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Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

ARIZONA CARDINALS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: There will be major changes. Coach Dennis Green says Josh McCown will be a good quarterback, but Green is impatient and probably will at least seek a veteran to challenge McCown. RB Emmitt Smith is expected to depart, leaving Marcel Shipp, out all season with a leg injury, as the starter. Green likes fast running backs, and he could get one through the draft or via a trade, possibly for the Vikings' Michael Bennett. The team likely will replace RT L.J. Shelton, but doing so would be a mistake. He fell out of favor when he showed up to minicamps overweight. Still, he's better than many of the alternatives in the free-agent market and draft. On defense, things are more settled. The team could use another cornerback, and it might take one in the first round. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The running game was inconsistent, and the passing attack produced few big plays. Defense: C. It was much better than last year but was susceptible to the run. Special teams: C. P Scott Player and K Neil Rackers were solid. The return games produced little. Coaching: C-. Green's benching of McCown started a downward spiral.--Kent Somers

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ST. LOUIS RAMS PLAYOFF READINESS **

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: QB Marc Bulger was sharp after returning from a bruised throwing shoulder. If he has time to throw, which isn't a given because of the battered line, he and the gifted receivers can carve up any defense. Considering the kick coverage and run-stopping struggles, it's hard to imagine a deep playoff run. The defense still isn't creating turnovers. The Rams went 2-6 on the road and lost three of their last four road games by 20 or more. They likely would have to win three road games to reach the Super Bowl. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B-. It moved the ball between the 30s but struggled in close. Defense: D+, Few takeaways and porous run defense were yearlong problems. Special teams: D. The coverage and return units were awful. The kickers were steady. Coaching: C. The team would be 11-5 without injuries to T Kyle Turley and Bulger.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: No one is safe after the awful season, including coach Dennis Erickson, his assistants and G.M. Terry Donahue, The team almost is certain to again put the franchise tag on LB Julian Peterson, out since October (Achilles'), even at a likely cost of about $7 million. The club had one of the NFCs lowest payrolls in 2004, but it might open its pocketbook a bit for free agents to placate disgusted fans. The only solid unit is the linebackers, so there's no shortage of needs, including playmakers on offense and pass rushers on defense. The quarterback position is up in the air. Backup Ken Dorsey showed only flashes of potential. Starter Tim Rattay displayed toughness playing through injuries, but he doesn't look like a franchise quarterback. The 49ers will seek new blood at the position, perhaps with the No. 1 overall draft pick. FINAL GRADES: Offense: F. The 49ers had one of the worst offenses in their history. Defense: D. Injuries and poor field position (caused by the offense's turnovers) were too much to overcome. Special teams: C. K Todd Peterson provided stability. Coaching: D. The players didn't develop.--Ira Miller

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PLAYOFF READINESS **

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: If the adage "Defense wins championships" is true, Seattle will be lucky to win one playoff game. The defense has been exploited because too many backups have been forced into games. The team will play without LB Anthony Simmons--whose replacement, Isaiah Kacyvenski, has no business playing outside of special teams--and DT Marcus Tubbs, whose replacement, Rashad Moore, is battling a shoulder injury. Many others will be at less than 100 percent. It sounds like an excuse, but injuries are a reason for the team's inability to pressure the quarterback and stop the running game. The offense has its problems, too. The passing game has been inconsistent, so the best option has been pounding RB Shaun Alexander at opponents, especially behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B. The team couldn't count on the passing game, but Alexander filled in the blank spots. Defense: D. If not for 22 interceptions, the injury-strapped defense would have had more problems stopping opponents. Special teams: D-. K Josh Brown saved the unit from complete failure. Coaching: C+, Coordinator Ray Rhodes couldn't mask defensive shortcomings.--Clare Farnsworth

DRAFT DISH

By War Room scouts

As smart as he is talented, Colorado State TE Joel Dreessen is something of a sleeper, but he will be drafted on Day 1. Dreessen has consistent hands, good speed after the catch and the ability to make spectacular receptions. He also is an aggressive blocker. * Though Utah RB Marty Johnson had a standout senior season, his stock will be hurt by durability and character concerns. A bruising runner, Johnson doesn't have elite speed but cuts well and keeps his legs moving. He should be a late-round pick. * Arkansas' Arrion Dixon has the size (6-3 1/2,290) and strength to be a solid NFL defensive tackle, but he hasn't shown the consistent effort to merit an early pick and likely will fall to a late round. When he's on, he can be awesome, possessing exceptional quickness and athleticism. * Fresno State OT Logan Mankins plays with a mean streak and flattens defenders. A hard-working player, Mankins is quick and has good footwork. He needs to improve his technique, but look for him to be a Day 1 selection.

NFC west

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

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