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The NFC looks to be competitive this season. There doesnt look to be a runaway winner like last season, where San Francisco won the division by 3 games. The record from last season that will tell you what will happen this season is the division records. San Francisco and Seattle were both 5-1. While St Louis and Arizona were 1-5. I dont think that changes much this season. Each team added some quality players this past offseason in a hope to be competitive with the big boys of the conference. There were some definite play makers brought into the mix. But how each team uses those play makers will determine who wins the conference.
Here is a look at each team. Placed in order of how I think they wioll finish this season.
San Francisco 49ers (last season 9-7)
QBs-- A much maligned Kurt Roberts will start the season. San Francisco is trying to help Roberts to stop throwing picks. A 13 year vet has thrown 164 interceptions in his career. While throwing 158 TDs. Thats just too many picks. Oakland finally had enough and shipped Roberts to San Fran last season. The change didnt help much, as Roberts continued to throw the ball to the wrong jersey. Dr. Kailan, a leading eye specialist, was brought in to check on Roberts vision. His report was leaked to the press. It said that Roberts eyes were fine. But when he threw a cup at the waste basket, it landed in the sink. Results seem to indicate a bad arm. The back ups are just that. An injury to Roberts would seriously hurt San Franciscos repeat division title hopes.
RBs--The highlight of the offense is here. 3rd year back, Kelvin Niechniedowicz is a flat out stud. KN ran for over 1700 yards last season and scored 9 TDs. He carries the offense on his back. This should help Roberts in the pass game. If the SF run game can get the safeties to creep up, thats a player or 2 less that Roberts can throw it to. The 49er offense runs through KN. Adam List should be the back up. And he looks like he fill that role nicely. The full back slot will be probably be filled by Ralph Troutman. Only because he is younger then the other option.
Receivers-- The 49ers have a solid TE in Graham Cassidy. He is a 3 down TE. Great at run blocking and servicable in the pass game. The back ups dont bring much to the table. The WRing corp got a big boost when SF acquired Micheal Floyd from the Giants. He brings experience and good hands to the receiving corp. This acquisition may be the difference between SF finishing 1st rather then 2nd. Henry Hume had a nice season last year. And with Floyd opposite of him, he should be able to repeat last seasons performance. The 3 and 4 WRs are average. Though Marcus Fitzgerald could make some noise. Rumors out of San Francisco training camp were that the WRs were practicing with the CBs to learn how to knock balls out of opposing players hands. That may help Roberts.
Offensive Line-- The line is solid. Anchored by center Amos Dotson, the O line can pass block pretty well, but its strength is in its run blocking ability. Which is why the 49ers play smash mouth and KN can get 1700 yards rushing. The line has sufficient depth and interchangable parts. While not outstanding, it is good at what it does.
Kicking Game-- Rookie punter Troy Green will be on eof the best punters in the league this season. He has a howitzer for a leg. 2nd year place kicker Kevin Defelice can get the job done. He took the job over late last season and struggled a little, but should overcome that and give the 49ers a solid chance at making FGs. The return game is not strong. Brock Newhart looks to be the main guy on returns. Burt Ives may supplant Newhart on punt returns. Field position may be an issue for San Francisco this season.
Defensive Line-- A weak group. They dont do much very well. Rookie Dana Bell will start and be the best player. This unit will struggle against the run and getting to the opposing passer. This is a unit that needs to be upgraded.
LBs-- What was said about the D line can be said about the LBs. It is a group that is ok, but doesnt do anything very well. The front seven for this team will have to play above their ability.
DBs-- Another average group, with the exception of Eric "Headhunter" Reid. This guy flys all over the place and makes plays. He loves it when opposing WRs cross the middle. With his 2 forearms wrapped, and the specualtion that he puts metal bars under the tape, you cross the middle at your own risk. The 49ers have a hard time getting FA Cbs to sign with them because Reid doesnt care who he hits. Whoever is around the ball is free game.
Projected Record and Division Finish: 10-6 1st
Seattle Seahawks (Last season 6-10)
QBs-- Kelly Brandon is still a year away from his full development. He still struggles with the FFL defenses, but has shown signs of what is ahead. He will continue to struugle this season. He will have one game where he is brilliant and follow that game with a dud. Its coming for Brandon, and one more year under his belt will help. The back ups are average. They carry the clip board very well, though.
RBs-- Scott Dawkins is a plugger. If you need 3 yards, he is your man. But thats about as good as it gets. He will get an occasional 10 yarder, but only if the line blows open a big hole. Ronald Fields is a very capable back up. He can make the defense miss and get 9 yards instead of 3. FB Derek Stillman is capable. But just a guy to run into LBs. I hope Seattle hangs onto Clay Fulcher. this guy has to be the worst player Ive seen on a roster in a long time.
