Surveying the West: All-Access NFC West, August 14 Edition

Hot off the press, links to all the fresh NFC West news. 

Arizona Cardinals

Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted less than an hour ago that John Skelton is considered the favorite to win the starting quarterback job. 

According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, head coach Ken Whisenhunt is optimistic Ryan Williams will make his first appearance in a Cardinals uniform on Friday. Williams missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon. 

Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com talked to defensive coordinator Ray Horton. Horton explained that the defense committed a mistake on 17 of the first 20 plays against the Chiefs. 

San Francisco 49ers

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee touched on how Vic Fangio sensed a defensive letdown was coming in their first preseason game.

Kyle Bonagura of CBSSports.com reported that Aldon Smith would not miss extended time and is expected back for the regular season opener.   

Yesterday, Mario Manningham had his best day as a 49er according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.

Seattle Seahawks 

Clare Farnsworth of the Seahawks Blog walks us through Monday's camp and gives us some insight into coach Carroll's thoughts on the game, especially the poor tackling. 

Mike Sando, NFC West blogger for ESPN.com mulls over three hot issues that the Seahawks face.

Danny Kelly of FieldGulls.com does a great job of breaking down Seattle's running scheme and what the benefits of it are. 

St. Louis Rams

Ryan Van Bibber of TurfShowTimes.com talked about how center Scott Wells won't be making an appearance in a Rams uniform anytime soon.

Nick Wagoner of StLouisRams.com pointed out that coach Fisher wasn't pleased with the outcome of Sunday's game, but the focus is on the big picture, not one preseason game.

The Rams squashed their planned 2013 and 2014 scheduled London games. Tim Logan of the St. Louis Post Dispatch explains why.