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2008 NFC team capsules
Compiled by Express-News staff writer Jerry Briggs:
EAST DIVISION
Dallas Cowboys
Coach: Wade Phillips
Record in Dallas: 13-3 after one season
Last season: The Cowboys (13-3) won the NFC East, entered the playoffs with the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye and then inexplicably laid an egg and lost 21-17 at home to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: Pro Bowl QB Tony Romo, entering his second full season as a starter, is regarded as one of the elite players at his position in the NFL. Terrell Owens and Jason Witten rank as two of the league’s most dangerous receivers. The Cowboys upgraded the defense and special teams with the addition of CB Adam Jones.
Pessimistic: Coach Wade Phillips didn’t handle the team very well at the end of last season, allowing momentum to sag in the regular-season finale. Skeptics wonder whether Jones can stay out of trouble.
Expect: A strong playoff run and a bid for the NFC title.
New York Giants
Coach: Tom Coughlin
Record in New York: 35-29 after four seasons
Last season: The Giants (10-6) turned a wild-card playoff berth into a wild ride to the title, defeating Tampa Bay, Dallas and Green Bay on the road in the NFC playoffs, before upsetting New England 17-14 in the Super Bowl.
Optimistic: QB Eli Manning came of age at the end of last season, throwing 10 TDs and only two interceptions in his last five games. He had six TDs and one interception in the playoffs and engineered a late, game-winning drive. A young team returns six rookies that had major roles in a streak of road playoff victories at Tampa, Dallas and Green Bay.
Pessimistic: After proving critics wrong last season, the Giants could lose some of their competitive edge. Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora is out for the season with a knee injury and retired DE Michael Strahan isn’t coming back. Tough road tests loom at Cleveland and Pittsburgh in October and at Dallas and Minnesota in December.
Expect: A team that will challenge for division and conference championships.
Philadelphia Eagles
Coach: Andy Reid
Record in Philadelphia: 88-56 after nine seasons
Last season: The Eagles (8-8) came up short of the playoffs despite three-straight victories down the stretch to break even
Optimistic: Picking up Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel will aid the cause, even if it makes CB Lito Sheppard nervous. Rookie DB Quintin Demps from Roosevelt was impressive in camp as a special teams player. On offense, QB Donovan McNabb is out to prove that he can stay off the injured list. Rookie WR Sean Jackson has excelled.
Pessimistic: A healthy McNabb for the season isn’t likely. He has missed games with injuries in each of the past three seasons since the Eagles made the Super Bowl.
Expect: A solid team that could return to the playoffs despite tough competition.
Washington Commanders
Coach: Jim Zorn
Record in Washington: First season
Last season: The Commanders (9-7) rebounded from the heartache of teammate Sean Taylor’s death to make the playoffs. But they couldn’t hold on to a one-point lead on the road in a wild-card game, falling 35-14 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Optimistic: Team could thrive on enthusiasm of a new coaching staff and the addition of six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jason Taylor, acquired in July for a 2009 second-round draft pick and a 2010 sixth-rounder. Commanders also could be more explosive offensively under Zorn and his West Coast offense.
Pessimistic: Zorn and first-year coordinators Sherman Smith (offense) and Greg Blache (defense) will be under the gun to produce. Some still aren’t sold on QB Jason Campbell, who sat out the end of last season with a knee injury.
Expect: A team that might take a step back this season.
NORTH DIVISION
Minnesota Vikings
Coach: Brad Childress
Record in Minnesota: 14-18 after two seasons
Last season: The Vikings (8-8) teased their fans with a five-game win streak but missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years when they closed with losses against Washington and Denver.
Optimistic: The Vikings will showcase one of the dominant rushing attacks in the league with RB Adrian Peterson. If QB Tarvaris Jackson can improve only a little, this could be a strong team. Pass rushing DE Jared Allen, a trade acquisition from Kansas City, bolsters an already formidable defensive line.
