How the West Will Be Won

The West is a difficult division to figure out. All 4 teams are seemingly on the rise, but is that truly possible? You could make a case for all of them to make the playoffs or for only one to make the playoffs. The big problem is the unknown, while Arizona and San Fran have seemingly upgraded themselves who knows how the young QBs will perform. What we do know is that there is a myriad of skill position talent in this division and they all play relatively easy schedules.

Seattle
2006 Finish 9-7
2007 Schedule Strength 24th
Games against playoff teams 4
Biggest addition: Patrick Kerney
Biggest Question: How much is left in the tank

Seattle returns most of their starters from a team that underachieved in the wake of the post Super Bowl euphoria. They may have the most talent in the league but they just aren’t fun to root for. Seattle also possesses one of the best home field advantages in football which should be good for at least 1 extra win. Shaun Alexander returns as a man on a mission, claiming to be ready to break Tomlinson and Dickerson’s records. He may have the ability to do that but will that upset the necessary balance Holmgren’s West Coast Offense craves. You have to give the personnel staff credit for adding in places of need. They upgraded the pass rush with Kerney and solidified the secondary with Deon Grant. Besides bolstering a defense boasting the talented Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu, both Kerney and Grant will provide hungry, veteran leadership and character. Absent injury this is a team that based on talent should be there in the end.

St. Louis
2006 Finish 8-8
2007 Schedule Strength 27th
Games against playoff teams 5
Biggest addition Adam Carriker
Biggest question: Can they stop the run

St Louis is the team I am most looking forward to watching. The Giants will rue the day they took a possession receiver over Brian Leonard. There may not be an offense with better weapons. Bulger, Holt, Bruce, Randy McMichael and Stephen Jackson are as dynamic as any group in the league. Add to that the versatility of Drew Bennett and Leonard and this team will certainly put up points. Defense is the question. The Rams were 31st in the league vs. the run last year. They believe to have plugged the hole with freakish manchild Adam Carriker. All reports from camp are that Carriker is a beast. The line is not the Fearsome Foursome but will be improved. As with any team injuries will be the key, if they can keep Bruce healthy and productive they will be in the hunt. Their schedule is deceptively difficult as they travel to New Orleans, Cincy and Baltimore. If they can get 1 of those 3 they will be fine.

San Francisco
2006 Record 7-9
2007 Schedule Strength 30th
Games against playoff teams 5
Biggest addition: Nate Clements
Biggest question: How will Alex Smith develop

The Niners also possess potentially exciting offensive weapons. Frank Gore is a game wrecker but also is an injury magnet. Vernon Davis is a specimen at TE and they have somewhat solidified their WR with Darrell Jackson and Arnaz Battle. The team will rise and fall upon the shoulders of Alex Smith. If he can progress maybe they improve 2 games and get into the playoffs. The defense is fierce with the addition of Clements, Tully Banta Cain and rookie Patrick Willis. The defense will keep them in games, if Gore stays healthy enough to control the clock at the end they may sneak up on people. Beware, the Niners are the chic sleeper pick and thus are set up for a horrific season unless the spirit of Bill Walsh can carry them.

Arizona
2006 Record 5-11
2007 Schedule Strength 32
Games against playoff teams 4
Biggest addition: Ken Whisenhunt
Biggest question: too many to ask/answer

The Cardinals are always an enigma wrapped in a riddle. They too have an embarrassment of riches at the skill position. They will start Leinart, Fitzgerald, Boldin and the Edge, all of whom are pro bowl caliber players. The problem is the game is won in the trenches and that is where they are lacking. They sought to address this deficiency in the draft but it will take time to rebuild. They will win a game they shouldn’t and lose some they shouldn’t. They will be fun to watch but are still at least a year away from making real noise.