Receivers-- Seattle was looking for a play maker at TE. And they drafted a good one in Rickey Hastings. While his hands are suspect, he can handle DEs and get open and break tackles. JKerome Soprano is a good receiving TE. But is more of a slot guy then one to play on the line. Seattle has a decent pair of receivers at the top. Scottie Hardy and Justin Briggs will make Brandons life a lttile easier. But after 1 and 2, the talent drops off dramatically. This may prove to hurt Seattle unless they can get creative.
Offensive Line-- This group is solid. No one sticks out. But they all bring something to the table. One might be a good pass blocker, while another is very good run blocker. It is that way across the board. Its kind of one dimensional. They need the right packages on the line at the right times or it might get ugly.
Kicking Game-- The kickers are poor. Unless they are punting from the oppositions 40 yard line. Then the punter, Omar Rubenstein is outstanding. But punting from there means a loit of stalled drives. There are 2 kickers on the roster as I write this. Flip a coin and hope it ends up on its edge. CB Coty Sensabaugh looks to be the kick returner and should be effective. While CB Josh Bruns will be a very effective punt returner.
Defensive Line-- This is a solid group. Seattle runs a 3-4 and they are stout across the line. DE Harris Marsh leads the group. He is the prototypical 3-4 DE. He can stop the run and pressure the QB. While NT Sharrif Floyd is HUGE body in the middle. He has the skills and size to be a very effective NT.
LBs-- This is a strong group. The reacquisition of Bobby Wagner could be huge. He was a monster pass rusher for Seattle. The team traded him to Arizona, then convinced Arizona to trade him back to the Seahawks. Could be a very important homecoming. The front 7 is what The 49ers are not. Very solid against the run and the pass. This unit will be the key in the 2 games against San Francisco.
DBs-- A nice group in the back of the defense. Led by CB Ian Cajigal, who was acquired from Philadelphia, this group should be able to shut down a lot of passing games. Especially if Wagner can pressure QBs.
Projected Record and Division Finish 10-6 2nd Lose 1st on tie breakers
St Louis Rams (Last Season 3-13)
QBs-- Alfred Shuman should be one of the best Qbs in the league. Unfortunately he is saddled with a group of average but developing receivers. He is very accurate, connecting on about 60% of his passes. But double digit interception totals his entire career has hurt his team. He needs to cut down on those and this team will be better. Again, there isnt much to say about the backups.
RBs--The Rams selected RB Billy Joe Glaser in the 1st round. Glaser is a middle of the line runner. He likes it between the tackles. Which is a good thing as you will see when we get to the O line. Glaser is a big addition and should really help Out Shuman. Myron Guthrie os a capable back up who also likes it between the tackles. The run game has a definite identity. FB Eugene White will lead the way for Glaser. White is one of the best FBs in the league. The Rams will use him a lot to take out LBs so Glaser can get to the next level.
Receivers-- The Rams have a developing corp of receivers. This group is led by WR Leon Dillow. He has great potential but needs to realize. On his 3rd team this year, his time is running out. TE Les Powell will be more of help to the running game then to the passing game. But thats what the Rams need. The other receivers are young and have potential. This group could turn out to be effective if not flashy. On a run first team, this group just needs to catch the balls thrown to them and not let defenders get picks.
Offensive Line-- The strength of this line is in the middle. And the strength of them is run blocking. Do you see a theme? The tackles on this team are just terrible. And by terrible, I mean horrid. They will aloow sacks and struggle in the run game. Defenses may put 5 guys over the center and guards and be just fine.
Kicking Game-- St Louis really dont have a punt game. They might be better off going for it on 4th down then punting. Unless they are in FG range. kicker Kenyon Twyner is a very solid kicker. He should make 40+ kicks all day. WR Sedrick Woodley is a good KR. He should provide decent field position all season. CB Mo Hines will reurn punts. He will be average at this position.
Defensive Line-- Here things start a long downward slide in talent. The DEs are terrible. They wont stop the run or rush the passer. Its just an ugly group. They should all be slinging kegs of beer for the local distributors. The DTs are good at stopping the run. And a couple are developing. SHeldon Richardson is the bright spot. But he is one dimensional. A great run stopper. But thats it.
LBs- Do they have any? Yes they do. They are uniform wearers though. Thats the best I can say about them.
