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NFC West

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

ARIZONA CARDINALS

KEY ISSUES: Coach Dennis Green has repeatedly blamed part of his team's woes on a new coaching staff. But his demotion of offensive line coach Bob Wylie still came as a surprise. Replacing Wylie is former OT Everett Lindsay, who was cut in camp and has been a coach for only a month. It's doubtful the group will improve under an inexperienced coach. The club needs to find a way to get more production out of its passing attack. There haven't been many big plays. QB Josh McCown has shown improvement almost weekly, but he has to make better decisions under pressure. He would benefit from a more consistent running game. PROJECTION: The club should be much better in the second half. The offense is expected to improve, especially with the return of WR Anquan Boldin from knee surgery. Boldin's return allows the team to more effectively use the three-receiver set Green prefers. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: D. Defense: B. Special teams: D. Coaching: C. Overall: D.--Kent Somers

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ST. LOUIS RAMS

KEY ISSUES: The defense has been a major disappointment, as it has given up way too many big plays. The defensive line gradually has improved, but the back seven--particularly the secondary--continues to be a major problem, though the return of CB Travis Fisher, who missed the first six games because of a broken forearm, should help. The play of the safeties needs to improve, particularly when the team goes to its nickel and dime packages. On special teams, the Rams are giving up a lot of field position because of shoddy return and coverage units. There's no easy solution unless WRs Shaun McDonald and Kevin Curds are given a chance to return kickoffs. PROJECTION: With so much offensive potential, the Rams should have enough to make the playoffs. But nothing is certain with a team that has been so inconsistent. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense. B. Defense: D. Special Teams: C-. Coaching: B-. Overall: C+.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

KEY ISSUES: The pass defense and rushing offense, two areas the team felt were relatively solid entering the season, have been problems. CBs Ahmed Plummer and Mike Rumph (out for the season) have had injuries, and a weak pass rush doesn't figure to get stronger without OLB Julian Peterson (out for the season). RB Kevan Barlow has struggled to play through some minor injuries, and the line has suffered from the loss of injured C Jeremy Newberry. Look for RB Jamal Robertson to get more work in the second half of the season. There have been encouraging signs from QB Tim Rattay, who has demonstrated toughness, but his history of injuries make it questionable how much the team can count on him. PROJECTION: The 49ers should win at least two more games, but the key will be how many players they can develop to help them get back to respectability. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: D. Defense: C-. Special teams: B-. Coaching: C. Overall: D+.--Ira Miller

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

KEY ISSUES: The offense has plenty of issues---overly complex game plans, the inefficiency of QB Matt Hasselbeck, the under-use of RB Shaun Alexander, mental and physical mistakes by linemen and dropped passes by wideouts. Coach Mike Holmgren is trying to right these wrongs by simplifying the offense. That the defense has played well despite myriad injuries is a tribute to coordinator Ray Rhodes and his young players. But it will be difficult for the defense to sustain its z solid play until the best playmakers are on the field together. PROJECTION: This team has more than enough talent to make the playoffs, and the schedule is favorable, too. But the three-game losing streak showed it didn't yet have what elite teams flaunt: consistency. It must put together a run before road games against the Vikings and lets in mid-December. The November 14 game at St. Louis looms large. APPROVAL RATING: Offense: C+. B-. Special teams: C. Coaching: C+. Overall: C+.--Clare Farnsworth

NFC West

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

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