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NFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The right side of the offensive line remains a question mark. RT Anthony Clement played poorly last season and has looked only marginally better this season. RG Cameron Spikes is tough, but he struggles against elite defensive tackles. L.J. $helt0n, the former starter at left tackle, could provide an upgrade. Coach Dennis Green likely won't hesitate to make a change if necessary.... The team will continue to rely on three-receiver sets even though WR Anquan Boldin (knee) won't be back for at least another month. The alignments actually have ignited the running game; RB Emmitt Smith is finding seams on stretch plays. SCOUTING REPORT: MLB Ronald McKinnon might have lost a step or two, but he's still a reliable player, especially against the run. He's at his best when he uses his mobility to avoid blockers. McKinnon would love to play in passing situations, but coaches bring in younger, faster players, though some of them don't have McKinnon's instincts.--Kent Somers

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SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

During the offseason there was talk that the team would use a 3-4 defense much of the time because linebacker is an area of strength and new coordinator Willy Robinson has a history with that scheme. But the team has barely used the 3-4. The 49ers lack the personnel--a massive nose tackle and big ends--to make it work.... C Brock Gutierrez, who has taken over for an injured Jeremy Newberry (knee), has the experience to make the line calls but lacks Newberry's strength, athleticism and overall knowledge of the system. Still, Gutierrez played well in his first start. He figures to get tested plenty because opponents likely will blitz the 49ers up the middle a lot. PROBLEM SPOT: The secondary is prone to breakdowns. FS Ronnie Heard, for instance, was out of position on the Saints' game-winning touchdown pass. SS Tony Parrish and CB Ahmed Plummer are the only reliable defensive backs. Against New Orleans, OLB Julian Peterson even covered wide receivers at times.--Ira Miller

ST. LOUIS RAMS

The defense is searching for its first takeaway under new coordinator Larry Marmie . The players need to do a better job stripping the ball and forcing fumbles, something they excelled at last year under Lovie Smith. More blitzing might shake up things and create turnover opportunities. With an offense that annually is among the league leaders in giveaways, the Rams need the defense to help balance the ledger.... CB Jerametrius Butler has enough speed to stay with deep threats and is playing with more confidence. With problems at the other corner spot, steady play from Buffer is a necessity. PROBLEM SPOT: The team hasn't produced a touchdown on a kickoff return since 2000. Aden Harris already has given way to rookie Steven Jackson, but Jackson averaged less than 20 yards per return in Week 2 and was called for a costly taunting penalty after a touchback. The Rams rarely return the ball beyond the 30, and the poor field position puts a continual strain on the offense.--Jim Thomas

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The run defense has been much better than expected. DTs Cedric Woodard and Rashad Moore don't give ground. Plus, DEs Chike Okeafor and Grant Wistrom have been disruptive, and the entire unit has swarmed to the ball. Even if a back eludes the initial defender, he runs into two or three more. ... Dropped passes haunted the offense last season, and WR Koren Robinson had three drops in the opener. So the coaches had Robinson try a clear shield on his helmet in practice. But Robinson's problem is not visual--it's mental. He needs to concentrate and stop trying to run with the ball before he catches it. PROBLEM SPOT: The Seahawks have struggled in kickoff coverage early in the season. But allowing returns of 51 and 47 yards in the first two games goes beyond the early-season struggles of previous years. Part of it is the scheme, but the bigger issue is effort. The backups who are part of this unit need to realize special teams play is their primary duty at this stage of their careers.--Clare Farnsworth

NFC West

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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