2008 NFC West Preview

In 2008, the up and coming Arizona Cardinals will finally get over the hump and make the playoffs.  With that will also come a power transfer from the Seattle Seahawks to the Cardinals in the division for years to come.  

Note:  Teams listed in predicted order of finish

Arizona Cardinals

After finally finishing at .500 for the first time since 1998, there is finally hope in the desert.  Coach Ken Wisenhunt has the Cardinals playing with confidence and swagger.  

Perhaps the biggest move for the Cardinals this season came when Kurt Warner was named the starting QB.  Warner unlike backup Matt Leinart gives the team toughness and experience.  Yes, Warner is older and prone to fumbling, but he gives the team the intangibles that it lacks with Leinart at the helm.  

Having weapons like WR’s Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald along with RB Edgerrin James, this Cardinal offense is capable of putting up 20 to 30 points every week.  

And with a swarming defense that is very underrated, the Cardinals will surely surprise some teams in 2008.  

Predicted Record:  9-7

Playoffs:  Yes

St. Louis Rams

After suffering a dismal 3-13 record in 2007, the Rams look to get back to winning ways.  

And with a healthy RB Steven Jackson now signed to a long term deal and drafting DE Chris Long, the Rams have taken the first steps. 

However, overcoming all of their glaring needs in just one season is too much to ask.  The Rams will be better, but expecting them to be a playoff team is completely out of the question. 

Predicted Record:  7-9

Playoffs:  No

Seattle Seahawks

With a receiving corps completely in shambles, the Seahawks will clearly find it difficult to move the football in 2008.  Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, Ben Obomanu are all either hurt or out for the year.  Thus, the Seahawks must rely on a great deal of inexperience at WR.  This is all in addition to attempting to find a replacement for RB Shaun Alexander.  

When you add all of this together with the expectations that coach Mike Holmgren will retire at the end of the season, disaster lies for the Seahawks this year.  

Predicted Record:  6-10

Playoffs:  No

San Francisco 49ers

After showing tremendous improvement in the 2006 season, everyone thought that the 49ers were well on their way to establishing themselves as a contender again in the NFC.  

And despite having good young players in RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, and LB Patrick Willis to build around, the 49ers took a step back last year going 5-11.  

Until the 49ers realize that J.T. O’Sullivan, Shaun Hill and former #1 pick Alex Smith are not the answer at QB, things are not going to change in San Francisco any time soon.  

Predicted Record:  5-11

Playoffs:  No