Monday, July 7, 2008
NFL '08 Predictions: NFC West
Also see: NFL '08 Predictions: NFC North
The NFC West is filled with teams that are rebuilding and dealing with nagging injuries. It seems the only reason the Seahawks have been able to stay atop the division for so long is because they've suffered the least from injury. It is looking like little will change for the NFC West in 2008.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks seem to have been the biggest underachievers in the past two seasons. After going 13-3 in 2005 and losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL, the Seahawks looked poised to be the NFC team to compete with the AFC strongholds of Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. But this has become unlikely. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are proving themselves as the top teams in the NFC and the Seahawks have become an afterthought, so often playing down to their competition.
The Seahawks' biggest problem has been dropped passes. Bobby Engram has helped that a bit, but the problem hasn't disappeared. Shaun Alexander dropped off of the map and Maurice Morris perhaps saved the Seahawks from even more embarrassment in 2007 by leading them with solid rushing performances. The acquisition of Julius Jones is unfortunately not a backup plan for Morris, as Jones will most likely be the starter. Perhaps Jones and the Seahawks will be a good fit. He seems to be the biggest underachiever of any starting position player in the entire the NFL.
Despite all these things, nobody else in the West seems quite poised to take over the division (though the Cardinals have a legitimate shot). The Seahawks can easily go 5-1 in the division and be well on their way to 10 wins.
Prediction: 10-6
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals look to be a team on the rise. All sources point to Matt Leinart having the starting spot locked up, but in the NFL, it seems very few things are a lock. If Leinart can manage some maturity and his two stud receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, can stay healthy, the Cardinals could be extremely dangerous in 2008.
The team was surprisingly close to stealing a playoff spot in 2007 and with another year under head coach Ken Whisenhunt, don't be surprised if the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs in 2008 and even give the Seahawks a run for their money.
Prediction: 9-7
ST. LOUIS RAMS
The Rams have a great talent at running back with Stephen Jackson. He could very easily sport six or more games of 200+ total yards in the Rams' offense. Torry Holt is no longer the threat he once was. He's still got great hands and a great build, but nagging knee injuries will keep him from showing off the outside speed needed in the Rams offensive system. The Rams need to find a number two receiver that is a real speed-burner. The acquisition of Trent Green will be helpful for when Marc Bulger inevitably goes down with another injury.
Prediction: 5-11
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Hiring Mike Martz may be just what the 49ers need to get back to playing West Coast football, but let's be honest, Alex Smith has not proved himself whatsoever and with a shoulder that will be ever-questionable, it's hard to believe he'll start all 16 games of 2008. Frank Gore is the 49ers' most talented player, but without an offensive line, it may be difficult for him to get back to his numbers of 2006 where he had nearly 2,200 total yards. The 49ers are a project and perhaps things will turn around more quickly than I'm anticipating, but with a new offensive system to learn and few veteran players with any successful experience, don't expect 2008 to be much different than 2007 for the 49ers.
Prediction: 4-12