This season is full of interesting plots with old faces in new places, the Brett Favre saga, and off-season hold outs. These story lines will most certainly have an effect on the outcome of certain teams season's. Injuries have ravaged certain teams, and might open some doors for some clubs to pass the teams that are considered superior in rankings. This post is about the NFC West.
NFC WEST:
1. San Francisco 49er's-
Offense: This offense will once again be headed by super-star running back Frank Gore. He has been the life-blood of this offense for years. However, he will not be alone. He has Vernon Davis, the freak-of-nature tight end, and the up and coming Micheal Crabtree to relieve some of that pressure that is on his shoulders. The quarterback, Alex Smith, will be the determining factor in whether or not this team wins the division. He has all the weapons (great running game, solid receivers), but can he utilize them? That sir, is a good question.
Defense: When someone says 49er's defense, the first person you think of is All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. The guy is crazy fast and can stop the run better than any linebacker in the league. The entire defense, in fact, is built to stop the run with NT Aubrayo Franklin and DE Justin Smith. They will need some help in coverage in order to be a completely effective defense. If they can't stop the pass consistently, it could be a long year for those defensive backs.
Season Results: Yes, the Niners will win this division, but don't expect anything too flashy. 8-8, 9-7.
2. Seattle Seahawks-
Offense: The biggest name on this offense is Matt Hasselbeck, but that isn't saying much. A lack luster receiving core plus a backfield with no true leader doesn't help. If Hasselbeck doesn't get anything from his receiver corps, there will little to no offensive production, and the team will likely put in their "QB of the future" Charlie Whitehurst, which would destroy the last shred legitimacy of this offense. Their offense line also has some questions, especially with Russell Okung recovering from injury.
Defense: The defense of the Seahawks isn't as bleakas the offense. A solid linebacking corps led by Lofa Tatupu will anchor the defense. But that's not all, the Seahawks have a strong secondary capable of defending the pass consistently and forcing turnovers. The key will be getting pressure. Can a no name D-line step up and provide pressure and make this one of the better defenses in the league?
Season Results: The Seahawks will get by with an improved team this year. But I can't see them doing any better than .500. There is a slight chance that they come with this division though. 6-10, 7-9.
3. Arizona Cardinals-
Offense: Well, what was once one of the most feared offenses in the league is suddenly one of the worst. The retirement of Kurt Warner was the biggest blow to this squad. They now have no proven signal caller on the team. Not only that, they lost another one of their playmakers when they traded Anquan Boldin to the Ravens. Opposing teams can now focus most of their energy on Larry Fitzgerald, unless of course their running game all of the sudden becomes a factor.......unlikely.
Defense: This a unit that will struggle with consistency. The addition of Kerry Rhodes at safety make this secondary better, but there will be eyes on Dominique Rogers-Cromartie to see if he can stay healthy. The loss of Karlos Dansby at MLB might be to difficult to overcome though as he was great in pass coverage and stopping the run. The addition of aging OLB Joey Porter will only put a little more bite in this pass rush. DT Darnell Dockett will have to have good year and bring more pressure for this defense.
Season Results: The Cardinals are done. They are no longer a play-off contender after the departure of their play-makers. they 6-10 at the highest.
4. St. Louis Rams-
Offense: And with the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select, Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma. This maybe the best move the Rams made all off-season. Unfortunately the reality is that Bradford is a rookie will not be a huge factor for opposing defenses this year. He does have serious potential and will make his impact in the long run. The Rams will lean on their work horse RB Steven Jackson. Jackson is one of those players who suffers from GPBT(Good Player, Bad Team) syndrome, he is one of the best players at his position, but is on maybe the worst team in the league.
Defense: Can I even write anything here? The Rams D is almost non existent. Chris Long has been a disappointment. Their secondary is beat up and their linebacking is average. Their best players are LB James Laurinitis and S O.J. Atogwe, the defense will be centered around those players.
Season Results: Rams will be close, if not at the bottom of the rankings this year. They may be in line for another 1st overall pickin 2011. 4-12 at best.
So my predictions for this season are done (sorry this one was a little late =/). I have worked out a schedule for my writing and will post every Tuesday (after game day) and Saturday (Before game day).
No comments:
Post a Comment