My Beanie Wells Blog

This year the Cardinals are projected to earn 8.5 games, 15/2, to win the NFC Championship game and 15/1 to win the Super Bowl. Are these Vegas odds making your head spin? Well, to sum up, the likelihood that the Arizona Cardinals are returning to the Super Bowl, or even the playoffs, not are good.

At first glance, the possibilities of Cardinals seem great. Pro bowler Kurt Warner, in spite of its age of 37, still arguably is one of the best in the Quarterback in the NFL. Security Adrian Wilson takes a defensive unit much underestimated that played great down the stretch of last year. Cards are also one of the most lethal reception nuclei in the game.Anquan Boldin worldwide lock would feel a little better about the 2009 season, but that was not traded is a good sign.Larry Fitzgerald is an organizer of elite needed Boldin in the line above to release dual (even triple) coverage.

NFC West was a patch walk last year and should not be seen as weak as many think. With some of the improvements made this off-season, there is no way any team will win the Division with ease. The Seattle Seahawks grabbed Houshmandzadeh in free agent, helping a laughable receiver core quickly; improve both players Deion Brach keys and Matt Hasselbeck are returning from injury.A fresh start with new coach Jim Mora might also be good for some of these experienced veterans Seattle.No since the 1992 season Seattle Seahawks had such a total floor Victoria. Shocking 4-12 season will be huge motivation to rapidly improve and challenge for a playoff spot.

The Rams have lost Torry Holt and veteran LT Orlando Pace, but somewhat strong of lead in New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to lead the pack appearance.The Rams were an excellent project and even made a few solid free agent signings.

The San Francisco 49ers were ghosts in free agency, came away laughing after Oakland spent Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree NFL draft in April.The only question now is who is going to lead this young team? the right quarterback would have the 49ers finally retire with a serious muscle car repair shop.

The Cardinals cannot reach the Super Bowl by default, struck out three strong offensive teams: Falcons, Panthers and Eagles.With each victory playoff team grew more confidence, but a preseason headaches may hurt the Cardinals 2009 season.Best teams always get elected aside in the free, although losing while many starters like Arizona not has sitting well with loyal fan base, not to mention lose both their offensive and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley Agency.

Even with the additions of RB Beanie Wells and security project, this team Rashad Johnson looks like be dubbed a marvel of success uno.Demasiadas losses in defence and shake up of staff as coach will mean that the offence will be obliged to win games in a shootout moda.Se is great news if you have players fantasy, but difficult depend of down the stretch of the season of the NFL.La Cardinals programming is not easy, playing games road 4 of every 5 starting mid-November, while going against many up and coming to computers as the Jaguars, Texans, bears and the experts Packers.Gridiron predicts anywhere between a season victory for 6 to 9.

Can the Arizona Cardinals to stay on top in the NFC West without quarterback Kurt Warner? This is the question everyone is asking for the starting in the 2010 season. Warner led Cardinals to their second consecutive Division in 2009, title as the Cardinals finished regular with 10-6. Of beat the Green Bay Packers in a thriller of overtime in the first round of the playoffs, the Cardinals were no match for the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round and there season was long. With the West slightly below average talent wise, there still is a possibility that Cardinals could win the Division without Warner this season, but there is no doubt this computer will look very different. Here is my Arizona Cardinals 2010 preview and my prediction on where to finish the season in the NFC West.

Offense:

The Cardinals are not converted to fifth year of pro Matt Leinart or free agent pick Derek Anderson to take charge of Warner in the field marshal.Leinart started 16 games in his first two seasons with the Cardinals before Warner assumed, and the hope is that he took the time to really learn what it takes to be an elite NFL quarterback.Anderson has experience a little more starting with 31 starts in the last three years, but actually fell in the last two seasons after winning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2007. It is likely that you will not know boot up after training camp.

Regardless of who wins the starting quarterback job, look for the Cardinals run the ball more than it did with Warner in the Center. This means that we could see a great season second-year pro Beanie Wells, who led the Cardinals 793 yards and added seven touchdowns. Also look for Tim Hightower get lot of carries, especially in short yardage situations as Hightower paved the way with 8 yards rushing touchdowns in 2009.

