NFC Offseason in Review-NFC West

Aside from the success of NFC Champion Seattle, this division experienced a down year. Arizona, San Francisco, and St. Louis hold three of the first eleven picks in this year's draft which speaks volumes about the seasons they had a year ago. However, Arizona and St. Louis have added key pieces to their teams and look to compete with the defending division champion Seahawks.

Arizona Cardinals: Dennis Green's tenure in the desert has been similar to most coaches that have come before him: marked with very few victories. Not one to deal with losing, he went out and signed the marquee free agent of the 2006 class is RB Edgerrin James. Combine him with WR standouts Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cards may be sporting the most explosive offense in the West. To help improve their mediocre line the Cards brought in marginal starter G Milford Brown. The Cards lost much needed depth behind Kurt Warner with the departure of Josh McCown, so Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler could be heading to the desert early on Saturday. Defensively the essentially traded DT's with Russell Davis leaving via free agency and Kendrick Clancy coming in from New York. Clancy was stout against the run but his pass rush abilities are limited.

Key Additions: RB Edgerrin James, DT Kendrick Clancy, G Milford Brown
Key Losses: DT Russell Davis, QB Josh McCown, S Quentin Harris

San Francisco 49ERS: After securing QB Alex Smith with the number one pick in last year's draft, the QB carousel last year featured Smith, The Bachelor Jesse Palmer, and former rodeo cowboy Cody Pickett. That being said, the Niners recent struggles continued. Alex Smith looked like a poor man's Chad Pennington, (who arguably had the weakest arm of any starting QB before the shoulder injuries) floating balls that were easily intercepted. They expected big things from RB Kevan Barlow, but he and rookie Frank Gore struggled. Gone from the offense is talented but inconsistent WR Brandon Lloyd, but his replacement is free agent acquisition Antonio Bryant who posted good numbers in Cleveland a year ago. They've also added perennial Pro-Bowl Guard Larry Allen whose career is on the decline, but still capable of playing elite football. Defensively they've added CB depth with the signing of nickel back Walt Harris and trading for young CB Sammy Davis. However, the 49ERS offseason is marked more by who they've lost. Talented, but oft injured LB Julian Peterson took off for divisional foe Seattle. Long time blocking FB Fred Beasley is also gone, along with hybrid DE/LB pass rush specialist Andre Carter.

Key Additions: WR Antonio Bryant, G Larry Allen, CB Walt Harris
Key Losses: LB Julian Peterson, LB Andre Carter, FB Fred Beasley, WR Brandon Lloyd

St. Louis Rams: The greatest show on turf finally turned their offseason attentions to defense. With "offensive mastermind" Mike Martz (I use that term loosely as his offensive mind is SEVERELY overrated) finally out of the picture, the team might finally lose its obsession with passing offense and become a balanced team. Although starting SS Adam Archuleta and part time starter DT Ryan Pickett have found new homes, the defense underwent a serious upgrade. Marquee free agents LB Will Witherspoon and DT La'Roi Glover are headed to the RCA dome along with solid S Cory Chavous. Offensively the theme of free agency was depth. They added QB Gus Frerrote in case starter Marc Bulger continues to have injury problems. Running Back Tony Fisher, long time Green Bay backup, was brought in to backup Steven Jackson in short yardage situations.

Key Additions: LB Will Witherspoon, DT La'Roi Glover, S Cory Chavous, QB Gus Frerrote
Key Losses: SS Adam Archuleta, DT Ryan Pickett, DT Damione Lewis

Seattle Seahawks: The reigning NFC Champions have been busy in hopes of defending their NFC crown. Their key move was re-signing reigning MVP RB Shaun Alexander. After setting a new NFL record for TD's scored in a season, Alexander is determined the get the Hawks back to the big game. However, he will be without Pro Bowl LG Steve Hutchinson who signed a lucrative deal to play in Minnesota. Also departing is WR Joe Jurevicius who lead the team in receiving a season ago. The hole he leaves will be filled by WR Nate Burleson, brought in from Minnesota as retaliation for losing Steve Hutchinson. Veteran Tackle Tom Ashworth will provide solid offensive line depth and valuable experience from his success with the Pats. Their major acquisition was bringing in talented young LB Julian Peterson. He'll benefit from playing alongside last year's rookie sensation MLB Lofa Tatupu and boost an already solid LB corps. The defensive backfield took a hit with the losses of S Marquand Manuel and CB Andre Dyson. They recently acquired Mike Green to replace Manuel, but may use the draft to address both needs.

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, WR Nate Burleson, T Tom Ashworth, DT Russell Davis
Key Losses: S Marquand Manuel, CB Andre Dyson, WR Joe Jurevicius, G Steve Hutchinson