Pessimistic: Jackson threw 12 interceptions against only nine touchdowns last season. The fourth-year player remains a question mark. While Allen should provide an infusion of energy on the defensive front, time will tell whether the Vikings gave up too much for him — a first-round pick and a couple of thirds.
Expect: The Vikings to challenge for the division title and their first playoff berth since 2004.
Chicago Bears
Coach: Lovie Smith
Record in Chicago: 36-28 after four seasons
Last season: The Bears (7-9) won their last two games to salvage a miserable season fraught with injuries to several starters. It was a shock for fans celebrating a Super Bowl trip a year earlier.
Optimistic: The Bears have some of the best defensive players in the NFL. If they all get healthy, optimists think the Bears can return to the playoffs. Rookie RB Matt Forte and rookie OT Chris Williams could spark the offense. Devin Hester remains the league’s most explosive special teams player, with 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Pessimistic: Fans aren’t exactly celebrating about Kyle Orton being named starting QB for the opener. Quarterback is a glaring weakness. It was a blow to lose RB Cedric Benson, cut during the offseason after two alcohol-related arrests in Austin. Defense sank to 28th in the NFL last year.
Expect: The Bears to push for a .500 record if players like S Mike Brown and CB Nathan Vasher, two injury casualties from a year ago, return to form.
Green Bay Packers
Coach: Mike McCarthy
Record in Green Bay: 21-11 after two seasons
Last season: The Packers (13-3) surprised everyone by winning the North Division. Even more surprising, they lost on their home field in the NFC title game to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: The Packers traded All-Pro QB Brett Favre to the Jets early this month, ending the summer’s longest-running NFL soap opera. The lack of a Favre distraction should allow the team to move forward, unified under QB Aaron Rodgers as the starter. RB Ryan Grant ran for nearly 1,000 yards in half a season as a starter and added 200 in a playoff victory over Seattle.
Pessimistic: If the Packers’ management is sold on Rodgers as the No. 1 QB, why did it use a third-round draft pick on QB Brian Brohm? Grant initially was a contract holdout in camp and then suffered a hamstring injury. Packers probably will miss DT Corey Williams, traded to Cleveland.
Expect: A few more losses than last year. Grant will have to play well if the Packers hope to make the playoffs again.
Detroit Lions
Coach: Rod Marinelli
Record in Detroit: 10-22 after two seasons
Last season: The Lions (7-9) won six of their first eight games before a second-half swoon.
Optimistic: After two bumpy years in Detroit, Marinelli likes the makeup of this team. The Lions feel better about their defense after making offseason adjustments, particularly the addition of CB Leigh Bodden. Offensively, rookie RB Kevin Smith is a top prospect, while veteran WRs Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are big-play threats.
Pessimistic: There’s just some bad karma at work in the Motor City. The Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2000 and haven’t made the playoffs since 1999. How can they possibly win with a guy like Kitna at quarterback? He’s thrown 42 interceptions in the past two years.
Expect: Another tough season, between 4-7 victories.
SOUTH DIVISION
New Orleans Saints
Coach: Sean Payton
Record in New Orleans: 17-15 after two seasons
Last season: The Saints (7-9) rallied after an 0-4 start, only to fall out of playoff contention with season-ending losses to the Eagles and Bears.
Optimistic: Addition of TE Jeremy Shockey raises possibility of a lethal offensive attack, led by QB Drew Brees, RB Deuce McAllister, who is returning from an injury, RB Reggie Bush and WR Marques Colston. A rejuvenated Shockey is expected to play hard for Payton, a link to his best days with the Giants. Bush will be better with the bruising McAllister on the field.
Pessimistic: McAllister is returning from his second major knee surgery in three years, not an easy task even for a 29-year-old with lots of heart. The defense could be suspect even with offseason additions of LB Jonathan Vilma, CB Randall Gay and others. Vilma is a key and he, too, is coming off knee surgery.