The Cardinals traded away former Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin this offseason, but will drive probably not have so great a success as people might think. Still have one of the best receivers in the NFL in Larry Fitzgerald, and Steve Breaston has shown that it can handle the job as the threat of 2. Locate the third good year pro early to get into the action more this season.Not a lot of production expected tight ends Ben Patrick Anthony Becht, Stephen Spach step game.

The Cardinals added veteran guard left Alan Flaneca this offseason to help insurance until the offensive line. Adding forces 2009 Reggie Wells starter in a battle with Deuce Lutui at right guard ink planas.Wells could also be used at right tackle if necessary, but it seems that this position be lowering to Brandon Keith and Jeremy Bridges. Tackle left Brown Levi and Lyle Sendlein Center are back.

Defence:

All three starters are again on the defensive front and we saw a great season of defensive ends Darnell Dockett Calais.Tackle Campbell veteran nose Bryan Robinson will probably lose his initial work Dan Williams, who choose the Cardinals selected with his first round to newbie.

The Cardinals lost a leader and one of the best defensive players this offseason when Karlos Dansby signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins.With Dansby gone to find Paris doom to assume in its place alongside the solid Gerald Hayes, who needs to recover fully from a back that stopped you the pasada.Los season injury Cardinals are hoping that the addition of veteran outside linebacker Joey Porter given a major boost with the pass rush.Clark Haggins will be another match outside linebacker and is the leader of this group now that Dansby is gone.

The Cardinals lost free safety Antrel Rolle this offseason, but add Kerry Rhodes to team with strong safety Adrian Wilson.Cifras of Greg Toler step-by-step the corner initial vacant flat front of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Prediction - 2nd NFC oeste:I do not think that the Cardinals go to back to fall in the bottom half of the West this season, as they still have a football very talentosos.Si Leinart or Anderson can intervene and easily play their potential, this team might win the Division. by now I have them finished until 8-8 season.

1. Who will emerge from wild-card weekend as the 2010 version of the New York Giants 2007, who won everything as a fifth seed; or the sixth seed from 2005, the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XL champion? You can consider the Green Bay Packers. After a gap of one-year from the playoff, coach Mike McCarthy's team is making its best play since the loss last 8 November that was very embarrassing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who were then-winless, having won seven of its last eight. Quarter back Aaron Rodgers is playing a good game in the league right now; this was said by former Ravens coach Brian Billick.

The Dom Capers, 3-4 defense has a made a league-high 30 interceptions. Linebacker Rodgers has shown toughness and became an inspiration to teammates in shaking off a league-worst 50 sacks and became the first quarterback in the history of the league to throw for 4,000 yards his first two seasons as a starter. Aaron Rodgers is a phenomenal player, says Jim Miller from Sirius NFL Radio, a former quarterback. The Packers seem to have found their game with the help of Ryan Grant. But Mason Crosby a kicker is 27-for-36, translating 75% of his field goals and the postseason games can be reduced to a field goal, said Miller.

2. Can the Baltimore Ravens who are sixth-seeded, overcome a lot of injury from its secondary and with destructive tendencies as the second team with the most penalties? Cam Cameron Offensive coordinator has created a balanced, ninth-ranked scoring offense that runs Ray Rice running back through, who has 2,041 yards from disputes and a team-best 78 receptions. Miller said that he like this Ravens team all. Now, they have started to focus on running the football than earlier in the year. There are some issues regarding the secondary that lost Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington. Now, they don't have the ability to prevail over their mistakes like they could then. Before, they were able to impose their will when they failed with the lack of steady offense. Now after making mistakes, they cannot overcome them.

3. Can the Philadelphia Eagles who are sixth-seeded, survive the loss of center Jamaal Jackson to a knee injury on Week 16? Coach Andy Reid is a former offensive lineman from Brigham Young University knows that postseason runs start up front. Nick Cole a right guard replaced Jackson, with Max Jean-Gilles stepping in for Cole. Can the Eagles finally win that hard to get Super Bowl with the most dangerous weapons of McNabb's career? It will be hard because he is a great player and a big guy that can restore the line of scrimmage, says Miller. Jamaal Jackson is a nasty player. Losing the key block in the center position is a very big loss.

