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NFC
WEST |
| Jim's
Outlook |
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Cyd's
Outlook |
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ST.
LOUIS RAMS
Outlook:
We need a doctor's analysis for this team. Are Kurt Warner and
Marshall Faulk back 100% from injuries a year ago? If so, the Rams
can make a run. The offense is explosive and the defense good
enough. If Warner should falter, Marc Bulger can step in without
missing a beat. The key will be a rebuilt offensive line that was
too often overwhelmed. Give Warner time and he can kill you; give
him no time and it's interception time.
Forecast:
The Rams make it back to the NFC title game where they lose to the
new kid on the block--Michael Vick. |
1 |
ST.
LOUIS RAMS
Outlook: The year after the Rams went to their
first Super Bowl, they were a disappointment with 10 wins and an
early playoff exit. The next year, they went back to the
Super Bowl - then went 7-9. The roller coaster ride for
the Rams is on the upswing. With the addition of Kyle
Turley and the signing of Orlando Pace, so is their offensive
line, which should provide Warner with protection and Faulk with
running room. They'll be in a fight for the division title with
the Seahawks - my feeling is they'll win that fight.
Forecast: 11-5.
A rendezvous with the team that started their 2002 decline in
February?
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SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
Outlook:
The Hawks will have no problems on offense. They are explosive,
with QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Shaun Alexander and receivers Koren
Robinson and Darrel Jackson. But Seattle must do something to
improve its 30th ranked defense. Bringing in coordinator Ray
Rhodes is a start and adding LB Randall Godfrey is a plus.
Forecast:
Seattle has more than enough offense and just enough D to sneak in
as a wildcard. |
2 |
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
Outlook: Mike Holmgren is back to doing what
he does best: coaching. No more power
struggles. No more general managing. Holmgren took
Brett Favre and molded him into a fine pro quarterback; he's
doing the same thing with Matt Hasselbeck (to my
surprise). With Ray Rhodes focusing the defense, the
Seahawks are a popular pick for the playoffs - as well they
should be.
Forecast: 9-7.
Holmgren and the Seahawks return to the playoffs for the first
time in five years.
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SAN
FRANCISCO 49ERS
Outlook:
I see a real slide for the Niners. QB Jeff Garcia--my choice for
the lead in next year's "Boy Meets Boy"--has a bulging disc in his
back and this could be a long-term problem. Terrell Owens will be
fun to watch again especially after he scores. But the defense is
a question mark and it's always hard for a team to adjust to a new
coach.
Forecast:
The Niners slip back to being a .500 team. |
3 |
SAN
FRANCISCO 49ERS
Outlook: Dennis Erickson? They're one of
the most storied franchises in NFL history and the best they can
come up with is Dan Erickson? Last year, Mike Tice
undermined his team by focusing the offense, and his mouth, too
much on Randy Moss. Erickson is setting up the same
scenario - with Terrell Owens. Mariucci kept T.O. in check
- when a bad seed's check goes away (see Cris Carter's departure
from Minnesota). On top of that: Jeff Garcia's
bulging disc is a BIG problem - trust me, I have two of
them. It's tough to walk without thinking about the disc,
let alone play tackle football.
Forecast: 7-9.
All signs point south.
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ARIZONA
CARDINALS
Outlook:
What a mess. They lost QB Jake Plummer and WR David Boston to free
agency and are now led by journeyman QB Jeff Blake and
over-the-hill RB Emmitt Smith. Defensivelt, the Birds did little
to improve a unit ranked 29th last season. On the bright side,
they're stoked about a solid draft which portends well for the
future.
Forecast:
The Cardinals may be the worst team in football. With the Bengals
around, that's saying a lot.. |
4 |
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
Outlook: In the year 2000, a team starting
Jeff Blake and Emmitt Smith was onto something. It's now
three years later, and these two guys aren't the answer.
Another answer I need: how is Dave McGinnis still the head
coach of this team? There's no reason to think they'll do
anything this year.
Forecast: 4-12.
Where do you begin to build a team with more holes than a
second-year expansion team?
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