Expect: A return to the playoffs if everyone can stay healthy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coach: Jon Gruden
Record in Tampa Bay: 48-48 after six seasons
Last season: The Buccaneers (9-7) overachieved and won the division but stumbled at home in the first round of the playoffs, losing 24-14 to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: Defense is the heart of the team. Standouts include DT Gaines Adams, LB Barrett Ruud and CB Ronde Barber. Rookie CB Aquib Talib gives the secondary even more flexibility. Offense led by 38-year-old Jeff Garcia scores just enough to win.
Pessimistic: Bucs had a shot at QB Brett Favre and didn’t capitalize. RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, rehabilitating a knee injury, may not return until 2009. Garcia is also injury prone. Former UT standout Chris Simms might not make this team.
Expect: A duel with the Saints for the division title and a playoff berth.
Carolina Panthers
Coach: John Fox
Record in Carolina: 51-45 after six seasons
Last season: The Panthers (7-9) missed the playoffs after Jake Delhomme’s elbow injury and David Carr’s ineffectiveness led to a five-game losing streak.
Optimistic: Delhomme has returned to form after offseason surgery. He can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks around when he’s healthy. Running game will get a boost from rookie RB Jonathan Stewart and rookie OT Jeff Otah, both first-round picks. DE Julius Peppers, mysteriously ineffective last season, is due to bounce back.
Pessimistic: It may take time before the Panthers hit their stride. WR Steve Smith is suspended two games for punching a teammate during training camp. Delhomme hasn’t played since last September. Even if Delhomme comes around, it won’t solve all the problems. Offensive line could have five new starters.
Expect: A team that might have a hard time reaching the .500 mark.
Atlanta Falcons
Coach: Mike Smith
Record in Atlanta: First season
Last season: The Falcons (4-12) reeled in the wake of the Michael Vick scandal and then were rocked when coach Bobby Petrino left late in the season to take a job at the University of Arkansas.
Optimistic: Rebuilding from the Vick fiasco, the Falcons selected Boston College’s Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Ryan worked his way up from No. 2 on the depth chart at the start of camp to being named recently as the opening-day starter. WR Roddy White was a bright spot last year with 83 catches.
Pessimistic: Smith and first-year GM Thomas Dimitroff are bracing for a long haul in efforts to restore the team’s credibility. Questions remain about whether Ryan was the best choice at No. 3. Falcons passed on promising RB Darren McFadden and DT Glenn Dorsey, who went 4-5.
Expect: Another season in the nether-regions of the NFC South.
WEST DIVISION
Seattle Seahawks
Coach: Mike Holmgren
Record in Seattle: 82-62 after nine seasons
Last season: The Seahawks (10-6) made the playoffs, beat Tampa Bay at home in the first round and then lost in the snow at Green Bay.
Optimistic: It’s Holmgren’s last season, so it’s tough to bet against him. The Seahawks have only suffered two losing seasons with Homgren in charge. QB Matt Hasselbeck is coming off his best year (3,966 yards, 28 TD). RB Julius Jones is hungry to prove himself after Dallas did not re-sign him.
Pessimistic: Back pain plagued Hasselbeck in camp. Also, several top players are coming off surgery in the offseason, including OT Walter Jones and DE Patrick Kearney. RB Shaun Alexander is gone and so, too, are the days of a dominating running game in Seattle.
Expect: Another run for an NFC West championship.
Arizona Cardinals
Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Record in Arizona: 8-8 after one season
Last season: The Cardinals (8-8) lost QB Matt Leinart to injury in the fifth game, but they stayed steady in their first non-losing season since 1998.
Optimistic: Veteran QB Kurt Warner takes over for Matt Leinart and is eager to show he can still lead. WR Larry Fitzgerald (1,409 receiving yards) and Anquan Boldin are two of the NFL’s best, giving the Cardinals one of the league’s most explosive offenses (seventh in scoring last season).
Pessimistic: Leinart, the team’s top pick in 2006, has been demoted and Boldin says he wants to be traded after claiming the Cardinals reneged on contract negotiations. RB Edgerrin James hasn’t produced in Arizona as he did in Indianapolis. Depth in the offensive line is a problem, and the defense remains unproven.
Expect: A run at the playoffs if the Cardinals can keep Boldin happy.
San Francisco 49ers
Coach: Mike Nolan
Record in San Francisco: 16-32 after three seasons
Last season: The 49ers (5-11) floundered as injuries knocked out three quarterbacks, forcing them to go with Chris Weinke in the season finale, a 20-7 loss to Cleveland.
Optimistic: CB Nate Clements and LB Patrick Willis lead a defense that will be bolstered on the line with the addition of rookie Kentwan Balmer and free agent Justin Smith. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz was the brain behind the “Greatest Show on Turf’’ in St. Louis. QB J.T. O’Sullivan has taken over as the starter for Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick.
Pessimistic: Martz has his work cut out for him, as the 49ers had the worst offense in the NFL last season. Starting QB job went up for grabs during training camp after Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, missed most of last season with a separated throwing shoulder.
Expect: A team that isn’t much better than the recent past. The 49ers have won no more than seven games in any of Nolan’s three seasons.
St. Louis Rams
Coach: Scott Linehan
Record in St. Louis: 11-21 after two seasons
Last season: Rams (3-13) opened with an eight-game losing streak and closed with four-straight losses. Optimistic: The Rams hope that rookie DL Chris Long will give them the edge rush they so desperately needed last year. LB Will Witherspoon is a playmaker in the middle. QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson can carry the offense if the line can stay healthy.
Pessimistic: Two-year slide has called into question Linehan’s leadership qualities. Lots of issues remain on both sides of the ball, particularly the durability of the offensive line. Jackson’s camp holdout didn’t help team chemistry.
Expect: More struggles for a team that hasn’t reached playoffs since 2004.
Compiled by Express-News staff writer Jerry Briggs:
EAST DIVISION
Dallas Cowboys
Coach: Wade Phillips
Record in Dallas: 13-3 after one season
Last season: The Cowboys (13-3) won the NFC East, entered the playoffs with the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye and then inexplicably laid an egg and lost 21-17 at home to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: Pro Bowl QB Tony Romo, entering his second full season as a starter, is regarded as one of the elite players at his position in the NFL. Terrell Owens and Jason Witten rank as two of the league’s most dangerous receivers. The Cowboys upgraded the defense and special teams with the addition of CB Adam Jones.
Pessimistic: Coach Wade Phillips didn’t handle the team very well at the end of last season, allowing momentum to sag in the regular-season finale. Skeptics wonder whether Jones can stay out of trouble.
Expect: A strong playoff run and a bid for the NFC title.
New York Giants
Coach: Tom Coughlin
Record in New York: 35-29 after four seasons
Last season: The Giants (10-6) turned a wild-card playoff berth into a wild ride to the title, defeating Tampa Bay, Dallas and Green Bay on the road in the NFC playoffs, before upsetting New England 17-14 in the Super Bowl.
Optimistic: QB Eli Manning came of age at the end of last season, throwing 10 TDs and only two interceptions in his last five games. He had six TDs and one interception in the playoffs and engineered a late, game-winning drive. A young team returns six rookies that had major roles in a streak of road playoff victories at Tampa, Dallas and Green Bay.
Pessimistic: After proving critics wrong last season, the Giants could lose some of their competitive edge. Pro Bowl DE Osi Umenyiora is out for the season with a knee injury and retired DE Michael Strahan isn’t coming back. Tough road tests loom at Cleveland and Pittsburgh in October and at Dallas and Minnesota in December.
Expect: A team that will challenge for division and conference championships.