4. Is it the same New York Jets? No. The same old Jets could have missed the playoffs in spite of the late-season gifts from the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals, who substituted their starters to rest while the Jets make the most of a win scenario with back-to-back victories. You can dismiss them as lucky at your own risk. Rex Ryan made an unpredictable overload blitzing scheme that was backed by the Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis' shut-down is allowing a league-best 14.8 points a game. The Jets made a league-best rushing attack averaging 172.2 yards.

Ryan said the Jets should be favored to win Super Bowl, their weakness? Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. After starting with a 3-0, in the April draft he was the fifth over all selection, he hit the rookie wall, and forgot to slide. He's 0-5 and he throws more than one interception. Whether they were lucky into the playoffs with Indianapolis pulling out their starters, the Jets are definitely good enough, says Miller. They have great defense and run the football. But the immaturity in their quarterback spot could cost them the game.

5. With Chris "Beanie" Wells the rookie averaging 4.5 yards rushing, can the Arizona Cardinals who are more balanced finish what they have not done in the final minutes of Super Bowl XLIII versus the Steelers? These Cardinals are now even better than the previous heavy team that came within a last-minute Ben Roethlisberger pass to Santonio Holmes touchdown pass of winning their first Super Bowl. Miller asks what quarterback has been better in postseason play than Kurt Warner? Now, they are a more well-rounded football team. But what about Kurt Warner? If he is hot, they are a sure winner, but if he is off in any of the game, then the team will lose. In four of their five losses where Warner has played, he has thrown 11 out of 14 interceptions.

6. Can the Bengals cope up with the scoreboard? Marvin Lewis the coach of the Bengals has been steady in guiding the tea, through two tragic losses, the sudden, October death of Vikki Zimmer, wife of Mike Zimmer defensive coordinator, and the tragic Dec. 17 death of Chris Henry wide receiver. But a 22nd-ranked scoring offense that is run-oriented is least potent among the playoff field. Take away Chad Ochocinco the receiver and Palmer has no other big-play options, as his one 300-yard passing game reflects. If they are two touchdowns down, can they catch-up? ask Miller. They need the game to be close where it's only a touchdown or a field goal. If it boils down to a shootout, the Cincinnati Bengals can't compete.

Continuation to the Super Bowl 44 Q & A. 7. Can the New England Patriots run the game as a wild card, with the distinction to the victorious favorite that lost its flawless dream season in Super Bowl XLII? Just when they thought that they have everything under control, the Patriots lost their very strong offensive heart and soul, when Wes Welker their slot receiver and his league-leading 123 receptions, got a serious knee injury on Week 17. A scoring defense on the fifth-rank allowed 17.8 points and the game has clamped down. Every one is still pointing at their defense. Is the pass rush still there for team New England? Ask Miller. They have shown the capability for the past couple of weeks to pressure the quarterback. It is a team that is starting to get its composure back together again.

8. Is Tony Romo prepared to take the Cowboys for the first time to a Super Bowl since 1996? Romo was able to remove his December mischief goblin, and came out as a poised decision-maker and clutch winner with the Cowboys' 24-17, Week 15 victory against the New Orleans who were then unbeaten inside the Superdome. As Trent Dilfer ESPN analyst notes, Romo is making confident pre-snap reads and taking advantage of his group of running backs Felix Jones, Marion Barber and Tashard Choice to set up play-action strikes to Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd. Their wild-card rematch against NFC East rival Philadelphia is Romo's opportunity to achieve deliverance for his 0-2 playoff record. They are already starting to play like a Super Bowl team, said Miller. Because of the victory over New Orleans, they have already set a standard. If they can continue with it into the playoffs, they will be a tough team to beat.

