1. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7
Will this be the start of a new dynasty in San Francisco?
2. Arizona Cardinals: 8-8
How far (if at all) will Arizona drop without Kurt Warner?
3. Seattle Seahawks: 5-11
The Pete Carroll era is under way in the Seattle.
4. St. Louis Rams: 3-13
Anything over 4 wins will be a welcome surprise.

Coaches

Ken Whisenhunt – Cardinals
As head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Whisenhunt has improved their record by one win each of the past three seasons.  The problem though is that was with Kurt Warner as the quarterback.  The punishment was too much for Warner and he decided to hang up the cleats.  Whisenhunt has to start over and his choices are between Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson.  Whisenhunt doesn’t hide the fact that Leinart is not his first choice for the job, but Anderson isn’t the best option either.  Ben Roethlisberger isn’t walking through that door for the Cardinals coach, who was the offensive coordinator during Big Ben’s first Super Bowl title in Pittsburgh.  This might not be a down year in Arizona with the talent surrounding the quarterback, but it will be a struggle to get some consistency out of the position.

Mike Singletary – 49ers
There isn’t any doubt of who is in charge in San Francisco.  Singletary’s no-nonsense attitude has gone through the ranks and it’s making believers out of the ones who used to cause problems.  Singletary has built a potentially elite defense and has a ball control offense to coincide with his philosophy of controlling the clock.  The 49ers haven’t had a record above .500 since ’02 and that was the last time they made the playoffs.  The team of the ’80s who also stayed in contention through the ’90s has perhaps the most upside of any team entering this season.  Maybe the third coach is the charm since their last playoff appearance to get them back into the competitive mix.

Pete Carroll – Seahawks
With Mike Holmgren out of the picture last year and his hand picked successor Jim Mora Jr. at the helm, Seattle was in a mini rebuilding mode.  Injuries, a 30th ranked pass defense and an inefficient running game led to Mora’s demise and he was let go after one season.  Looking to make a splash, right from the start Seattle had their sights set on USC head coach Pete Carroll.  Pete had already turned down a few jobs that were more appealing than Seattle’s, but he felt it was time and with sanctions coming USC’s way, you can decide if he had legitimate reasons for leaving USC.  Either way he’s back.  This is now his third chance in the NFL head coaching ranks and with the full support of the front office he will be given more time than Mora to build a winner in Seattle.

Steve Spagnuolo – Rams
It has been a rough learning curve for Steve Spagnuolo.  He was a hot commodity when the New York Giants won Super Bowl 42 as the defensive coordinator.  Now is the head coach for perhaps the worst team in the NFL.  Their is plenty of room for improvement.  Now that the Rams have a quarterback and one of the best running backs, they could move themselves out of the cellar.  The defense is the one flaw with the Rams.  Spagnuolo needs to get that side of the ball up to speed quickly or he will be looking for another coordinator job sooner than he thinks.  The Rams want to see improvement this year with their investment in Sam Bradford and with a new owner on the horizon time is running out fast.

Best Acquisition: WR Ted Ginn Jr. – San Francisco 49ers
It’s not so much for his pass catching ability.  He was a top 10 pick of the Miami Dolphins in ’07.  The reason, well I think it was for his big play ability mostly.  He still possesses that big play ability, but only on special teams.  He returned two kick-off returns for touchdowns in one game against the Jets last year.  San Francisco has ranked near the bottom of kickoff and punt returns for a long time.  Last they were dead last in punt returns and 23rd on kickoffs.  Ginn can be used in the slot and on deep pass patterns.  That will bring the big play to the passing attack and keep defenses honest which will help open up the running game. 

Quarterback – Grade
Cardinals – C
49ers – C
Seahawks – C
Rams – D

At first glance this is not the best division of quarterbacks.  Arizona has the slight edge still.  Matt Leinart is still an accurate passer.  Derek Anderson is only 3 years removed from his Pro Bowl season.  The edge is going to Leinart, but Anderson has the stronger arm to throw deep to the Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston.  Leinart just doesn’t have that charisma you want from your starting quarterback.  He seems to be disinterested at times in the game.  Anderson isn’t the ideal replacement for Warner either, but this is what Arizona has to work with.
San Francisco has had a very inconsistent time at quarterback.  Alex Smith has had a different offensive coordinator every year of his professional career.  For the first time he has the same coordinator and the same offense to work with in consecutive years.  That will help immensely.  Smith has developed a good rapport with his receivers.  He has a first class running game.  The only problem has been a suspect offensive line and being prone to turning over the football.  He showed a better touchdown to interception ratio last year (18-12).  With a better line, he could get past the 20 touchdown plateau for the first time.
Matt Hasselbeck like with Jim Mora Jr. is probably playing his last year in Seattle.  Back problems could force him out sooner.  His stats don’t show it, but he struggled to get in sync with the offense.  Primarily with T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  Seattle doesn’t have a viable option if Hasselbeck goes down.  Charlie Whitehurst was acquired from San Diego, but it’s yet to be seen if he is a NFL quarterback.  Pete Carroll would like to have stability here, but without a viable running attack the Seahawks will have constant pressure on the quarterback.
The Rams had no other choice but to select Sam Bradford with the first pick.  It starts at the top.  If you want to get better you have to improve the most important position on the field.  Bradford showed tremendous poise during his college days at Oklahoma.  He will have a huge learning curve in St. Louis.  The offensive line is still a work in progress, but Bradford does have a talented group of receivers to work with.  Not to mention Steven Jackson as his running back.  The Rams won’t be expected to repeat what Baltimore and Atlanta did with Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan respectively.  However, there is an expectation that there will be results in the first year rather than down the road.