Philadelphia Eagles
Coach: Andy Reid
Record in Philadelphia: 88-56 after nine seasons
Last season: The Eagles (8-8) came up short of the playoffs despite three-straight victories down the stretch to break even
Optimistic: Picking up Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel will aid the cause, even if it makes CB Lito Sheppard nervous. Rookie DB Quintin Demps from Roosevelt was impressive in camp as a special teams player. On offense, QB Donovan McNabb is out to prove that he can stay off the injured list. Rookie WR Sean Jackson has excelled.
Pessimistic: A healthy McNabb for the season isn’t likely. He has missed games with injuries in each of the past three seasons since the Eagles made the Super Bowl.
Expect: A solid team that could return to the playoffs despite tough competition.
Washington Commanders
Coach: Jim Zorn
Record in Washington: First season
Last season: The Commanders (9-7) rebounded from the heartache of teammate Sean Taylor’s death to make the playoffs. But they couldn’t hold on to a one-point lead on the road in a wild-card game, falling 35-14 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Optimistic: Team could thrive on enthusiasm of a new coaching staff and the addition of six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jason Taylor, acquired in July for a 2009 second-round draft pick and a 2010 sixth-rounder. Commanders also could be more explosive offensively under Zorn and his West Coast offense.
Pessimistic: Zorn and first-year coordinators Sherman Smith (offense) and Greg Blache (defense) will be under the gun to produce. Some still aren’t sold on QB Jason Campbell, who sat out the end of last season with a knee injury.
Expect: A team that might take a step back this season.
NORTH DIVISION
Minnesota Vikings
Coach: Brad Childress
Record in Minnesota: 14-18 after two seasons
Last season: The Vikings (8-8) teased their fans with a five-game win streak but missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years when they closed with losses against Washington and Denver.
Optimistic: The Vikings will showcase one of the dominant rushing attacks in the league with RB Adrian Peterson. If QB Tarvaris Jackson can improve only a little, this could be a strong team. Pass rushing DE Jared Allen, a trade acquisition from Kansas City, bolsters an already formidable defensive line.
Pessimistic: Jackson threw 12 interceptions against only nine touchdowns last season. The fourth-year player remains a question mark. While Allen should provide an infusion of energy on the defensive front, time will tell whether the Vikings gave up too much for him — a first-round pick and a couple of thirds.
Expect: The Vikings to challenge for the division title and their first playoff berth since 2004.
Chicago Bears
Coach: Lovie Smith
Record in Chicago: 36-28 after four seasons
Last season: The Bears (7-9) won their last two games to salvage a miserable season fraught with injuries to several starters. It was a shock for fans celebrating a Super Bowl trip a year earlier.
Optimistic: The Bears have some of the best defensive players in the NFL. If they all get healthy, optimists think the Bears can return to the playoffs. Rookie RB Matt Forte and rookie OT Chris Williams could spark the offense. Devin Hester remains the league’s most explosive special teams player, with 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Pessimistic: Fans aren’t exactly celebrating about Kyle Orton being named starting QB for the opener. Quarterback is a glaring weakness. It was a blow to lose RB Cedric Benson, cut during the offseason after two alcohol-related arrests in Austin. Defense sank to 28th in the NFL last year.
Expect: The Bears to push for a .500 record if players like S Mike Brown and CB Nathan Vasher, two injury casualties from a year ago, return to form.
Green Bay Packers
Coach: Mike McCarthy
Record in Green Bay: 21-11 after two seasons
Last season: The Packers (13-3) surprised everyone by winning the North Division. Even more surprising, they lost on their home field in the NFC title game to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: The Packers traded All-Pro QB Brett Favre to the Jets early this month, ending the summer’s longest-running NFL soap opera. The lack of a Favre distraction should allow the team to move forward, unified under QB Aaron Rodgers as the starter. RB Ryan Grant ran for nearly 1,000 yards in half a season as a starter and added 200 in a playoff victory over Seattle.
