NFC west

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Since Antrel Rolle (knee) was hurt in Week 3, left corner has been a problem spot, and opponents are exploiting it; they have thrown at the left corner about 80 percent of the time. Robert Tate, who started on the left side most of the season, was benched in favor of rookie Eric Green, but Green hasn't played that well, either. The team also has tried Raymond Walls at the spot. ... The quarterback picture has been focused on Kurt Warner and Josh McCown, but second-year QB John Navarre might have the skills to be a solid starter. He lacks touch and mobility but has a great arm, and coach Dennis Green says Navarre's intellect is comparable to Tom Brady's. If Warner struggles down the stretch, the team might look at Navarre. PROBLEM SPOT: The team's tackling has been poor, and Green says it's a result of players' relying too much on the schemes to put them in position to make plays. But fundamentals are lacking. There have been too many arm tackles and attempts to knock ballcarriers out instead of wrapping them up. The team has increased the emphasis on tackling in practice; it looked better in last Sunday's victory at St. Louis.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS

It's apparent cornerback should be the top priority in the offseason. The Rams need a big corner who can neutralize tall wide receivers. Rookie CB Ron Bartell (6-1, 208) was picked on by the Cardinals in his first start. ... The Rams shouldn't rush QB Marc Bulger back from his latest shoulder injury, suffered last Sunday. It's clear the team is going nowhere, so it shouldn't put Bulger at risk of further damage. ... WR Kevin Curtis has played well enough to keep the starting job, even when WR Isaac Bruce is fully healthy. Curtis, who has elite speed, has shown the ability to get behind secondaries and outrun pursuit. His route running is improving, and he is a willing blocker. He needs to improve at making tough catches in traffic. PROBLEM SPOT: With the hope of reducing penalties, interim head coach Joe Vitt brought in two referees about a month ago to monitor Rams practices and provide input. The strategy hasn't worked. The Rams have been flagged for 26 penalties over the past three games, many of which kept opponents' drives alive. Penalties are the result of poor technique and poor focus--and those responsibilities fall to the coach.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

SS Tony Parrish (leg) is out for the year, so rookie Ben Emanuel will be the starter. Emanuel has good size (6-2, 213), but he lacks experience. Emanuel, who joined the team six weeks ago, has the speed to cover tight ends and backs, but he is physical, too-he has played linebacker in the team's dime package. ... WR Brandon Lloyd has shown more precision and decisiveness in his route running under receivers coach Jerry Sullivan and continues to emerge as San Francisco's go-to receiver. Lloyd has good speed, exceptional concentration and outstanding athletic ability, allowing him to make acrobatic catches. He also has tremendous leaping ability and has shown he can go up and over defensive backs. PROBLEM SPOT: The 49ers' tight ends have been a nonfactor in the passing game since starter Eric Johnson (foot) was lost for the season. Billy Bajema leads the unit with just four receptions. The team claimed Terry Jones off waivers from the Ravens to try to improve the experience and depth at the position. The 49ers hope Jones, who is a solid, physical blocker, can use his speed and instincts to get open down the middle or on the corners.--Dennis Georgatos

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The team is on pace for its most sacks since 1985. The pass rush has been aided by the addition of LE Bryce Fisher and rookie LBs Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, who are explosive players and good blitzers. The four-man rotation at tackle also is a consistent source of pressure. Linebackers coach John Marshall took over the play-calling duties after coordinator Ray Rhodes had a mild stroke before the season. Marshall is more willing to call blitzes. ... WR Peter Warrick hasn't been a factor in the offense. He hasn't recovered from a knee injury and still runs with a hitch in his stride. Warrick also hasn't mastered the Seahawks' playbook. ... RG Chris Gray started his 100th consecutive regular-season game last Sunday. Aside from being durable, he has good instincts and is tough. Gray doesn't have ideal bulk and isn't exceptionally quick, but he finds a way to get the job done. PROBLEM SPOT: The Seahawks have excelled at putting together long touchdown drives, but it's disconcerting to the coaches that they so often start with poor field position. A big culprit: penalties on punt and kickoff returns. Coach Mike Holmgren even has threatened offenders with tines, but the team had three more penalties on returns against the 49ers.--Clare Farnsworth

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning