NFC West: Does Sam Bradford Give the Rams Hope For the NFC West In 2010-2011?

The NFC West has always been an interesting division. The past few seasons, based on Kurt Warner's resurrection, have put focus and media attention on the Arizona Cardinals.

That's all over now. Matt Leinart, now a Texan, makes Derek Andersen the likely Week 1 starter for the Cardinals. Remember him? He helped Braylon Edwards pull in 16 receiving touchdowns in 2007. You probably remember him, however, as the 2008 and 2009 bust that got the Cleveland Browns nowhere. On September 12th, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams record the win when they play the Cards. Sam Bradford has looked exceptional in the preseason, and of course Steven Jackson is there for the rookie at the helm of the offense.

Then, St. Louis will go on to play against the Raiders, Redskins, Seahawks, and the Lions. With the potential surprise of McNabb leading Washington to a great season, the Rams have a very manageable schedule through Week 5 of the regular season.

The Rams also playing a shaky Carolina team, with the biggest weight on the shoulders of the running back duo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the likely awful Tampa Bay Bucs, and the Chiefs, who also have a great deal of room for improvement.

Because of offensive reassurance and some easy scheduled games, the Rams have a legitimate chance at capturing an NFC playoff Wild Card sport, let alone their divisional title. On the other hand, the Rams will have to battle the Chargers, Falcons, Broncos, and defending champion New Orleans Saints.

Can they do it?