Pessimistic: If the Packers’ management is sold on Rodgers as the No. 1 QB, why did it use a third-round draft pick on QB Brian Brohm? Grant initially was a contract holdout in camp and then suffered a hamstring injury. Packers probably will miss DT Corey Williams, traded to Cleveland.
Expect: A few more losses than last year. Grant will have to play well if the Packers hope to make the playoffs again.
Detroit Lions
Coach: Rod Marinelli
Record in Detroit: 10-22 after two seasons
Last season: The Lions (7-9) won six of their first eight games before a second-half swoon.
Optimistic: After two bumpy years in Detroit, Marinelli likes the makeup of this team. The Lions feel better about their defense after making offseason adjustments, particularly the addition of CB Leigh Bodden. Offensively, rookie RB Kevin Smith is a top prospect, while veteran WRs Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are big-play threats.
Pessimistic: There’s just some bad karma at work in the Motor City. The Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2000 and haven’t made the playoffs since 1999. How can they possibly win with a guy like Kitna at quarterback? He’s thrown 42 interceptions in the past two years.
Expect: Another tough season, between 4-7 victories.
SOUTH DIVISION
New Orleans Saints
Coach: Sean Payton
Record in New Orleans: 17-15 after two seasons
Last season: The Saints (7-9) rallied after an 0-4 start, only to fall out of playoff contention with season-ending losses to the Eagles and Bears.
Optimistic: Addition of TE Jeremy Shockey raises possibility of a lethal offensive attack, led by QB Drew Brees, RB Deuce McAllister, who is returning from an injury, RB Reggie Bush and WR Marques Colston. A rejuvenated Shockey is expected to play hard for Payton, a link to his best days with the Giants. Bush will be better with the bruising McAllister on the field.
Pessimistic: McAllister is returning from his second major knee surgery in three years, not an easy task even for a 29-year-old with lots of heart. The defense could be suspect even with offseason additions of LB Jonathan Vilma, CB Randall Gay and others. Vilma is a key and he, too, is coming off knee surgery.
Expect: A return to the playoffs if everyone can stay healthy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coach: Jon Gruden
Record in Tampa Bay: 48-48 after six seasons
Last season: The Buccaneers (9-7) overachieved and won the division but stumbled at home in the first round of the playoffs, losing 24-14 to the New York Giants.
Optimistic: Defense is the heart of the team. Standouts include DT Gaines Adams, LB Barrett Ruud and CB Ronde Barber. Rookie CB Aquib Talib gives the secondary even more flexibility. Offense led by 38-year-old Jeff Garcia scores just enough to win.
Pessimistic: Bucs had a shot at QB Brett Favre and didn’t capitalize. RB Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, rehabilitating a knee injury, may not return until 2009. Garcia is also injury prone. Former UT standout Chris Simms might not make this team.
Expect: A duel with the Saints for the division title and a playoff berth.
Carolina Panthers
Coach: John Fox
Record in Carolina: 51-45 after six seasons
Last season: The Panthers (7-9) missed the playoffs after Jake Delhomme’s elbow injury and David Carr’s ineffectiveness led to a five-game losing streak.
Optimistic: Delhomme has returned to form after offseason surgery. He can be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks around when he’s healthy. Running game will get a boost from rookie RB Jonathan Stewart and rookie OT Jeff Otah, both first-round picks. DE Julius Peppers, mysteriously ineffective last season, is due to bounce back.
Pessimistic: It may take time before the Panthers hit their stride. WR Steve Smith is suspended two games for punching a teammate during training camp. Delhomme hasn’t played since last September. Even if Delhomme comes around, it won’t solve all the problems. Offensive line could have five new starters.
Expect: A team that might have a hard time reaching the .500 mark.
Atlanta Falcons
Coach: Mike Smith
Record in Atlanta: First season
Last season: The Falcons (4-12) reeled in the wake of the Michael Vick scandal and then were rocked when coach Bobby Petrino left late in the season to take a job at the University of Arkansas.