9. Can Brett Favre lead the Vikings to that Lombardi Trophy he came off his Mississippi tractor to win? Moon said he really think they have as good shot as any team to win in the Super Bowl. They can run the ball on offense and they can also stop the run on defense as good if not better than anybody. And they have Brett Favre a quarterback who has a great deal, if not more, playoff experience than anybody. Those things are really a plus factor for them. What happened, why did they loose two of their last three? They have transferred into Brett Favre's team, instead of Adrian Peterson's team; this is what analyst Greg Cosell of the NFL Films says. Peterson has two times as many lost fumbles as 100-yard rushing games.

10. Are the San Diego Chargers this season's 2006 Colts - a not so lucky team hardened by harsh playoff frustration (2007 AFC Championship Game loss) to finish on the brink of celebrating a Super Bowl 44 breakthrough? The guys have been around for a while and have suffered a lot of heartaches and lots of disappointments, A.J. Smith Chargers general manager says. Going to the playoffs all the time pays extra. The longer time you're in the tournament, the more the tremendous pressure of trying to get to the Super Bowl. We already know the experienced. Rivers is playing at his best football of his career at the proper time. Can this be his time to win a Super Bowl title and follow 2004 first-round draft classmates Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger? He also wants to win it, Smith says of QB Philip Rivers. With a bit of luck, that will happen for all of us.

LaDainian Tomlinson Running back is in good health for the first time after his injuries limited him for the past two postseasons. And he's behind the game's best line, Madden said, who is keep an eye on the league closely in retreat and trying to bring acknowledgment to the game's best offensive lines in a crusade with Prilosec. I will tell you that the offensive line has gotten better, said Madden.

11. Can coach Sean Payton and Drew Brees get a Lombardi Trophy for the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast region they recognize as their calling?
Can they ignite their offense after hitting the postseason in a three-game tailspin?
Drew Brees and the Saints have a remarkable offense, Greg Cosell NFL Films analyst says. No one does it better than Sean Payton in terms of formations and personnel. A concern is about their 26th-ranked pass defense. They found out that Malcolm Jenkins cannot play corner.

12. Can Peyton Manning & the team justify Colts coach Jim Caldwell's decision to pull out his starters in Week 16 versus the Jets, which passed a possible 19-0 in favor of preserving a Super Bowl 44 title run? Even if there is a rash of injuries, the Colts hold the seventh ranked scoring defense. They allow 19.2 points a game, and their sixth ranked offense has an average of 26 points. They won most games this decade with 115. They have a Super Bowl title to show for that success, compared with the Patriots three and the Steelers two during that span. This shows how great the competition will be in the next Super Bowl 44.

Here is a breakdown of each team in the NFC, including positions of prediction Division.

NFC East

Washington Redskins (5-11)Mike Shanahan regime has apparently injected new life into a franchise of the sick, but a tough schedule and the shortage of playmakers will hurt chances of Donovan McNabb of the playoffs with former Division rivals.A question remains unanswered: $ 100 million man will finally show their worth?

Eagles Philadelphia (8-8) Life without the McNabb is swallowing if Philly WINS not immediately. Kevin Kolb will be effective in view of the number of weapons you have, but the Eagles can suffer a downturn in their production of RB LeSean McCoy compared to pre-concussed Brian Westbrook.

Giants of New York (10-6) The Giants are my NFC wildcard selection. Stacking up with veteran leadership in key points (i.e., Keith Bulluck, Shawn Andrews) have been, and the receiving body looking better than ever.If Ahmad Bradshaw can fully embrace the initial function of regular budget, will be very difficult to stop with Eli and his helmet newly adjusted.

Dallas Cowboys (10-6)Dallas has sought unfortunate this offseason, but then again aes preseason.They pick you it with its execution by the Committee, but ultimately land attack will be their defense that gets back to the playoffs.

NFC North

Detroit Lions (7-9) 7-9) one of the brightest League teams will look to computers a run for their money. It will be crucial for Matthew Stafford to enter into a rhythm with their line o, their RBs (i.e. Jahvid Best) and its host body, i.e. Calvin Johnson and newcomer Nate Burleson.

Chicago Bears (8-8)Hiring of Mike Martz was certainly a step in the right direction for the development of Jay Cutler.Brian Urlacher and defence will be to bounce as well as Matt Forte from his sophomore fall. A playoff would mean security job for Lovie Smith, so this could get interesting.

