NFC West 2008 Preview: Predictions and Awards
July 11, 2008
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
NFC West Predictions
Owners of the division’s best combination of talent and experience. Having a loaded defense doesn’t hurt either.
On the rise? Perhaps. But questions at quarterback and a stagnant rushing attack present issues.
Great in spots but outright porous in others. Can Linehan survive another year?
Only three significant weakness, but all of them damning: quarterback, offensive line, coaching staff.
Best Offseason Move
The Seattle Seahawks saying goodbye to Shaun Alexander.
Worst Offseason Move
The 49ers guaranteeing $20 million to solid but not spectacular defensive end Justin Smith, a 4-3 prototype who doesn’t fit their scheme.
Biggest Question
What impact will the fact that this is Mike Holmgren’s last season have on the Seahawks?
Quick Hits
Team Bests
Passing Game 1 Cardinals, 2 Rams, 3 Seahawks, 4 Niners
Running Game 1 Rams, 2 Niners, 3 Seahawks, 4 Cardinals
Offensive Line 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Pass Rush 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Run Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Cardinals, 4 Rams
Pass Defense 1 Seahawks, 2 Niners, 3 Rams, 4 Cardinals
Special Teams 1 Niners, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Seahawks
Coaching Staff 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Rams, 4 Niners
Front Office 1 Seahawks, 2 Cardinals, 3 Niners, 4 Rams
Home Field Advantage 1 Seahawks, 2 Rams, 3 Cardinals, 4 Niners
Player Bests
Pure Athlete Julian Peterson, Seahawks
Big Play Threat Patrick Willis, 49ers
Gets Most out of Talent Frank Gore, 49ers
Gets Least out of Talent Matt Leinart, Cardinals
Breakout Prospects Tye Hill, Rams
Manny Lawson, 49ers
Levi Brown, Cardinals
Breakdown Prospects Corey Chavous, Rams
Jonas Jennings, 49ers
Leonard Little, Rams
Best Leader Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
Unsung Hero Michael Lewis, 49ers
Impact Rookie Chris Long, Rams
ALL-NFC WEST TEAM
Offense
QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
RB Steven Jackson, Rams
FB Leonard Weaver, Seahawks
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
WR Anquan Boldin, Cardinals
TE Vernon Davis, 49ers
LT Walter Jones, Seahawks
LG Jacob Bell, Rams
C Chris Spencer, Seahawks
RG Deuce Lutui, Cardinals
RT Levi Brown, Cardinals
Defense
DE Patrick Kerney, Seahawks
DT Darnell Dockett, Cardinals
DT Adam Carriker, Rams
DE Darryl Tapp, Seahawks
OLB Julian Peterson, Seahawks
ILB Patrick Willis, 49ers
ILB Lofa Tatupu, Seahawks
OLB Karlos Dansby, Cardinals
CB Marcus Trufant, Seahawks
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, Rams
SS Adrian Wilson, Cardinals
CB Tye Hill, Rams
Specials
K Josh Brown, Rams
P Andy Lee, 49ers
RS Dante Hall, Rams
ST Aaron Francisco, 49ers
