Surveying the West: All-Access NFC West, August 16 Edition

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

Don't forget that there are two preseason games being played on Thursday. Cincinnati takes on Atlanta, and Cleveland takes on Green Bay. Both are scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET.

Arizona Cardinals

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has been displeased with both the first-team offense and defense, so expect both units to see extended time against the Raiders. This was first reported by the Associated Press.

According to Kent Somers of AZCentral.com, Paris Lenon has a bum ankle, which will allow Stewart Bradley to get the start once again this week at inside linebacker. 

Kurt Boyer of Bleacher Report analyzes who the best quarterback is in the desert. 

San Francisco 49ers

Dan Mori of Bleacher Report asks the question, are the San Francisco 49ers the best team in football?

Cam Inman of TheReporter.com says the 49ers' Michael Crabtree is happy, healthy and faster. 

Eric Branch of SFGate.com reports on an interesting friendship that started this offseason. Eric Bakhtiari and Clay Matthews are an odd pairing to say the least. 

Seattle Seahawks

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com touches on the middle linebacker situation and how Bobby Wagner has the inside track to start the regular-season opener.  

Joey Rebbe of Bleacher Report talks about what the Seahawks can expect from Terrell Owens. 

Marc Sessler of NFL.com echoes what Russell Wilson said and believes Wilson has honed in on the starting quarterback job. 

St. Louis Rams

Matthew Melton, a contributor at Bleacher Report, looks at the Rams' key training camp battles.

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com puts together a very spirited piece on how Sam Bradford is at the heart of what St. Louis is trying to build.

Brad Biggs of the National Football Post reports the Rams have added another wide receiver to the mix by signing Brandyn Harvey. Harvey previously spent time with Atlanta and Arizona.