2009 NFL Season Preview: NFC West
The NFC West might as well be the NFL’s minor leagues. Despite having talented players, injuries and dismal coaching made the west the laughingstock of the league in 2008. However, the NFC representative at the Super Bowl somehow managed to come from this division. With three new head coaches, how is this division shaping up for 2009?
Arizona Cardinals (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 9-7)
Ken Whisenhunt boldly benched Matt Leinart and installed Kurt Warner as the starter in Arizona. Warner responded with almost a career year, leading an inexperienced team to within minutes of the Lombardi Trophy. With both offensive and defensive coordinators departing in the offseason, the major players in the Cards’ Super Bowl run are returning. This team seems an unlikely choice to shake the Super Bowl curse, as they didn’t play particularly well last season. The West is not going to be such a pushover this season.
Key Question: Just how bad will the Super Bowl curse hit Arizona?
Player to Watch: WR Anquan Boldin. Boldin is still unhappy with his contract status as the Cardinals brass declined to negotiate with him last year when he still had 2 years left on his current deal. While Boldin has taken to a different strategy (that paid off handsomely for safety Adrian Wilson), we’ll see if he makes a case for a big extension on the field.
San Francisco 49ers (predicted: 8-8, 2008: 7-9)
Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary seems to have instilled a toughness in the 49ers that was lacking in seasons past. Singletary is a no-nonsense coach and seems to be getting results. Naming Shaun Hill as the starter gives him the best chance to win, but it’s all eyes on Frank Gore who is expected to play a major role in the 49ers turnaround. While the 49ers are headed in the right direction, I still think they need another year.
Key Question: Will Michael Crabtree play at all this season? (I’m guessing he signs after week 6)
Player to Watch: LB Manny Lawson. Lawson is an incredible athlete but has yet to translate that to production. San Francisco mustered a pathetic pass rush in 2008, and needs more pressure from its linebackers.
St. Louis Rams (predicted: 5-11, 2008: 2-14)
I couldn’t help but laugh when I read interim head coach Jim Haslett was “surprised” when the Rams didn’t offer him the head coaching job after winning his first two games and then losing the next twelve. Really, Jim? Instead, the Rams went with 2007 Super Bowl MVC Steve Spagnuolo to fix a defunct franchise. Spagnuolo’s task is not easy; the Rams have been at the bottom of the league in almost every category for the better part of the decade, especially on defense. Hard charging running back Steven Jackson often has no line to run behind, and quarterback Marc Bulger hardly ever has time to throw downfield.
Key Question: If the Rams defense can give it a chance, will the offense be able to produce enough points to stay in games?
Player to Watch: DE Chris Long. With a so-so rookie campaign with 4 sacks and a handfull of tackles, Spagnuolo undoubtedly wants to get more production out of 2007’s no. 2 overall pick. Can Long be turned into the next Justin Tuck?
Seattle Seahawks (predicted: 9-7, 2008: 4-12)
Departing head coach Mike Holmgren left the Seahawks a nice parting gift- the fourth overall pick in the 2009 Draft. They spent it on linebacker Aaron Curry who, while not flashy, should be a steady and consistent producer. Playing beside Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill, the Seahawks have one of the youngest, most promising linebacker corps in the league. With the return of Matt Hasselbeck and the unlikely prospect of every wide receiver being placed on injured reserve again, the offensive woes that plagued the team last season should subside. The Seahawks are looking to reclaim the NFC West and return to 2006 form.
Key Question: Why sign Edgerrin James? Last I checked they already had a mediocre running back in Julius Jones.
Player to Watch: CB Ken Lucas. Released by the Panthers after trying to get a lucrative free agent deal, Lucas wound up with the Seahawks. He’s looking to prove that he deserved that payday.
That concludes my 2009 Season Preview. Check back for weekly outcome predictions that are usually comically wrong.
Technorati Tags: NFL, football, Arizona Cardinals, Ken Whisenhunt, Matt Leinart, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, San Francisco 49ers, Mike Singletary, Manny Lawson, Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Michael Crabtree, St. Louis Rams, Jim Haslett, Steve Spagnuolo, Steven Jackson, Chris Long, Marc Bulger, Seattle Seahawks, Aaron Curry, Jim Mora, LeRoy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, Matt Hasselbeck, Edgerrin James, Ken Lucas
