The NFC West. Where the West coast teams show promise for 2008
The NFC West conference. To me, this is a confusing conference as the expectations for these teams went unfulfilled for various reasons.
Seattle was pretty strong last year, ending up with a 10-6 record, but off season release Shawn Alexander makes it an unfamiliar backfield for QB Matt Hasselback. Head coach Mike Holgrem hasn't fulfilled expectations of playoff success like he did in Green Bay, where he brought home the trophy and wears the ring.
Arizona Cardinals were affected by injuries and paperazzi with their superstar QB. Arizona must get some team rhythem and chemistry for them to overcome their barriers, and now with their star reciever cutting off contract negotiations, it appears that the drama still continues to affect the Cardinals. They have the talent to be successful, but the chemistry is lacking.
San Francisco has head coach/quarterback issues as well. Alex Smith hasn't performed, and it is no secret the oil and water relationship that head coach Mike Nolan has with his QB. Their bright spot is 2nd year linebacker Patrick Willis. A genuine stud. I saw him play for years at Ole Miss, and he is unbelievable. If he stays healthy, he will be in the Hall of Fame and comparisons of the next LT will be the talk of the town.
St. Louis is hoping that "little" Long delivers just as well as his father did for the Raiders back in the day. Chris Long was the number two draft pick of the 2008 draft and will be an immediate help to the defensive line. There are many questions for the Rams team as starting camp begins.
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