NFL Key Questions: NFC West

The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, and despite the holes many teams were able to fill with their selections, there are still questions surrounding all 32 squads. The Bruno Boys though are here for you, attempting to shed light on the key issues surrounding all 32 NFL teams. We'll start the enlightening in the NFC West.

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Arizona Cardinals

Will the Arizona aerial assault be grounded due to an angry Anquan Boldin?

It's no secret that stud wide receiver, Anquan Boldin, isn't happy in Arizona at the moment. In fact, the wideout had gone as far as requesting a trade this off-season, a possibility the Cardinals seemed to entertain, only to decide to keep the receiver on their roster. Obviously, maintaining Boldins' services is a plus as he is incredibly talented, made evident by the 1,038 receiving yards and 11 TDs he racked up in just 12 games last season. But, in the end, will the headache be worth it?

We're all familiar with how detrimental an unhappy wide receiver can be to a team. See: Terrell Owens. Thus, the Cards better hope that Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin's wide receiving counterpart and friend, can help keep Boldin happy and motivated throughout the season. If Fitz can't do so, the team may regret not dealing Boldin, especially since it seems they have a receiver in Steve Breaston, 1,006 receiving yards and 3 TDs in 2008, who could occupy the number two slot across from Fitz. 

In the end though, the Cardinals aerial attack should be able to weather this storm. Even if Boldin throws a hissy fit here or there, the veteran leadership of quarterback Kurt Warner and Fitzgerald's ability as one of the top wide receivers in the league should be enough to keep Arizona's passing attack firing on all cylinders.

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San Francisco 49ers

Will the addition of Texas Tech wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, take the 49ers' passing game to that next level?

The football gods were apparently smiling on the 49ers during the 2009 NFL draft. Thanks to the Oakland Raiders' (read: Al Davis') miscue, in which they selected wide receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey, thought to be only the 3rd best wide out in the draft, with the 7th overall selection, the 49ers found Michael Crabtree still sitting on the board when their selection came at number 10. For a team that has not had a legitimate number one wide receiver since Terrell Owens' departure in 2003, the move to take Crabtree was a no brainer. However, the question now is whether Crabtree be the difference between a mediocre passing offense and a strong one?

The answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. Obviously, adding someone with Crabtree's talent can only help things; however, the true key to the Niners' taking that next step in the passing game will be the play of their quarterback, projected at this time to be Shaun Hill.

Hill played solidly in 2008, finishing with 2,046 passing yards, 13 passing TDs and 8 interceptions in 9 games played. The experience he gained in 2008 combined with the return of the 49ers' top wide receiver from last season, veteran Isaac Bruce, the continued development of young wide out, Josh Morgan, and the addition of Crabtree should give the Niners' one of their best passing games in a long while.

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Seattle Seahawks

How will the switch from Mike Holmgren to Jim Mora effect Seattle?

In years past, the Seattle Seahawks were defined by their running game; however, the rapid decline of stud running back, Shaun Alexander, forced Mike Holmgren's hand, leading the coach to rethink the team's offensive philosophy into one of a pass first mentality. Despite Jim Mora's reputation as a run first coach, thanks to his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, don't look for him to reverse the move made by Holmgren. Mora is a wise man and knows that the talent on the Seahawks resides in the passing game. With veteran quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck, emerging tight end, John Carlson, and newly signed free agent, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Mora will continue to allow the Seahawks to be defined by their aerial attack, which should lead the team to more than the 4 wins they compiled in 2008 as a large part of the Seahawks' poor performance had to do with injuries and not philosophy.

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St. Louis Rams

What can be expected of running back, Steven Jackson, in 2009?

Steven Jackson may be one of the hardest players to get a gauge on fantasy wise for the 2009 season. The back, who possesses first round talent, made obvious by the fact that he's gone for at least 1,200 total yards and 6 total TDs in each of the last 4 seasons, despite missing significant time in 2007 and 2008, will be the center piece of the Rams' offense. Naturally, one would assume a healthy number of touches would translate to a healthy number of fantasy points, especially with the Rams adding stud offensive tackle, Jason Smith, to the team in this year's draft.

However, there are some concerns that Jackson could struggle in the coming year. First and foremost, there is the back's durability. Missing four games in each of the last two years is a cause for concern. After all, if Jackson is to be the center piece of the offense, he needs to be on the field. Secondly, it is quite clear that Jackson will be the focal point not only of the Rams offense, but also opposing defenses. With the team letting go of future hall of famer, Torry Holt, the pass catchers for St. Louis are slated to be sophomores Donnie Avery and Kennan Burton. Until those two prove themselves, team will be more than ok with sending at least 8 men in the box to slow Jackson down. So, while Jackson will see an increase in touches, he may very well see a decline in productivity.

It'll be hard with his talent to pass on Jackson if he's still sitting there in the lower part of the first round in your league's draft. Just know though, that Jackson is in that boom or bust category for the 2009 season.

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