Minnesota Vikings (9-7)Surprise, surprise: ends Pope Favre and training camp is displayed.But the dinosaur will not be able to recreate the magic of last year without Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin at full capacity.Inevitably, the weight rests on the shoulders of Adrian Peterson. ?

Green Bay Packers (11-5) Aaron Rodgers is fast becoming the Peyton Manning NFC and Ryan Grant the backfield and defense more than 5, the sky is the limit for this group. Beware of 3rd year TE Jermichael Finley step it up a notch and become a redzone regularly for Rodgers.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13) every dark cloud has a silver Cadillac.

Carolina Panthers (6-10)Operation and defence have always been staples of John Fox.DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart stuffed handle execution, but the defence might be suspicious.Matt Moore has yet to prove himself, but how hard can be to match the unfortunate Jake Delhomme performance.

Atlanta Falcons (10-6)Matt Ryan returns in its sophomore with renewed confidence.Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez will be both have a hand in it, and a powerful ground game to take pressure off of him.The Falcons are my other NFC Wild Card pick.

New Orleans Saints (12-4)Not much has changed unless there is a huge X in New Orleans (as in XLIV) .but if any coach for the challenge, is Sean Payton and his gutsy playcalling.The defence was not very physical as other teams, but will be opportunists with turnovers in order to return to the promised land (a.k.a.)(The House that Jerry Jones, built).

NFC West

Defense of St. Louis Rams (4-12) with Steve Spagnuolo more firmly intact, which I am giving the victory of the previous season 1 wonder 3 victories in the weaker NFL Division.

Marine Seattle (6-10) hawksPete Carroll gets another crack in the pros with forgotten America.Leon Washington team and Justin Forsett could put Seattle of the running game again on the map, but the defence must find more ways to apply pressure.

Arizona Cardinals (7-9)Indeed, with the current crisis in QB Ken Whisenhunt has seriously reevaluate their equipo.Esto identity could mean more touches to Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells, opening the game to the Cardinals of paso.Ahora everything they need is a QB.

San Francisco 49ers (10-6)This could be the first time that San Francisco earns Division from T.O. Management.Apart from enjoying an easier programming, the Niners are a complete computer - Frank Gore has the backfield, Alex Smith is going into its own defence is taking in the person of the crazy man who is Mike Singletary.

The Cardinals of Arizona, and in particular Kurt Warner, has been a nice history the last two seasons. Of course, 2008 Warner led cards to their first Super Bowl and a single Santonio Holmes shot from one of the big Super Bowl upsets.

Last year, Warner was more tremendous once, throwing for 3.753 yards and 26 touchdowns as Arizona won the NFC West for the second consecutive year. Their efforts in the wild-card against the Green Bay Packers round was one for the ages.Warner threw for 379 yards and five touchdowns - with only four incompletions and no picks - in the shooting 51-45 win the Packers.Parecía Warner could play for a few seasons at least.

Then came the game divisional round against the Saints, Warner was totally destroyed in a hit that one - an as hard hit probably was the final act for him choose to retire soon after the loss. Therefore, the Cardinals of 2010 will be without his best offensive player of the last year.And they will also be without its best player defensivo.Linebacker Karlos Dansby, who scored the winning touchdown in a fumble return game playoff against Green Bay, now is a Miami Dolphin. And move security Antrel Rolle pass in a salary cap.

At first glance, seems that Arizona will be a retrograde step this year. Even that I did not mention the fact that no.2 WR Anquan Boldin is now a Raven, but it seems that he could be replaceable with Steve Breaston.Arizona brought former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson to compete with Matt Leinart, but QB is Leinart to lose.If he can do something this year, former winner of the Heisman Trophy probably has officially classified as a bust.Certainly not average team pass 605 attempts as did according to Warner, so seek more Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells on the ground.

