Kurt Warner is no longer in the Niners' way of winning the division. With the Cardinals in transition, the Niners just needed to steadily improve on last year's 8-8 record, and that's exactly what they did. By drafting two offensive linemen in the first round they have turned last year's biggest weakness into a potential strength. Alex Smith had his best season a year ago and for the first time in his career will have the same coordinator in consecutive years. Also, he will have the most talent at his disposal that he has ever had. Michael Crabtree is going to be a star receiver perhaps as early as this year, Vernon Davis is unguardable at tight end, and Frank Gore is a top-8 NFL running back that can do everything. The defense was excellent last year. Abrayo Franklin and Justin Smith are incredibly stout up front. Patrick Willis is football's best defensive player, and he is flanked by an athletic trio of Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, and Parys Haralson. Dashon Goldson quietly produced like a Pro Bowler at safety last year and will be joined by free athlete Taylor Mays. If Mays can produce up to his potential, this can be a top-5 defense.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will be refreshed by Pete Carroll's optimism, but still have a ton of holes on both sides of the ball. Matt Hasselbeck is on his last legs and Justin Forsett and Leon Washington do not make a good enough running back tandem. On the outside, TJ Houshmandzadeh will be joined by impressive rookie Golden Tate, and John Carlson is a nice option over the middle as a tight end. Russell Okung will start from day one at left tackle but the rest of the offensive line is suspect. This defense that has struggled to play consistently as an eleven man unit will benefit from rookie playmaker Earl Thomas.
Arizona Cardinals
Losing Warner, Anquan Boldin, Antrel Rolle, and Karlos Dansby will not be easily overcome. Matt Leinart is not the answer at QB nor is Derek Anderson. Beanie Wells and Larry Fitzgerald are great talents, but the offensive line and QB situation will make it tough for them to excel. Dan Williams was a steal as the twenty-sixth pick in the first round and he joins Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett on the defensive line. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is an excellent athlete and Kerry Rhodes plays solidly at safety. This is a team in transition and it will show.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams are starting to climb out of a deep, dark hole, but they are still at the beginning stages of rebuilding. First overall pick Sam Bradford will get killed if he starts right away, although the offensive line is surprisingly talented with good center Jason Brown, last year's second overall pick Jason Smith, and solid guard Jacob Bell. Donnie Avery needs help at receiver. Steven Jackson takes a backseat to nobody at the running back position. Chris Long and James Laurinaitis are really the only promising players on this defense; the rest is patchwork. It will be another long year for Rams fans, but talent is starting to accumulate.
Final Standings
49ers 9-7
Seahawks 6-10
Cardinals 6-10
Rams 3-13
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