Cardinals Should Lead NFC West in 2009, Seahawks and 49ers Could Surprise
A Preview of the NFL's NFC West Division
While the 49ers are still debating whether Alex Smith, Shaun Hill or Damon Huard should be the starting quarterback in 2009, the team did draft dynamic wide receiver Michael Crabtree in the draft this year.Crabtree's addition means whoever is the quarterback for this team has a legitimate game-breaking receiver. Not only will that help the quarterback, but it will also help running back Frank Gore return to his superstar form from a few seasons ago.
Gore was a top running back in the league a few years ago, but injuries and opponents' ability to key in on Gore made it hard for him to stay consistent.
The 49ers need to use Crabtree, wide receivers Brandon Jones and Arnaz Battle and tight end Vernon Davis to spread the field and keep the opposing defense guessing. This will allow Gore to break free for some big runs, and could be the key to San Francisco's success in 2009.
Scoring could be what separates the 49ers from the Seahawks for second place in the division. It could also be what allows the 49ers to shock the Cardinals and take over first place in the division.
Either way, the 49ers should be able to at least get a game better than last year's 7-9 record and finish the 2009 season 8-8. However, the playoffs are at least a year away.
Seattle Seahawks
A healthy Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback is all the Seahawks need to erase the memories of last season's awful 4-12 regular season record.
Not only was Hasselbeck injured, but the wide receivers were also decimated by injuries, preventing Hasselbeck from having a standout target to throw the ball to when he was able to play.
The addition of free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh should propel Seattle's offense into scoring at least one more touchdown per game. If receivers Deion Branch and Nate Burleson can also stay healthy, Houshmandzadeh will be open a lot more often.
Unfortunately, the Seahawks have no strong running backs, as Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett man that position and Jones is not a game-changing running back. The Seahawks are also lacking a quality tight end, which puts a lot of pressure on the running back and receivers to pick up the short yardage.
Those faults will hold Seattle back this season, and the Seahawks will likely have to settle for a 7-9 record and third place in the NFC West.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams are a team in almost total disarray.
Comments
Byron
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/24/2009
I've gotta agree with all these commenters: You're out of your head! John Carlson is one of the best young TEs in the NFL. He was pretty much the only good thing that the Seahawks had going for them last year. He had 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 TDs, setting franchise marks for the position in the first two categories and tying the third. Carlson is quite possibly a future Pro Bowler.
Oh, and Chad Lewis: Bob Marley sounds to me like a reasonable, realistic 'Hawks fan. (Yes, we exist.) Acknowledging that your team isn't perfect doesn't mean you don't back them 100%.
Chad lewis
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/23/2009
Wow there is no way you are a Seahawks fan Bob Marley.....I have never met a Seahawks fan that talks about the Seahawks like that. We could have the Detroit Lions team over here and we would back them up one hundred percent
Chad Lewis
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/23/2009
No quality TE???? Are you serious? Last time I checked Carlson was amazing last year. I cannot believe how many people are just handing the division to the Cards. They made a run...I understand that. But that does not make them the clear cut favorites. A team that has been as consistent as the Seahawks over the last 5 years does not just drop off like that without a reason. They are a very solid team and deserve more credit then people are giving them. Just wait.....No quality TE my ass...HAHA ridiculous statement
Jason
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/23/2009
The Seahawks are definitely a better team than you are saying. TE John Carlson Check his stats dude. Healthy offense check em out dude. Their defense will close a lot of teams out. They will have one of the best defenses this year in the NFC and maybe the NFL. RB situation I can agree but Jones can do it. Might not be over 100 each game but he will have his best season this year. You must be bias.
RAAB
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/23/2009
The Seahawks are also lacking a quality tight end. I do not agree with statement at all.
Bob Marley
(Guest)
(Guest)
07/23/2009
Good article. i am a seahawks fan and i agree with all you said with the exception of the TE. they have jon carlson and he led the team last year in receptions. he is a stud. they also picked up another OL in the draft that will start. with their new zone blocking scheme they may do better than people think. their running game won't be great, but good enough to open up the passing attack. i would say they will win 9-10 games realistically, IF their QB can stay healthy.
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