Running Back – Grade
49ers – B
Rams – B
Cardinals – B
Seahawks – C

Had injuries not slowed Frank Gore down last year, he might have been the leading rusher in the NFC last year.  He is the rare power back that San Francisco has not had since Tom Rathman in the late ’80s.  Interestingly enough Rathman is the running back coach for the Niners.  Gore is an underrated pass blocker as well.  Very adapt at picking up blitzes.  Gore is the best option for the Niners and their best chance at getting into the playoffs.  Brian Westbrook was signed as the third down back and will help immensely in the passing game.
Steven Jackson was the leading rusher (1,416 yards) in the NFC and the teams leading receiver.  The latter has to change.  To avoid the wear and tear on Jackson, St. Louis has to ease Jackson’s role in the passing game.  It will be difficult with a rookie quarterback.  To add even more problems is the lack of a serviceable backup.  Jackson hasn’t had a decent backup since Marshall Faulk retired.  The Rams lone bright spot will be Jackson getting over 2,000 all purpose yards.
At about the half way point of the ’09 season the Cardinals realized that they had a pretty good running back in Beanie Wells.  Had he been given a chance at the starting job earlier, he would’ve rushed for over 1,000 yards.  Arizona will need to rely more on the running game this year with the question marks at quarterback.  Wells will be strictly used as the bruiser and a decoy on play action.  Tim Hightower has been a great third down back and is excellent in picking up the blitzing defenses.
Seattle’s main offensive problem was with the running game.  It looked as though Julius Jones would be the guy last year, but faded fast.  Edgerrin James was given a chance, but he was way past his prime.  Justin Forsett was a pleasant surprise.  His 5.4 yards per carry led the team and has given him the inside track at the starting job this year.  Leon Washington excels in kickoff returns, but he will be given ample opportunity to get some carries.  Jones is still around, but for how long remains to be seen. 

Wide Receiver – Grade
Cardinals – B
49ers – B
Seahawks – C
Rams – D

Even without Anquan Boldin the Cardinals still have the best wide receivers in the division.  Larry Fitzgerald is still one of the best at getting up the field and coming down with the catch.  His awareness over the middle is unmatched.  Steve Breaston is better suited as the third receiver, but he will do a good job in single coverage with Fitzgerald getting the double teams.  Early Doucet broke out during the playoffs last year and will take over Breaston’s spot in the slot.  Doucet has a bigger frame than Breaston which will help on crucial third down situations.  With these three they will probably have 75+ catches apiece. 
San Francisco has a bright future with this group.  It starts with their tight end Vernon Davis.  Davis solidified his status as an elite pass catching tight end with his first Pro Bowl appearance last year.  He should continue to put up 10+ touchdown seasons from now on.  Michael Crabtree, who is not holding out, has the potential to double his numbers from his rookie year (48 rec., 625 yards) in which he only played in 11 games.  Josh Morgan has a lot of upside, but time is starting to run out on his potential.  Ted Ginn Jr. will be given a chance at being the slot receiver and Delanie Walker is a back up tight end, but runs like a track star.
Seattle has had some disappointing history with receivers lately.  Deion Branch has never panned out since he was acquired in ’06.  Nate Burleson was the same as was let go.  They are hoping the same doesn’t happen with T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  T.J. is one of the best possession receivers in the NFL, but he seems to be distracted and is not the prototypical number one receiver most teams are looking for.  It makes sense because he wasn’t the number one receiver in Cincinnati.  Seattle has two young guns to work into the rotation.  Deon Butler showed a lot of promise, but wasn’t given a lot of playing time last year.  Rookie Golden Tate showed some big play ability at Notre Dame and Pete Carroll loves it from his days at USC.  Former USC standout Mike Williams will be given a chance at redemption during camp.  Tight end John Carlson is a well rounded pass catcher and an above average blocker.
The Rams will continue to use Steven Jackson in the passing game, but they must get more from Donnie Avery.  He had a great rookie year, but struggled with the unrest at quarterback and the lack of adequate pass protection.  Avery must forget about last year and develop good chemistry with Sam Bradford.  Tight end Daniel Fells was a nice surprise.  He will continue to get looks on third down and in the redzone.  Laurent Robinson probably would’ve had a career year had he not suffered a leg injury in the beginning of the season.  Rookie Mardy Gilyard will be given a chance to show what he can do.  For his size (6′ 187lbs) he is a very physical receiver.