BetUS lists WINS total in 7.5 Arizona NFL season and their NFL odds to win another Division at + 250. can we expect? take a look at the programming Arizona Cardinals 2010 (all times Eastern):

Week 1: Sunday, 12 September, in St. Louis, 4: 15 PM
Week 2: Sunday, 19 September, in Atlanta, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 3: Sunday, September 26, Oakland, 4: 15 PM
Week 4: Sunday, October 3, in San Diego, 4: 15 PM
Week 5: October 10, New Orleans, 4: 05 PM
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, October 24, in Seattle, 4: 05 PM
Week 8: 31 October, Tampa Bay, 4: 15 PM
Week 9: Sunday, November 7, at Minnesota, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 10: 14 November, Seattle, 4: 15 PM
Week 11: Sunday, November 21, in Kansas City, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 12: Monday, November 29, San Francisco, 8: 30 PM
Week 13: 5 December, St. Louis, 4: 15 PM
Week 14: 12 December, Denver, 4: 15 PM
Week 15: Sunday, December 19, Carolina, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 16: Saturday, December 25, Dallas, 7: 30 PM
Week 17: Sunday, January 2, San Francisco, 4: 15 PM

The good news is, when it comes to force Arizona NFL tight schedule ranks dead last in terms of winning percentage of opponents 2009 (114-142,.445) .but not read too far in taking into account four easier five NFL schedules to belong to the NFC West teams - Division is not so bad. only four opponents of Arizona reached the playoffs last year.

Unless the cards get a piece of cake starting against the Rams, which has not won a game at home from the 7 week 2008.Podría season be a great match against St. Louis rookie QB Sam Bradford.Los Cardinals will play three of their first four games on the road, but five of their last eight will at last casa.La opened the season with three of their first four games on the road was his last year 2008 Super Bowl season, Cardinals had more wins the franchise on the road and six - since 1963.

Expect that Arizona to be the starting 2-3 week goodbye in the NFL.No picks an opponent has a bye week before the Cardinals play this year, which is impar.Realmente there is no reason that Arizona cannot win each game at home after the bye except for probably Dallas and perhaps the 49ers, which swept the cards year pasado.Juego Cardinals home on the night of Christmas is the first time that have played at Christmas from 1995.Que Monday nighter with the Niners is the fourth year in a row, the two teams met in the multinational force.

Arizona should be a dog in each game the road after the bye except perhaps in Kansas City.Pero likely make a cold game, which should be a great advantage of jefes.Esto smells like a team of 7-9 for me, so take BetUS bass and expect to San Francisco to win the NFC West this year.

Seattle Seahawks
Projected Record: 9-7

Seattle hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2009 season. Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck appears to be healthy and the Seahawks have also hired head coach Pete Carrol from USC to run things on the sidelines. Those two factors alone should be enough to put the Seahawks back in contention in a mediocre NFC West.

The Seahawks were able to pick up some key pieces in this years draft. Russel Okung looks like he is ready to step up and take the place of perennial all-pro tackle Walter Jones who retired this offseason. Earl Thomas is a ball hawking safety who will infuse youth and athleticism into a secondary that struggled last season. Golden Tate should provide another target for a Seattle passing game that had problems with injuries, consistency, and producing big plays. Running back Leon Washington, who was acquired in a draft day trade with the Jets, hopes to rebound from a lower leg injury and add some big plays to the running game and special teams.

Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill still provide experience and solid play from the linebacker spot. Second year linebacker Aaron Curry will need to continue to improve and become more of a leader on defense. Chris Clemons has big shoes to fill at defensive end to replace Patrick Kerney who retired this offseason. Lawyer Milloy, while experienced, is still a liability in coverage, so the development of Earl Thomas is critical to Seattle's secondary.

There are a lot of questions around the Seahawks, but the division they play in gives them a certain margin for error. Seattle still has the most experienced quarterback in the division and with a few tweaks on defense I don't see any reason why Seattle can't win the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals
Projected Record: 8-8

The Cardinals have won the NFC West for the past two seasons. However, the retirement of Kurt Warner makes the Cardinals vulnerable. Matt Leinart is under a lot of pressure to perform well this season. Derek Anderson was signed as a free agent to step in at quarterback if Leinart struggles.

Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston form one of the best wide receiving duos in the league. Beanie Wells will continue to get more carries this season as he showed the explosiveness and power that the Cardinals have been lacking in their running game in recent seasons. Tim Hightower also provides a nice change of pace for Arizona in the running game.