DBs-- Well, things do look a little brighter with this group. Too nad they have to cover receivers for about 15 seconds each play. They have a great SS in Edgar Vandenkellen. He will see a lot of action against the run. The corners are solid and FS Sam Gibson has some cover skills. But this group will be worn out by the 3rd game.
Projected Record and Division Finish 5-11 3rd
Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
QBs-- The Cardinals acquired RG3 in the offseason from San Francisco. Maybe to sell tickets. Because with the rest of the offense, that may be what he will be best at. RG3 wont have much to throw to outside their new TE. It coupld be ugly for him.
RBs-- Thank goodness Eddie Lacy is here. A solid RB who can get it done. At least get a few yards on a carry. Which might be beneficial if RG3 can find the TE for the other 6 or 7 yards. Pretty good back ups that each bring something different.
Receivers-- Drafting TE Darrell Frederick looks to be a nice pick up. He is an all world TE. If RG3 can find him, he could put up monster numbers. The other TEs are ok., Nothing spectacular. The WRs are where things get dicey. There is not a real good one in the bunch. There just isnt anything I can say, but throw it to the TE.
Offensive Line-- The Cardinals have a pretty good ofensive line. Led by center Ray Shields, they may create some holes for Lacy. If they can do that and help get short 3rd downs, that would really help RG3. If they cant, this offense will really styruggle.
Kicking Game-- Punter Matt Burroughs has a pretty strong leg. He will need it. Kicker Desmond Potter is a heck of FG kicker. He could be one of the best. But he is absolutely terrible at kicking the ball off. this could hurt the team by giving opponents short fields. CB Dwight Curtis looks to be the PR. And he looks like he could be effective. Unfortunately, this team doesnt have a KR. They may see a lot of long fields this season.
Defensive Line-- The line isnt real bad. Lots of young guys though. So it is a work in progress. It has potential to be a pretty good run stopping group. But like I said, it need sto develop.
LBs-- This team runs a 3-4 and they traded away a WLB who was getting double digit sacks. Not sure why. This group is stron gin the middle. The can stop the run. But the OLBs are not very good. This front 7 will struggle pressuring opposing QBs.
DBs-- And this is not a good group. They do have Alonzo Goodwin. He looks to be a stud. And he needs to intercept about 15 passes this season. Because outside of Goodwin, they are pretty weak. Cant cover and cant rush. Good thing this is a run the ball first division.
Projected Record and Division Finish 3-13 4th
This is an improving division. San Francisco and Seattle are making big leaps, while St Louis and Arizona have more holes but are developing some talent. In a couple seasons, this could be a very deep and dangerous division.
Here is a look at each team. Placed in order of how I think they wioll finish this season.
San Francisco 49ers (last season 9-7)
QBs-- A much maligned Kurt Roberts will start the season. San Francisco is trying to help Roberts to stop throwing picks. A 13 year vet has thrown 164 interceptions in his career. While throwing 158 TDs. Thats just too many picks. Oakland finally had enough and shipped Roberts to San Fran last season. The change didnt help much, as Roberts continued to throw the ball to the wrong jersey. Dr. Kailan, a leading eye specialist, was brought in to check on Roberts vision. His report was leaked to the press. It said that Roberts eyes were fine. But when he threw a cup at the waste basket, it landed in the sink. Results seem to indicate a bad arm. The back ups are just that. An injury to Roberts would seriously hurt San Franciscos repeat division title hopes.
RBs--The highlight of the offense is here. 3rd year back, Kelvin Niechniedowicz is a flat out stud. KN ran for over 1700 yards last season and scored 9 TDs. He carries the offense on his back. This should help Roberts in the pass game. If the SF run game can get the safeties to creep up, thats a player or 2 less that Roberts can throw it to. The 49er offense runs through KN. Adam List should be the back up. And he looks like he fill that role nicely. The full back slot will be probably be filled by Ralph Troutman. Only because he is younger then the other option.
Receivers-- The 49ers have a solid TE in Graham Cassidy. He is a 3 down TE. Great at run blocking and servicable in the pass game. The back ups dont bring much to the table. The WRing corp got a big boost when SF acquired Micheal Floyd from the Giants. He brings experience and good hands to the receiving corp. This acquisition may be the difference between SF finishing 1st rather then 2nd. Henry Hume had a nice season last year. And with Floyd opposite of him, he should be able to repeat last seasons performance. The 3 and 4 WRs are average. Though Marcus Fitzgerald could make some noise. Rumors out of San Francisco training camp were that the WRs were practicing with the CBs to learn how to knock balls out of opposing players hands. That may help Roberts.
