Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West

We're another weekend closer to the NFL kicking off for real! After my last look at the AFC South, this time around I'll be examining the teams in the NFC West, a division that is always up for grabs. (Unless you're the Rams.)

St. Louis Rams

When talking about the lowly Rams, number one overall pick Sam Bradford has to be first on your mind, and for good reason. After signing the most lucrative contract ever ($50 million guaranteed), expectations for Bradford will be similarly through the roof. The problem? He's still behind a porous offensive line that gave up four sacks on him during their first preseason game. Not exactly the best start. Right tackle Jason Smith (2nd year) starts at right tackle while rookie Rodger Saffold will be protecting Bradford from the left side. Young much? Piling on further pressure to Bradford is running back Steven Jackson, who, while still incredibly tough, isn't getting any younger. With only a few years left of Jackson in his prime, the Rams have to make these years count. Want even more problems? The Rams' wide receivers are hot garbage. While Bradford will probably start day one, I would be slower on the trigger. Unfortunately, the Rams don't have my patience or any slack at this point. 

Do I really need to discuss the Rams defense now? Ugh. They have solid performers in each defensive unit, but the Rams are a long way from intimidating anyone. Chris Long is developing on the line at his end spot, but losing DT Chris Hovan for the year won't help matters. Leonard Little, last year's leading sack-man for the Rams, is still undecided about returning for his 13th season. The linebackers are anchored by Na'il Diggs who is a solid 'backer at best. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is one of the better on the NFL, but even he couldn't find any other takers during the offseason. (To be fair, St. Louis would have matched any offer made on him anyway.) Three solid/decent players an NFL defense does not make.

Last year's record: 1-15

2010 prediction: 4-12

It's hard to not improve from a 1-15 season. Bradford will add a win or two (if he doesn't get mauled behind that line), as will another year in head coach Steve Spagnuolo's defense. However the Rams are still lacking any real talent at the wide receiver position and can't slow opposing offenses down. It'll be another rough year in St. Louis.

Seattle Seahawks

After one year on the job, Jim Mora was fired as head coach of the Seahawks, giving way to former USC head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll, years removed from his last NFL gig, has brought an energy to excitement to the northwestern franchise and upgraded Matt Hasselbeck's arsenal. He traded for Jets RB Leon Washington, making for a productive trio partnered with Julius Jones and Justin Forsett. They drafted Notre Dame wide-out Golden Tate to go alongside T.J. Houshmandzadeh. What's even more surprising is that Mike Williams (former USC receiver and NFL bust) looks like he's going to actually earn a spot on the roster. Tight end John Carlson isn't talked about enough and will see a lot of endzone looks from Hasselbeck. Sixth overall pick Russell Okung will anchor the offensive line for years from the left tackle position and will benefit greatly from line coach Alex Gibbs' renowned tutelage. Carroll also brought Jeremy Bates along to head up the offense, so expect some points on the board.

With all the attention paid to the offensive upgrades, the defense has been lost in the shuffle. While it certainly hasn't received the overhaul the offense has, it should be improved. Drafting safety Earl Thomas gives the Seahawks a play-maker in the secondary, something they desperately needed. He'll be behind a dependable linebacking corps that features Aaron Curry (last year's fourth overall pick) , Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu. The defensive line still needs work, but the defense certainly won't roll over as easy as last season.

Last year's record: 5-11

2010 prediction: 9-7 

After picking the Seahawks to win the division last year, needless to say my expectations have tempered slightly. Still, all these upgrades have to count for something, right? If they gel quickly, the Seahawks are in a weak division and also play the AFC West and NFC South, which means numerous games against lesser opponents. My prediction is as much their schedule as it is the team on the field.

San Francisco 49ers

Last year in San Francisco, the story was the quarterback. Shaun Hill had earned the starting job in coach Mike Singletary's eyes, but was very pedestrian in his starts. That allowed former number one overall pick Alex Smith to reclaim the starter's job. Running back Frank Gore's production has been hampered by injuries in recent years, which was going to lead to an increased role for back-up Glen Coffee before he abruptly retired earlier this week. Early Monday, former Eagle Brian Westbrook signed on with the Niners to back-up Gore, adding a different pass-catching element to their backfield. Drafting Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis should immediately upgrade their offensive line. With Vernon Davis at tight end and Michael Crabtree in his first full year at wide receiver the 'Frisco offense won't be at the bottom of the league. (Unless Smith sucks, which is highly possible.) 

Taking their cue from Singletary, the Niner defense is hard-nosed and aggressive.  Patrick Willis is one of the best linebackers in football, supported by Manny Lawson. Corner Nate Clements may be highly overpaid, but his coverage allows the defense to do so much elsewhere. Rookie safety Taylor Mays will be exposed in passing situations, but he hits hard and talks a big game. Fits the San Francisco mold, methinks.

Last year's record: 8-8

2010 prediction: 10-6

Alex Smith will never be a great quarterback. He probably won't ever be a good quarterback. He turns the ball over too much for this offense, of which this season should so plenty of evidence. They're still not good enough to run away and hide in this division, but they'll be good enough to upset the next team...

Arizona Cardinals

Hey Matt Leinart... are you ready for some football? No? Too bad, because you're going to get it. With the retirement of Kurt Warner, Leinart now steps into the starting quarterback role of a team whose run at division titles is in flux. His back-up? Derek Anderson. *vomit* Larry Fitzgerald sprained his MCL in the first preseason game, but he should be ready for week one. Early Doucet will fill part of the void left by Anquan Boldin's trade to Baltimore, but make no mistake: this won't look like Kurt Warner's Cardinals. Running back Beanie Wells will see a ton of carries, backed up by Tim Hightower. Coach Ken Wisenhunt won't get happy with Leinart at quarterback. Matt hasn't seen a wealth of NFL regular season action in his career, but if he can maintain a high level of accuracy on his short throws and stretch the field occasionally the Cardinal offense will tread water.

Adding to the offensive issues is the departure of two of Arizona's top defenders. Linebacker Karlos Dansby headed to Miami, replaced by Joey Porter, coincidentally from Miami. Safety Antrel Rolle departed for the Giants, forcing the Cardinals to sign Kerry Rhodes of the Jets. Both are downgrades. Porter would have been a solid choice... three years ago. He can still rush the passer but his coverage skills and run-stopping ability are waning. Rhodes hits hard but doesn't have the range of Rolle. Safety Adrian Wilson and defensive Darnell Dockett are still entrenched on that side of the ball, but it won't be enough to repeat the success of the past few season.

Last year's record: 10-6

2010 prediction: 6-10

With all these NFC west teams getting better, somebody had to get worse. Losing Kurt Warner, Boldin, Rolle and Dansby will prove too difficult to overcome in one offseason. Leinart has had an awful preseason so far. I wouldn't be surprised if he found his way onto the bench sometime this year. All of these changes add up to a losing season for the Cardinals in an improved NFC West.

Come back... please?