to evolve to avoid Jackson getting dinged. No question Jackson is a pure stud. Opposing teams know he's getting the ball and they still can't stop him. Oh, and having the receivers step up will help, too. Jackson also led the Rams in receptions in '09.

Gotta walk before you can run.

1. San Francisco. I'm sold.
2. Arizona. No Warner is a big problem.
3. Seattle. If the offense gets going, the could threaten for 2nd.
4. St. Louis. Just not enthused about them (except Jackson).