The NFC West is one of the weakest in the league boasting San Francisco as their best team.
1. San Francisco 49ers. The Niners defense has improved to be one of the toughest in the league under head coach Mike Singletary and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Of course, it also helps that one of your linebackers is rising star Patrick Willis.
Singletary worked hard during the offseason to improve the team’s offense. The Niners offense gave up an average of 50 sacks a season for the past three years. No offense is effective without a strong offensive line. San Francisco made it a point to draft talented offensive linemen Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati. With a beefed up O-line RB Frank Gore may run more than the 80 yards he averaged last season. Former No. 1 pick Alex Smith has this season to prove his high drafting. He is certainly not short of any weapons because Michael Crabtree is as talented as they come and TE Vernon Davis is already one of the best in the league at his position.
2. Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals finally grew tired of Matt Leinart’s high school QB mentality and cut him when they couldn’t find a team that would trade for him. QB Derek Anderson takes over his spot. They still rank ahead of the Seahawks because of young, talented players like WR Early Doucet and RB Beanie Wells. Not to mention Larry Fitzgerald. Anderson will have no shortage of talent around him.
Their defense looked great during the preseason but they’ll struggle in their last four games and fail to make the playoffs.
3. Seattle Seahawks. Seattle struggled during the preseason and its understandable since Pete Carroll just took over in January. They traded for QB Charlie Whitehurst in hopes that he’ll eventually develop into a starter but Whitehurst has been a huge disappointment so far.
They lack talent, but the former USC coach is optimistic that the Seahawks have what it takes to eventually compete with Arizona and San Francisco. WIth an easy schedule Carroll will be welcomed nicely in the NFL.
4. St. Louis Rams. No 1. pick Sam Bradford will be the starting QB for the Rams in Week 1. With a weak O-line, Bradford better be ready to take a lot of hits against the Cardinals.
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