Offensive Line-- The line is solid. Anchored by center Amos Dotson, the O line can pass block pretty well, but its strength is in its run blocking ability. Which is why the 49ers play smash mouth and KN can get 1700 yards rushing. The line has sufficient depth and interchangable parts. While not outstanding, it is good at what it does.
Kicking Game-- Rookie punter Troy Green will be on eof the best punters in the league this season. He has a howitzer for a leg. 2nd year place kicker Kevin Defelice can get the job done. He took the job over late last season and struggled a little, but should overcome that and give the 49ers a solid chance at making FGs. The return game is not strong. Brock Newhart looks to be the main guy on returns. Burt Ives may supplant Newhart on punt returns. Field position may be an issue for San Francisco this season.
Defensive Line-- A weak group. They dont do much very well. Rookie Dana Bell will start and be the best player. This unit will struggle against the run and getting to the opposing passer. This is a unit that needs to be upgraded.
LBs-- What was said about the D line can be said about the LBs. It is a group that is ok, but doesnt do anything very well. The front seven for this team will have to play above their ability.
DBs-- Another average group, with the exception of Eric "Headhunter" Reid. This guy flys all over the place and makes plays. He loves it when opposing WRs cross the middle. With his 2 forearms wrapped, and the specualtion that he puts metal bars under the tape, you cross the middle at your own risk. The 49ers have a hard time getting FA Cbs to sign with them because Reid doesnt care who he hits. Whoever is around the ball is free game.
Projected Record and Division Finish: 10-6 1st
Seattle Seahawks (Last season 6-10)
QBs-- Kelly Brandon is still a year away from his full development. He still struggles with the FFL defenses, but has shown signs of what is ahead. He will continue to struugle this season. He will have one game where he is brilliant and follow that game with a dud. Its coming for Brandon, and one more year under his belt will help. The back ups are average. They carry the clip board very well, though.
RBs-- Scott Dawkins is a plugger. If you need 3 yards, he is your man. But thats about as good as it gets. He will get an occasional 10 yarder, but only if the line blows open a big hole. Ronald Fields is a very capable back up. He can make the defense miss and get 9 yards instead of 3. FB Derek Stillman is capable. But just a guy to run into LBs. I hope Seattle hangs onto Clay Fulcher. this guy has to be the worst player Ive seen on a roster in a long time.
Receivers-- Seattle was looking for a play maker at TE. And they drafted a good one in Rickey Hastings. While his hands are suspect, he can handle DEs and get open and break tackles. JKerome Soprano is a good receiving TE. But is more of a slot guy then one to play on the line. Seattle has a decent pair of receivers at the top. Scottie Hardy and Justin Briggs will make Brandons life a lttile easier. But after 1 and 2, the talent drops off dramatically. This may prove to hurt Seattle unless they can get creative.
Offensive Line-- This group is solid. No one sticks out. But they all bring something to the table. One might be a good pass blocker, while another is very good run blocker. It is that way across the board. Its kind of one dimensional. They need the right packages on the line at the right times or it might get ugly.
Kicking Game-- The kickers are poor. Unless they are punting from the oppositions 40 yard line. Then the punter, Omar Rubenstein is outstanding. But punting from there means a loit of stalled drives. There are 2 kickers on the roster as I write this. Flip a coin and hope it ends up on its edge. CB Coty Sensabaugh looks to be the kick returner and should be effective. While CB Josh Bruns will be a very effective punt returner.
Defensive Line-- This is a solid group. Seattle runs a 3-4 and they are stout across the line. DE Harris Marsh leads the group. He is the prototypical 3-4 DE. He can stop the run and pressure the QB. While NT Sharrif Floyd is HUGE body in the middle. He has the skills and size to be a very effective NT.
LBs-- This is a strong group. The reacquisition of Bobby Wagner could be huge. He was a monster pass rusher for Seattle. The team traded him to Arizona, then convinced Arizona to trade him back to the Seahawks. Could be a very important homecoming. The front 7 is what The 49ers are not. Very solid against the run and the pass. This unit will be the key in the 2 games against San Francisco.
DBs-- A nice group in the back of the defense. Led by CB Ian Cajigal, who was acquired from Philadelphia, this group should be able to shut down a lot of passing games. Especially if Wagner can pressure QBs.
Projected Record and Division Finish 10-6 2nd Lose 1st on tie breakers
St Louis Rams (Last Season 3-13)
QBs-- Alfred Shuman should be one of the best Qbs in the league. Unfortunately he is saddled with a group of average but developing receivers. He is very accurate, connecting on about 60% of his passes. But double digit interception totals his entire career has hurt his team. He needs to cut down on those and this team will be better. Again, there isnt much to say about the backups.
