Teams listed in alphabetical order
ARIZONA CARDINALS
2007 Record: 8-8
The Forecast: Partly Sunny
The Cardinals took some positive steps under rookie coach Ken Whisenhunt in 2007, but questions still exist. Arizona must improve its running game (29th), particularly if one or both of its QBs (Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner) go down to injury again. The run defense was solid, but the pass defense left a lot to be desired (28th). The Cardinals drafted CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the first round and should have S Adrian Wilson healthy, which will help. Wilson drives the birds' defense.
It Will Be A Cold Winter in the Desert If: The Cardinals can't cut way down on their mistakes (penalties and turnovers) and Leinart fails to develop as hoped.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
2007 Record: 3-13
The Forecast: Mostly Cloudy
Who would have thought the Rams defense (21st) would finish ranked higher than the offense (24th)? That's what happened as injuries tore the offensive line apart, and kept QB Marc Bulger running for his life. One bright spot was RB Steven Jackson, who despite missing five games with injuries topped 1,000 yards. WR Torry Holt overcame knee problems to post yet another 1,000-yard season. The Rams are building a good defensive line with first-round pick Chris Long joining last season's No. 1, Adam Carriker, but the back seven other than LB Will Witherspoon is below average.
There Will Be Trouble in River City If: Jackson's holdout lasts much longer, and the offensive line can't protect Bulger.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2007 Record: 5-11
The Forecast: Partly Cloudy, perhaps some sun at times
The 49ers again invested heavily in improving their defense, adding free-agent DE Justin Smith and drafting DT Kentwan Balmer. That should help a very good set of linebackers, led by Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson. The real problem by the Bay was a lack of offense. The 49ers had the league's worst - statistically - and despite the signings of WRs Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson, it's tough to see the passing game improving unless a QB emerges and RB Frank Gore returns to his 2006 form.
Even Montana or Young Might Not Be Able to Save the Niners If: All their high-priced talent on defense doesn't start playing like it, the running game doesn't re-emerge and nobody catches the ball.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2007 Record: 10-6
The Forecast: Mostly sunny, some clouds possible
How will things work out now that Coach Mike Holmgren has announced this is final season? The Seahawks' opportunistic defense has elite players in every position group, and it is stacked at linebacker. Seattle's formula was simple - create turnovers and pressure quarterbacks, and it worked well until the playoffs. The offense is in good hands with QB Matt Hasselbeck, but whom will he throw to? WRs Bobby Engram and Deion Branch are hurt and DJ Hackett left as a free agent. Also gone is RB Shaun Alexander, replaced by the trio of Julius Jones, TJ Duckett and Maurice Morris. It is not unprecedented for a Holmgren-coached team to have success with a RB-by-committee approach (see Green Bay 1996).
Expect It To Pour If: No one emerges at WR and the revamped running game can't generate enough yards to keep defenses honest.
Coming up: Season predictions by conference and division. Once the regular season begins, I will resume my weekly previews and recaps.
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