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NFC west

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

ARIZONA CARDINALS

There was no indication against the Giants that the running game will be improved, and losing FB James Hodglns to a torn ACL won't help. Hodgins, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, is considered a devastating lead blocker. His replacement, Obafemi Ayanbadejo, catches the ball well, but he's not a blocker in the class of Hodgins. ... WR Larry Fitzgerald is big (6-3, 221) and strong, with great body control and hands. He's a target even when he's covered because he can win physical battles against most cornerbacks. Fitzgerald doesn't have great speed, however, and he's not yet a precise route runner. He also needs to learn how to use his strength to beat press coverage. The team's offensive changes, specifically the increased use of motion, should help create favorable matchups for him. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie CB Antrel Rolle is supremely confident, so he likely won't be affected by getting beat. He isn't extremely fast, and there has been speculation he will need to move to safety in a few years. Until then, Rolle will handle cornerback duties just fine. He's tough, instinctive and willing to put in the work to improve.--Kent Somers

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ST. LOUIS RAMS

To improve production in the red zone, the team needs to find more effective ways to use RB Steven Jackson. The Rams scored just one TD in five red zone trips in the opening loss at San Francisco. In the four trips that ended in field goals, Jackson had just three carries inside the 20. ... LE Leonard Little appears ready for another Pro Bowl-caliber season. Little is heavier (261) than he was when he first moved to end and has evolved into more than a speed rusher--he can bull-rush because he uses good leverage. He also can hold up at the point of attack, but he's at his best moving down the line to trap ballcarriers in the backfield. YOUTH MOVEMENT: Rookie Alex Barron has the athleticism and strength to be a successful fight tackle, but he still has technique issues to conquer, particularly with his hand punch and other uses of his hands. Coach Mike Martz named him a starter on draft day, but a lengthy holdout pushed Barton into a backup role. There should be an opening for Barron this season--veteran RT Rex Tucker struggled against the 49ers and also injured his right leg--but Barron doesn't look ready to take advantage.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Bryant Young seems to have benefited from a move from tackle to left end in the new 3-4 scheme. On the edge, Young uses his strength and athletic ability to beat tackles. He had three sacks in the opening victory against the Rams, which matched his 2004 total. ... QB Tim Rattay showed good poise and enough mobility against the Rams' defensive pressure while maintaining his accuracy. ... Otis Amey scored on a 75-yard punt return the first time he touched the ball in the NFL, and he could work his way into the receiving rotation. Amey is strong and physical, and he first caught the 49ers' eye as a rookie free agent with his precise route running and acrobatic catches.

YOUTH MOVEMENT: Mike Adams, who is in his second season, has made a seamless transition from safety to cornerback. Working as the nickel back, he is a sure tackler with great quickness. His size (5-11, 193) isn't ideal for a safety but is good for a corner, and he clearly is physical enough. The team likes to play him in the slot, where he can work over receivers inside. He had a key interception late in the fourth quarter that sealed the Week 1 win.--Dennis Georgatos

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Rookie MLB Lofa Tatupu started the season opener. It's asking a lot of a rookie to make the defensive calls. The coaches, though, are enamored with his instincts and playmaking ability. Tatupu rarely takes a false step. At 5-11, 226, he is undersized, however, and it's questionable whether he can take big, physical guards with regularity. He had five tackles in the loss to the Jaguars but also missed some plays he should have made. ... Sean Locklear made his first NFL start as an injury fill-in at right tackle, and if he plays well enough, he could stay in the lineup. The team has been looking for a chance to move RT Floyd Womack, who is out because of a triceps injury, to guard. Womack's size (6-4, 335) and lack of mobility make him a better fit inside; Locklear is athletic enough to handle quick pass rushers. YOUTH MOVEMENT: OLB D.D. Lewis, who originally made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2002, has taken over as the starter on the weak side, replacing Anthony Simmons, who was released. Lewis is only 6-1, 241 pounds, but coordinator Ray Rhodes and linebackers coach John Marshall like that Lewis is fast, instinctive and aggressive. Lewis started five games in 2003 as an injury fill-in and led the team in tackles in four of them.--Clare Farnsworth

NFC west

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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