Optimistic: Rebuilding from the Vick fiasco, the Falcons selected Boston College’s Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Ryan worked his way up from No. 2 on the depth chart at the start of camp to being named recently as the opening-day starter. WR Roddy White was a bright spot last year with 83 catches.
Pessimistic: Smith and first-year GM Thomas Dimitroff are bracing for a long haul in efforts to restore the team’s credibility. Questions remain about whether Ryan was the best choice at No. 3. Falcons passed on promising RB Darren McFadden and DT Glenn Dorsey, who went 4-5.
Expect: Another season in the nether-regions of the NFC South.
WEST DIVISION
Seattle Seahawks
Coach: Mike Holmgren
Record in Seattle: 82-62 after nine seasons
Last season: The Seahawks (10-6) made the playoffs, beat Tampa Bay at home in the first round and then lost in the snow at Green Bay.
Optimistic: It’s Holmgren’s last season, so it’s tough to bet against him. The Seahawks have only suffered two losing seasons with Homgren in charge. QB Matt Hasselbeck is coming off his best year (3,966 yards, 28 TD). RB Julius Jones is hungry to prove himself after Dallas did not re-sign him.
Pessimistic: Back pain plagued Hasselbeck in camp. Also, several top players are coming off surgery in the offseason, including OT Walter Jones and DE Patrick Kearney. RB Shaun Alexander is gone and so, too, are the days of a dominating running game in Seattle.
Expect: Another run for an NFC West championship.
Arizona Cardinals
Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Record in Arizona: 8-8 after one season
Last season: The Cardinals (8-8) lost QB Matt Leinart to injury in the fifth game, but they stayed steady in their first non-losing season since 1998.
Optimistic: Veteran QB Kurt Warner takes over for Matt Leinart and is eager to show he can still lead. WR Larry Fitzgerald (1,409 receiving yards) and Anquan Boldin are two of the NFL’s best, giving the Cardinals one of the league’s most explosive offenses (seventh in scoring last season).
Pessimistic: Leinart, the team’s top pick in 2006, has been demoted and Boldin says he wants to be traded after claiming the Cardinals reneged on contract negotiations. RB Edgerrin James hasn’t produced in Arizona as he did in Indianapolis. Depth in the offensive line is a problem, and the defense remains unproven.
Expect: A run at the playoffs if the Cardinals can keep Boldin happy.
San Francisco 49ers
Coach: Mike Nolan
Record in San Francisco: 16-32 after three seasons
Last season: The 49ers (5-11) floundered as injuries knocked out three quarterbacks, forcing them to go with Chris Weinke in the season finale, a 20-7 loss to Cleveland.
Optimistic: CB Nate Clements and LB Patrick Willis lead a defense that will be bolstered on the line with the addition of rookie Kentwan Balmer and free agent Justin Smith. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz was the brain behind the “Greatest Show on Turf’’ in St. Louis. QB J.T. O’Sullivan has taken over as the starter for Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick.
Pessimistic: Martz has his work cut out for him, as the 49ers had the worst offense in the NFL last season. Starting QB job went up for grabs during training camp after Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in 2005, missed most of last season with a separated throwing shoulder.
Expect: A team that isn’t much better than the recent past. The 49ers have won no more than seven games in any of Nolan’s three seasons.
St. Louis Rams
Coach: Scott Linehan
Record in St. Louis: 11-21 after two seasons
Last season: Rams (3-13) opened with an eight-game losing streak and closed with four-straight losses. Optimistic: The Rams hope that rookie DL Chris Long will give them the edge rush they so desperately needed last year. LB Will Witherspoon is a playmaker in the middle. QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson can carry the offense if the line can stay healthy.
Pessimistic: Two-year slide has called into question Linehan’s leadership qualities. Lots of issues remain on both sides of the ball, particularly the durability of the offensive line. Jackson’s camp holdout didn’t help team chemistry.
Expect: More struggles for a team that hasn’t reached playoffs since 2004.