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NFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The offense won't have the explosiveness coach Dennis Green envisioned until WR Anquan Boldin (knee) returns, which might not be until mid-October. Until then, Green will be more conservative than he prefers and will encourage QB Josh McC0wn to take a minimal number of chances.... DE Bertrand Berry is listed as the starter on the right side, but he moves all along the front. Coaches want to prevent tight ends and fullbacks from chipping away at him, so they also use him on the left side and even have him rush from a standing position. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Green directs both the offensive and defensive scout teams for several reasons. First, it sends a message that every player on the roster is important. Second, Green becomes more familiar with opponents' game plans and tendencies. Third, and perhaps most important, it allows Green to evaluate the development of his younger players and helps him determine when a player might be ready to play.--Kent Somers

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ST. LOUIS RAMS

Without the benefit of training camp or a single preseason game, LT Orlando Pace was a dominating force in the season opener. Pace has the size, strength and punch-out ability with his big arms to neutralize the speed rush. His footwork and athleticism allow him to handle speed rushers, get out on sweeps and throw the occasional downfield block. Some personnel people think the only thing he lacks is a nasty streak.... Rookie LB Brandon Chillar, who held off three-year starter Tommy Polley at strongside linebacker, has been a quick study. Rangy and aggressive, Chillar has shown some skills as a blitzer and is good at weaving through traffic to avoid blockers. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: An improved running game was one of coach Mike Martz's offseason goals, and the Rams could do a lot of running behind Pace and hefty LG Chris Dishman Even at 355 pounds, Dishman has been surprisingly nimble on some of the pulling plays that are a big part of the running game.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

It's a problem to have an immobile quarterback behind a so-so offensive line, as the team found out in its loss to Atlanta in the opener. Starter Tim Rattay and Ken Dorsey aren't mobile enough to make a play on the move. Opponents know where they are going to be, so they can direct their pass rush. Look for the 49ers to use more maximum-protection schemes and emphasize quick passes.... WR Cedrick Wilson is one of the fastest players on the team. He does an excellent job of running his routes and catching the ball. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The 49ers are using new defensive packages that showcase the speed of their outside defenders. OLB Julian Peterson is likely to blitz more this season, sometimes lining up alongside RE Andre Carter and often on the opposite side, allowing the team to send speed rushers from both edges. OLB Jamie Winborn also is an effective blitzer and one of the team's best tacklers.--Ira Miller

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The signing of DE Grant Wistrom allowed Chike Okeafor to move from the right side to the left. Suddenly, a team that had no speed off the edges two years ago has it on both sides. That's crucial as the defense must cover for the loss of SLB Chad Brown (broken leg) and the lack of a proven middle linebacker.... SS Terreal Bierria, who was injured his first two seasons, brings size and big-play ability to the secondary. His improved health and play are allowing the coaches to use rookie Michael Bouiware as the nickel back while he makes the transition from college linebacker to NFL safety. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The 2-minute drill has been a staple of almost every practice under coach Mike Holmgren. But that turned into a 4-minute drill last week. Holmgren wants to practice burning the clock by having QB Matt Hasselheck complete high-percentage passes and RB Shaun Alexander pound away, up the middle. That's a major shift in Holmgren's attitude about his team.--Clare Farnsworth

NFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

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