Although Arizona's defense struggled in the playoffs last season, there is still reason to be excited about the Cardinals defense. Arizona spent their first round pick on nose tackle Dan Williams and their second pick on linebacker Daryl Washington. Both are expected to contribute this year. Darnell Dockett continues to anchor the defensive line and shows no signs of slowing down. Free agent acquisition Kerry Rhodes is hoping to fill the void left by Antrel Rolle who left via free agency. Adrian Wilson is still one of the most physical safeties in the league and will continue to make receivers pay for going over the middle.

The defense has enough talent to create turnovers and make plays in stretches. However, like many defenses they play much better with a lead. The loss of Kurt Warner is huge for this team, not just from a production standpoint, but also from a leadership perspective. If Matt Leinart can fill that void the Cardinals have a chance to three-peat as NFC west champs. If not the Cardinals are looking at a.500 season.

San Francisco 49ers
Projected Record: 8-8

The 49ers got off to a fast start last year starting the season at 3-1. After the fast start they stumbled to an 8-8 finish. Injuries to offensive lineman Joe Staley, running back Frank Gore and inconsistency from the quarterback position (Shaun Hill, Alex Smith) were the main causes of the 49ers downward spiral of a year ago. This year the 49ers hope to return the postseason for the first time since the 2002 season.

The 49ers got young and talented on the offensive by selecting tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati. Alex Smith has been named the starting quarterback and this is probably his last season to prove he is not a first round bust. Vernon Davis finally emerged as the play maker scouts predicted him to be when he first came into the league in 2006. Second year receiver Michael Crabtree should be more productive with a full training camp and off season mini camps under his belt. Frank Gore and Glen Coffee lead a 49ers ground attack that has to be effective to keep the pressure off of Alex Smith. The draft day trade for Tedd Ginn, Jr. will help bolster special teams.

Patrick Willis is the new Ray Lewis. Willis is an absolute tackling machine and his high intensity and determination rub off on his defensive teammates. The 49ers also added safety Taylor Mays in the draft. Although Mays stock slipped a bit because of his questionable pass coverage, I think head coach Mike Singletary will find a place for Mays aggressive hard hitting nature in the secondary. Takeo Spikes and Nate Clements are solid veterans who bring leadership and experience to a young defense.

The 49ers could be a true dark horse in the NFC West, and possibly the entire NFC, if they can get some consistency at the quarterback position. Their defense and running game are already playoff caliber. I really want to pick San Francisco to win the NFC West but I think their issues at quarterback will have them on the outside looking in.

St. Louis Rams
Projected Record: 3-13

The Rams only tasted victory once last season, so there is nowhere to go but up. By virtue of their one win St. Louis used the first pick in the draft to select quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford missed most of his senior season due to an injury on his throwing shoulder. The key to the Rams long term success is to find a way to develop Bradford at a moderate pace without getting him hurt. Sounds easy, but when you pay someone 50 million dollars in guaranteed money development tends to get accelerated.

Trying to maximize their investment in Bradford, the Rams selected tackle Roger Safford to help watch his back. They also selected wide receiver Mardy Gilyard who adds some youth and quickness to a receiving corps that struggled to make big plays last year. Steven Jackson will get even more carries than he did last year as the Rams try to keep the pressure from falling onto their young quarterback. Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson need to step up and stay healthy as they are the only receivers on the roster with more than two seasons of experience.

The Rams were able to resign free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe which helps out a young defense that needs leadership and play making ability. Chris Long needs to continue to improve and develop into the premier pass rusher the Rams thought they were getting when they drafted him in 2007. James Butler and Kevin Dockery are veterans that head coach Steve Spagnuolo brought in to provide on field direction and leadership to a defense that struggled to find an identity last year.

The Rams are young on both offense and defense with loads of potential on both sides of the ball. How this potential develops will ultimately decide the Rams long term success as well as head coach Steve Spagnuolo's fate. This year however, expectations are still fairly low for the Rams. As long as they win a few games ( 3 or 4) and are able to develop Bradford I think Rams fans (and management) will be happy.