2012 NFC West Preview

Just two years ago the NFC West was the complete laughing stock of the NFL, but the division is quickly on it's way back to respectability. The 49ers started the process last season as new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh led the team to a 13-3 record. The Seahawks also began playing with fire, especially in the second half of the season. The Rams dealt with injury issues all season, and the Cardinals could never find a starting QB. The Rams unloaded in this springs draft bringing in tons of talent at skill positions. St.Louis added Isaiah Pead, Brian Quick, and speedster Chris Givens from Wake Forrest, which should give a tremendous boost to a terrible offense last season. The Cards are still torn on whether they should start Kolb or Skelton at QB. I believe the Cards should just give it to Kolb and let him develop over the year. The 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams should all enjoy very respectable seasons. The Arizona Cardinals probably not so much!

1. San Francisco 49ers- I believe the Niners have too much defense to be ousted from the top of this division. They are solid all around on defense, but the offense struggled at times last year. The Niners hope they stepped it up with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham through Free Agency. The Niners also added A.J. Jenkins from Illinois at WR, and former Heisman finalist LaMichael James from Oregon. The Niners are also very solid on Special Teams.
2012 Projection- (11-5)

2. St.Louis Rams- I believe the Rams will be the surprise story of the league this season. This team was destroyed by injuries last season especially on the offensive side of the ball. I think the organization has brought in substantial help both at WR, and in the backfield. I look for Lance Kendricks to really emerge as a top tier TE in 2012, and Danny Amendola returns at WR. Bradford will also be on the lookout for rookies Brian Quick and Chris Givens to make this a very exciting young offense. I look for Givens to add excitement to the return game as well.
2012 Projection- (9-7)

3. Seattle Seahawks- The Seahawks showed major improvement over the second half of the season in 2011. The defense finished looking like a top squad and Marshawn Lynch was completely reborn in the backfield. The issue to start this season is who starts at QB? The Seahawks brought in Matt Flynn and paid him nicely, but then drafted Russell Wilson. The Preseason so far has shown Wilson to have the edge, but its not over yet. The Seahawks also added a ton of team cancer in Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards, but those pickups could pay off.
2012 Projection- (8-8)

4. Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals are just shaky at QB and that always spells trouble. They have talent at WR with Larry Fitzgerald and rookie Michael Floyd, but someone has to get them the ball. Beanie Wells returns after a very stellar season and Ryan Williams should return as well in the backfield. The defense is also very mediocre with the exception of Patrick Peterson.

2012 Projection- (5-11)