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NFL Team Reports

By Dale Sims and Kurt Schumacher

The NFC West

The NFC West like the NFC North has one dominate team and others that rate to be looking up, though the immediate prospects for the also ran teams here look a little better.  The schedules do not appear to be particularly challenging as they draw the previously identified NFC North and get the AFC West, which may be a bit softer than in past seasons.

Seattle              12-4                 

St Louis            7-9 (+)  

Arizona             6-10     

San Francisco   4-12                 

Seattle

The offensive line is still one of the top in the NFL, even without Hutchinson.  The only concerns on offense is the questionable knee of WR Darrell Jackson but he spent most of 2005 injured so they know they can win without him. On this team though the running of Alexander will continue to be the focus.  The defense looks to be better than it was last year; the front seven, with the addition of OLB Julian Peterson, look to be stronger (than last year) when they lead the NFL in sacks.  The defensive secondary has some questions but with one of the most efficient pass rushes in the NFL, they do not have to be stay coverage for long. The schedule is quite favorable for them though they have some real tests on the road at Chicago and Denver but they should be in a good position going into the playoffs.  

A key defensive factor for Seattle (that we've realized via our game by game win/loss breakdowns) is that free agent addition OLB Julian Peterson excels in pass coverage. Before his injury Peterson was hands down the best cover linebacker in football. In 2006 the Seahawks face 3 of the best TE's in football: Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, and Jeremy Shockey. With more and more teams utilizing two TE sets the skills that Peterson brings to the table cannot be understated.

St Louis

Another team making scheme changes on both sides of the ball but here there could be an immediate pay off.  The much-maligned offensive line was to some extent victims of the previous regime’s offensive game plans, which emphasized putting players out as receivers and provided no support for the line.  With more balance in the game plan, better results, particularly in protection, should be seen almost immediately. The big questions here are defensive where some significant upgrades were made in free agency.  The coaching change will also bring some focus to the defense that has been missing but there is a lot there that needs to be fixed but Haslett is a good defensive coach and there is some under-performing talent on the roster.  If the defense can become focused, with the talent they have on offense, this team could surprise.

Arizona

A new stadium, and apparently a new attitude in Arizona, where they have the best wide receiver tandem in the NFL. They added a quality rushing back and a possibly dominating tight end in the draft; all in all this offense has impressive talent at the skill positions.  The problem is the same as it has been though, the offensive line is very questionable; they have a new line coach but kept the same basic players, this does not seem like the best approach.  Edgerrin James is a good running back and he will not face many eight man fronts so their running game should improve; while he is a good receiver out of the backfield expect him to be blocking in max protection schemes. Warner can still be effective but to keep him upright and on the field depends on the play of the offensive line, which is not a confidence builder. The defense is better than it appears but not solid up the middle, they can be run on.  This team could also surprise if they can keep healthy.

San Francisco

San Francisco should be better than it was last year; but that is not saying much.  The offensive line should be better; Allen provides some leadership there even if his best days as a guard are well behind him.  If that group can keep Smith off his back, they might find out if he has what it takes; Norv Turner will help him but the effects are not likely be seen this season. RB Frank Gore could shine in Turner's scheme. The addition of Vernon Davis and Antonio Bryant give him some inviting targets to work with.  The defense will play better within Mike Nolan's scheme but the talent level is still not up to NFL standards.  In short expect contests to be closer but do not expect the overall results to be a lot different. The Niner's were a scrappy draw at home, consider them as a dog play in Candlestick, and beware laying too many points to them.

Summary

Seattle should break the current trend of the Super Bowl losing team not making the playoffs the following season. They may have lost all-pro guard Steve Hutchison, but with the addition of WR Nate Burleson, and all-pro OLB Julian Peterson, it is difficult to construct a scenario in which they would not make the post-season.  We would not be surprised to see either St Louis or Arizona exceed expectations this season.  St Louis got better by subtraction, a talented but under performing team, they were being hurt by the fact that Martz was over committed to a particular philosophy. They have the weapons on offense to make some noise. In Arizona, their talent on offense is perhaps as good as anyone short of Indianapolis or Cincinnati; but they need the role players, and particularly the offensive line to play at a much higher level.  Their style of play and defense will lead them into shootouts.  However, either of these teams would be long shots for a playoff berth at this point.  

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