NFC West Preview

This season the NFC West seems poised to be the tightest race in all of the NFC. All the teams in the division are capable of challenging each other in close games. Every team made adjustments this offseason that will give them a completely different look in ‘08.

1) Seattle Seahawks

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 10-6

In what could pan out to be a competitive division in 2008, the Seahawks should continue to reign atop the NFC West. They released Shaun Alexander, who was the heart and soul of their offense until a horrid performance last year forced the team to move him. Even after his lackluster season, Seattle still managed to win the division with a 10-6 record. They recently re-signed CB Marcus Trufant to a six-year deal and added Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to boost their running game. They have a solid offensive line and proven quarterback that can get the job done. The defensive line should get a nudge with the addition of DE Lawrence Jackson drafted in the first round. Their secondary and linebackers are solid and they are a force to be reckoned with on their home field. Playoff appearances from this team have become commonplace and this season should be no different.

2) St. Louis Rams

Record last year: 5-11 / Projected: 9-7

The Rams had a very difficult campaign last season and had trouble getting into a good rhythm. This year they should have an improved defensive line after selecting DE Chris Long in the first round. He will be teamed with last year’s first round pick NT Adam Carriker, DE Leonard Little, and DT LaRoi Glover for what should be a potent defensive line. They should help take some pressure off of the secondary and help the offense gain needed field position. Look for Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson both to have solid numbers in 2008 and bounce back from less than stellar performances a year ago. Speedy second rounder Donnie Avery should be able to contribute using his quickness and ability to make plays to help the team. Also, second year RB Brian Leonard should settle into the offense and provide support for Jackson when he needs a breather. Ever consistent Torry Holt returns for another year of solid production, which is always good news for the Rams. Though the team will miss the veteran leadership of Isaac Bruce, the resurgence of Bulger and Jackson will serve to propel this unit to a competitive year.

3) Arizona Cardinals

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 8-8

The Cardinals have a great offense on paper with a slew of offensive talent. They have an improving secondary that is full of playmakers especially first round draft choice Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, the fast and talented cornerback from Tennessee State. Draft choices like DE Calais Campbell and WR Early Doucet will be great additions as well. The Cardinals have a strong offense but Matt Leinart has a lot to prove this year. There will be some pressure on him to perform. In many games last year Kurt Warner stepped in and played well during Leinart’s absence. Leinart needs to show that this is his team and he is capable of taking them to the post-season. Also RB Edgerrin James turns 30 this year and it is tough for backs to continue performing at a high level when they reach that age. It will be interesting to see who steps up for them this season.

4) San Francisco 49ers

Record last year: 3-13 / Projected: 2-14

The 49ers will benefit from playing in one of the weaker divisions in the NFC. Other than LB Patrick Willis on the defense, their isn’t much to be excited about in San Francisco. They added WR Bryant Johnson, DE Justin Smith, RB Deshaun Foster, and WR Isaac Bruce. Not very impressive additions, Bruce turns 36 this year, Deshaun Foster has ball control issues, and Bryant Johnson is a good pickup at WR, however, the 49ers still haven’t addressed their QB situation. Mike Martz has been added to help with the offensive playcalling, but Marshall Faulk isn’t on this team, and they will not be the “greatest show on turf” like his Superbowl champion Rams were in ‘99 -’00. San Francisco just doesn’t have the talent to be a contender, even with a great mind like Martz. They lost offensive lineman Larry Allen, one of the strongest men in the NFL and even though Patrick Willis is a beast on defense, the 49ers will need more help on offense to get it done this year.

Here is our outlook for the NFC West, please feel free to share your thoughts. What’s your call!? 

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