Michael Crabtree Found a Mentor in Randy Moss and More NFC West News

One would never be able to guess that Randy Moss and Michael Crabtree are 11 years apart in age by the way they interact with each other. It's almost as if they are twin brothers who couldn't fathom the emotion of being separated from one another. 

For the first time since being drafted by the 49ers in 2009, Crabtree says he feels comfortable in his own skin.

He credits Moss with helping him realize that he can be himself both on and off the football field. Here's what Crabtree told Cam Inman of the MercuryNews.com yesterday:

"

He makes me feel like I can be myself, you can learn from a guy like that. You don't have to change for nobody. All you have to do is be yourself and play your game.

"

They hope their unique bond carries over to the rest of the passing game. The 49ers offense averaged a measly 183.1 yards per game through the air last season. That number definitely needs to increase as 29th best in the NFL is just not going to cut it if San Francisco wants to make a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. 

However, it's safe to assume Alex Smith and the gang won't be matching their Week 1 opponent yard for yard in the passing game. The Packers have one of the most wide-open offenses in the NFL and Crabtree knows the 49ers offense is exclusive based on their offensive personnel:

"

I just feel like we've got our own style, the Packers have a spread offense. That's all they do is throw the ball. They've got some run game. But that's their offense. We're really not like that. It's just focusing on being us and going out there and making plays.

"

Arizona Cardinals

Bob McManaman of the TusconCitizen.com tells us why Lyle Sendlein has been the rock of the Cardinals offensive line for some time now.

The Associated Press touches on how disappointed Kevin Kolb is with himself because he's back on the bench.  

San Francisco 49ers

Phil of RantSports.com breaks down the upcoming matchup of Alex Smith vs. Aaron Rodgers and argues that Smith may just get the better of him.

Bleacher Report's NFL video crew previews the 49ers vs. Packers in under three minutes.

Seattle Seahawks

Running back Marshawn Lynch is still dealing with back spasms and is uncertain for the regular season opener against Arizona. This according to the Associated Press.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com takes us back to Gruden QB Camp with Russell Wilson and talks about his height and if it will be a factor.

St. Louis Rams

Mack Rosenberg of Bleacher Report tells us which Rams rookies we should be excited about. 

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Wayne Hunter is relieved to be a Ram and is excited about the fresh start. 

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