RBs--The Rams selected RB Billy Joe Glaser in the 1st round. Glaser is a middle of the line runner. He likes it between the tackles. Which is a good thing as you will see when we get to the O line. Glaser is a big addition and should really help Out Shuman. Myron Guthrie os a capable back up who also likes it between the tackles. The run game has a definite identity. FB Eugene White will lead the way for Glaser. White is one of the best FBs in the league. The Rams will use him a lot to take out LBs so Glaser can get to the next level.
Receivers-- The Rams have a developing corp of receivers. This group is led by WR Leon Dillow. He has great potential but needs to realize. On his 3rd team this year, his time is running out. TE Les Powell will be more of help to the running game then to the passing game. But thats what the Rams need. The other receivers are young and have potential. This group could turn out to be effective if not flashy. On a run first team, this group just needs to catch the balls thrown to them and not let defenders get picks.
Offensive Line-- The strength of this line is in the middle. And the strength of them is run blocking. Do you see a theme? The tackles on this team are just terrible. And by terrible, I mean horrid. They will aloow sacks and struggle in the run game. Defenses may put 5 guys over the center and guards and be just fine.
Kicking Game-- St Louis really dont have a punt game. They might be better off going for it on 4th down then punting. Unless they are in FG range. kicker Kenyon Twyner is a very solid kicker. He should make 40+ kicks all day. WR Sedrick Woodley is a good KR. He should provide decent field position all season. CB Mo Hines will reurn punts. He will be average at this position.
Defensive Line-- Here things start a long downward slide in talent. The DEs are terrible. They wont stop the run or rush the passer. Its just an ugly group. They should all be slinging kegs of beer for the local distributors. The DTs are good at stopping the run. And a couple are developing. SHeldon Richardson is the bright spot. But he is one dimensional. A great run stopper. But thats it.
LBs- Do they have any? Yes they do. They are uniform wearers though. Thats the best I can say about them.
DBs-- Well, things do look a little brighter with this group. Too nad they have to cover receivers for about 15 seconds each play. They have a great SS in Edgar Vandenkellen. He will see a lot of action against the run. The corners are solid and FS Sam Gibson has some cover skills. But this group will be worn out by the 3rd game.
Projected Record and Division Finish 5-11 3rd
Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
QBs-- The Cardinals acquired RG3 in the offseason from San Francisco. Maybe to sell tickets. Because with the rest of the offense, that may be what he will be best at. RG3 wont have much to throw to outside their new TE. It coupld be ugly for him.
RBs-- Thank goodness Eddie Lacy is here. A solid RB who can get it done. At least get a few yards on a carry. Which might be beneficial if RG3 can find the TE for the other 6 or 7 yards. Pretty good back ups that each bring something different.
Receivers-- Drafting TE Darrell Frederick looks to be a nice pick up. He is an all world TE. If RG3 can find him, he could put up monster numbers. The other TEs are ok., Nothing spectacular. The WRs are where things get dicey. There is not a real good one in the bunch. There just isnt anything I can say, but throw it to the TE.
Offensive Line-- The Cardinals have a pretty good ofensive line. Led by center Ray Shields, they may create some holes for Lacy. If they can do that and help get short 3rd downs, that would really help RG3. If they cant, this offense will really styruggle.
Kicking Game-- Punter Matt Burroughs has a pretty strong leg. He will need it. Kicker Desmond Potter is a heck of FG kicker. He could be one of the best. But he is absolutely terrible at kicking the ball off. this could hurt the team by giving opponents short fields. CB Dwight Curtis looks to be the PR. And he looks like he could be effective. Unfortunately, this team doesnt have a KR. They may see a lot of long fields this season.
Defensive Line-- The line isnt real bad. Lots of young guys though. So it is a work in progress. It has potential to be a pretty good run stopping group. But like I said, it need sto develop.
LBs-- This team runs a 3-4 and they traded away a WLB who was getting double digit sacks. Not sure why. This group is stron gin the middle. The can stop the run. But the OLBs are not very good. This front 7 will struggle pressuring opposing QBs.
DBs-- And this is not a good group. They do have Alonzo Goodwin. He looks to be a stud. And he needs to intercept about 15 passes this season. Because outside of Goodwin, they are pretty weak. Cant cover and cant rush. Good thing this is a run the ball first division.
Projected Record and Division Finish 3-13 4th
This is an improving division. San Francisco and Seattle are making big leaps, while St Louis and Arizona have more holes but are developing some talent. In a couple seasons, this could be a very deep and dangerous division.
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