NFC West preview
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Prediction: First.
Coach: Steve Spagnuolo, third season (8-24).
Coordinators: Off., Josh McDaniels, Def., Ken Flajole.
Outlook: How much better were the Rams last year? Consider they won more games (seven) than in the previous three years combined (six). The arrow continues to point up thanks to second-year QB Sam Bradford. But there are challenges in other spots. The Rams still don't have a go-to WR. Steven Jackson is at an age when many workhorse backs begin to break down. And the defense, though improved, is still a work in progress. The Rams have high hopes for rookie DE Robert Quinn, and they brought in S Quintin Mikell from the Eagles to shore up the secondary.
Last word: The Rams came within a whisker of winning the division last season. They'll get it done in 2011.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 2-14, 1-15, 7-9.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Ken Whisenhunt, fifth season (36-34).
Coordinators: Off., Mike Miller, Def., Ray Horton.
Outlook: The Cardinals think they finally have their QB of the present and future in Kevin Kolb -- even if he has started only seven games in four seasons. He was acquired in a trade with the Eagles that sent CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Philly. WR Larry Fitzgerald is convinced Kolb is the right guy, which helped convince him to sign a mammoth eight-year contract to remain in Arizona. Losing Ryan Williams -- the second back taken in this year's draft -- to a season-ending knee injury in the preseason hurts. First-round CB Patrick Peterson is a huge addition on defense, although the Cardinals are still thin at LB.
Last word: Kolb is no Kurt Warner, but he's a big enough upgrade at QB to allow Arizona to contend in a weak division.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 9-7, 10-6, 5-11.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Jim Harbaugh, first season.
Coordinators: Off., Greg Roman, Def., Vic Fangio.
Outlook: The 49ers got their man in Harbaugh, the former Stanford coach, but he doesn't have his man at QB. At least not yet. He brought back Alex Smith and drafted Colin Kaepernick, who isn't ready for prime time. So don't expect miracles from this offense, which also has big-time problems with pass protection. The defense, which revolves around inside LB Patrick Willis, remains solid against the run, but has vulnerability in the secondary.
Last word: Welcome back to the NFL, coach Harbaugh. Settle in for a looooooong year.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 7-9, 8-8, 6-10.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: Pete Carroll, second season (8-10).
Coordinators: Off., Darrell Bevell, Def., Gus Bradley.
Outlook: Seattle last year became the first NFL team to win a division with a losing record, but the Seahawks did upset the Saints in the wild-card round. Still, they elected to let QB Matt Hasselbeck go, and bring in Vikings castoff Tarvaris Jackson. He joins Charlie Whitehurst at a dramatically weakened position. The defense, which wasn't so hot to begin with -- as proven by Seattle's 407 points allowed -- doesn't figure to get much better without any major upgrades in the offseason.
Last word: Tarvaris Jackson? Really?
Three-year trend (2008-10): 4-12, 5-11, 7-9.
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