Defense – Grade
49ers – B
Cardinals – B
Seahawks – C
Rams – D

The 49ers have slowly developed one of the best attacking defenses in the NFL.  It starts at head coach Mike Singletary’s old playing position, linebacker.  Patrick Willis has been one of the best since he entered the league.  When Takeo Spikes was signed in ’08 it seemed to elevate Willis’ game.  They both complement each other very well in the 3-4 defense.  They get great looks thanks to the defensive line.  Aubrayo Franklin is one of the best nose tackles.  Constantly holds down two offensive lineman which results in Willis or Spikes getting to the ball carrier.  Justin Smith is always running with great tenacity at the quarterback, but is best at stopping the run.  The secondary is the one weak spot on defense.  Nate Clements is slowly on the decline, but still has good coverage skills.  Shawntae Spencer is a solid tackler who does take chances, but knows when not to.  Dashon Goldson has become the teams best coverage safety and reminds those of Merton Hanks.  Michael Lewis is great at run support, but will be pushed by Taylor Mays who was a steal in the second round of the draft.
Arizona has developed a good 3-4 defense since Ken Whisenhunt’s arrival.  With a few tweaks here and there it has become one of the best at getting to the quarterback and getting interceptions.  There still are a few holes though.  The defensive line is anchored by Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell.  Both are great pass rushers and underrated at stopping the running back.  The problem will be at nose tackle.  First round pick Dan Williams will be given every opportunity to win the job, but they would rather Gabe Watson or Alan Branch keep it secured this year.  The linebackers will be a bit over matched as Karlos Dansby left for Miami.  Now that leaves a hole in the middle, but they went out and signed Joey Porter to fill it on the outside.  Porter is on the downside of his career, but can still get after the quarterback on any given down.  Rookie Daryl Washington from TCU will be given Dansby’s spot.  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is one of the best at getting to the ball, but still takes too many chances leaving his safety exposed over the top.  He still carries a lot of respect in the passing game.  Adrian Wilson could easily play linebacker, but he is just as good in coverage as he is in run stopping.  Kerry Rhodes will fill the void left by Antrel Rolle.  Rhodes played in a similar style in New York with the Jets.  He will be used mostly in coverage, but can spell Wilson on run support.
Pete Carroll always had a high octane offense at USC, but he was better known for his defenses.  He has a tall order with turning around one of the leagues worst.  Especially against the pass (30th).  It will have to start with pressure.  Chris Clemons will be tasked with being the prime pass rusher on the line.  He had only 3 last year with Philadelphia, but had 12 in ’07 & ’08 combined.  Perhaps the linebackers will have to do both rush the passer and stop the run.  On paper Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill and Aaron Curry are one of the best trios at linebacker.  Injuries have slowed Hill and Tatupu the last two years and Curry came on strong early, but faded fast down the stretch.  All three will need to be healthy to make an impact for Carroll’s defense.  Marcus Trufant when healthy is a great cover corner.  Very near the top, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype on a consistent basis.  Walter Thurmond must have made an impression on Pete Carroll when USC played Oregon.  Thurmond is a fourth round pick who has great coverage skills and was part of a good pass defense at Oregon.   First round pick Earl Thomas was the right pick for Seattle.  In that Bob Sanders mold, Thomas is great at defending the pass and coming up in run support.  Just look at Texas’ defense when Thomas was there.  Jordan Babineaux was the constant force in the secondary last year, but will be thrust back into a more comfortable role with Thomas aboard.
The defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo might have his work cut out for him in St. Louis.  They struggled mightily from stopping the pass to slowing down the run.  They will start over to get the pass rush going.  Leonard Little wasn’t resigned and that means Chris Long will be the lone threat.  Veteran James Hall has had some success, but doesn’t have the same speed of the edge.  James Laurinaitis was a pleasant surprise last year.  He took over the defense and has shown the same leadership from his playing time at Ohio State.  Ron Bartell and O.J. Atogwe are the veteran leaders.  Bartell is looking for some help at the cornerback position and he could get it from third round pick Jerome Murphy.  His size (6′ 196) is perfect for the zone scheme that will involve more blitzing from the front seven.  Atogwe is an adequate cover safety, but makes his name for his tackling ability in the running game.  The Rams will need him and fellow safety James Butler to improve on their subpar seasons if they are to get out of the NFC cellar.