NFC West Predictions
June 25, 2008
The NFC West appears to be up for grabs more than ever this season. The Seattle Seahawks aim for their fifth straight division title and sixth straight postseason berth, but age is catching up to them. The 49ers did the most of any team in the offseason to try and be competitive, while the Cardinals look to take a step forward this season in their second year under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. There is no reason to be optimistic about St. Louis with too many injury concerns plaguing this team. Here are our 2008 NFC West Predictions.
The Cardinals made strides in 2007 and probably should have made a stronger run at the playoffs. Now they must take a bigger stride this season and get decided on a quarterback. Matt Leinart should be ready to take over at quarterback in his third season under center in Arizona. The Cardinals have plenty of firepower on offense in Pro Bowl receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin and a still-productive Edgerrin James at running back.
Injuries killed this defense last season, but when healthy, the 3-4 scheme flourished. The franchise took the right steps in the draft by taking two defensive players in corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and defensive end Calais Campbell. There are plenty of reasons to believe the Cardinals can push for a playoff spot in 2008, assuming their schedule doesn’t bite them. We feel the Cardinals will take an even bigger step this season and win the NFC West in 2008.
2.) Seattle Seahawks
A coaching place is already in change for 2009 in Seattle as plans indicated that Jim Mora will take over for Mike Holmgren. Players will be hungry to send Holmgren out with a bang. But several 30-something Pro Bowlers show how this team is filled with too many old veterans and not enough young talent, especially on offense. Their offensive line is in shambles, and their two starting receivers from a year ago will be missing the beginning of the season. D.J. Hackett has moved on to Carolina and Deion Branch is expected to be out until at least October.
That means that the defense will have to shoulder the load. But this unit was the heart and sole a year ago and the sole reason why the Seahawks made it to their sixth straight postseason. Starts Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson spearhead one of the best, if not the best line backing corps in the game. Patrick Kerney is a great pass rusher, but will need to get much more help from his fellow teammates on the line. The secondary is much improved as well. A defense can only carry a team so far, and their effort won’t be good enough to make up for a Seattle offense that has to deal with the loss of franchise running back Shaun Alexander. The Cardinals overtake the Seahawks in the 2008 NFC West race as Seattle has to settle for a Wild-Card run at the playoffs.
The 49ers just finished off their fifth consecutive losing season in 2007. Head coach Mike Nolan and QB Alex Smith will likely be out if they can’t return to the winning ways of San Francisco’s past. Hiring Mike Martz as offensive coordinator was a blessing. He’ll get the most out of this lackluster offense that finished toward the bottom of the league in almost every major category.
The 49ers made great moves to pick up Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson from fellow NFC West opponents. But their best pickup was on the defensive side of the ball with Cincinnati’s Justin Smith at defensive end. This gives the 49ers’ defense one of the best pass rushers in the league to compliment one of the best cover-corners in the league in Nate Clements. With middle linebacker Patrick Willis leading the league in tackles last year, the 49ers have a solid foundation on defense to compete in almost every ball game. But a lack of talent on offense will keep the 49ers from doing much damage as they settle for a 3rd place finish in the NFC West and a sixth straight losing season.
4.) St. Louis Rams
“The Greatest Show On Turf” is no longer in St. Louis. This offense has many areas in need of improving. Running back Steven Jackson is a premier offensive weapon and, if given time, Marc Bulger is capable of marching this team down the field. But wide receiver Torry Holt has been slowed by injuries and veteran Isaac Bruce has moved on to the 49ers to meet back up with former Rams’ coach Mike Martz. But it’s the Rams’ offensive line that is in shambles, as all five starters have missed significant playing time over the last two years.
The Rams got just 5.5 sacks out of their defensive line last season and the addition of Chris Long will help, but it won’t solve all their problems here. They have one of the worst secondary’s in the league with a bunch of no-name guys trying to cover the great receivers in this division. A terrible defense, coupled with an injury-plagued offensive line, gives the Rams little chance of succeeding in 2008. They will likely win more than 3 games this year, but even a .500 record would be a monumental accomplishment. The Rams finish dead last in the NFC West division in 2008.