ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Ryan from Greeley, Colo., writes: Alright, I was happy about the Cardinals before Sunday, but after this game, and Tim Hightower's "coming out", I am really excited. You think the running game will be there from this point on, or were the Rams just not prepared for Hightower?

I know a lot of people (ESPN People, that is) were talking about a lack of a running game, but after today, I'm way more excited about the Cardinals in the playoffs. I THINK it's pretty much a certainty at this point.

Mike Sando: You should be excited. You should also hope Kurt Warner can keep surviving the occasional hard hits he seems to absorb every game. My thought after the Dallas game was that the Cardinals would win 10 games this season.

The running game will not be there every week. The Cardinals don't have the offensive line to impose their will on defensive front sevens week in and week out. Arizona isn't the only team in that situation, however, so you shouldn't panic.

I think the Cardinals need to stress becoming an effective situational running team. That means popping some runs on traditional passing downs and continuing to pick up first downs in short-yardage situations. This is a pass-first team that should be able to dictate more favorable matchups in the running game.

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Harold from Columbia, Mo., writes: One observation I had - as well as a friend of mine in AZ. With a significant lead in the fourth quarter, why didn't Ken Whisenhunt decide to give Matt Leinart some snaps?

Like my friend in Az (30 year coach) said, he's one play away from being the starter. A little work would have been good. Late in the game the Cardinals went with backup wideouts - why not Leinart. The Offensive line stayed the same. I was also surprised with what the Cards did when Mike Gandy was injured late - they moved Levi Brown over the left tackle and inserted Elton Brown at Right tackle. I haven't reviewed depth charts but thought Reggie Wells would be the backup left tackle - bottom line - I can't won't argue or second guess Russ Grimm. That raises another point - you have to give this coaching staff a lot of kudos - in so many areas. H-

Mike Sando: I agree with the thinking on protecting starters. Warner was taking shots midway through the fourth quarter. However, I think Whisenhunt wants to make sure he can trust this team before risking the type of defeat that could undo so much of the progress this team has made. If he pulls Warner and the Rams score three touchdowns in the final 8 minutes, the season changes.

The shuffling on the offensive line could reflect what the team would do in a pinch. I'm not sure what the team would do if Mike Gandy suffered a longer-term injury. I'll be watching the game closely later today.

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Erik from Olympia, Wash., writes: Was it just that the Eagles offense wasn't in sync the forst Quarter or was the Seahawks Defense Playing really well? And was it just me or in the second half did the hawks D just look plain confused? I don't think I can take another game like that. I may just have to walk into the Sea! and Keep up the good work!

Mike Sando: Thanks, Erik. We're seeing a pattern with this defense. The Seahawks can't sustain fast starts on defense. They started well on defense against Buffalo and in the first 49ers game. They did it again Sunday.

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Tanner from parts unknown: So Mike, what player do you think Seattle will pick up with their top 5 draft pick?

Mike Sando: Might I detect a rhetorical question?

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Clu from Phoenix writes: Hey Sando, Love the blog, but what's up with the lack of coverage of the NFC West division leading Cardinals. Anyways, my question refers to the offseason plans of the Cardinals. I truly believe that they will not let Anquan go no matter what. James will either be traded for a low draft choice or cut. Eric Green is in the last year of his contract and Whisenhunt often benches him for DRC when he gets beat or the opposing team has a speedster.

Also Antonio Smith probably won't get a renewal and Kurt will most likely retire after the year. I was just wondering what you for see with a team with a lot of contract disputes. (Karlos Dansby, Adrian Wilson, Anquan Boldin, Darnell Docket) Thanks and Good Luck! Go Cardinals!

Mike Sando: I've felt like a Cardinals beat writer at times this season. I've attended their games against the 49ers, Jets, Cowboys and Panthers. I'll be at their next two games as well. And I've broken down their offensive personnel several times. In Week 9, I wanted to get a look at the Seahawks for the first time in several weeks. What I saw should last a while.

The Cardinals will be a focal point of the coverage most weeks, rest assured. They're the only relevant team in the division as far as playoff possibilities and winning this season.

Antonio Smith has made himself into a pretty good player. A scout I know told me he thought Smith had become very effective using his hands. The Cardinals have protected themselves at that position by drafting Calais Campbell and Kenny Iwebema, though.

I think the Cardinals will be more amenable to paying players if the team reaches the playoffs and wins a postseason game. Arizona doesn't want to reward players for going 8-8 and missing the playoffs.

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Rudy from Chicago writes: Hey Sando, Thanks for answering my last question! It's almost as good as seeing your name up in lights! Anyway, on with the questioning. Considering the performance of the Niners so far this season, and the strength of the rest of their schedule, let's assume this team ends up with a top five pick in the draft. Given the amount of money they have locked up in contracts, even with releasing Alex Smith, would it be wiser for them to trade down for more picks, even though it might mean foregoing a top five talent? or are they that desperate at one position that they need to take the best they can get?

Mike Sando: I would consider trading a top-five pick, but fi
nding trading partners has become tougher most years. And if the right impact player is there, the 49ers need to take him.

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Teddy from Seattle writes: Is it officially time for the Seahawks to enter into the Michael Crabtree Lottery? Do we consider keeping Matt out for the season to make sure he is healthy for next season? Seems like even though we are really not mathematically out of the playoffs, there seems to be very little hope here. It seems if we really play hard and end up 7-9 or something we are really just hurting our future, right?

Mike Sando: I would definitely consider looking out for Matt Hasselbeck's long-term health. Instead of asking whether he can play, I would ask whether he should play. If I'm the Seahawks, I would want to see him practicing at a high level without complications before putting him in danger.

The team still must try to win as many games as possible. The organization will also have to determine how to evaluate players this season. It's harder to evaluate receivers when the starting quarterback isn't playing. Vice versa, it's harder to evaluate quarterbacks when the starting receivers aren't playing.

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Kale from parts unknown writes: Mike, at this point in the season, the Seahawks don't have much to lose. So, why don't they try using the wildcat formation in their offense? I think Seneca would do well under this scheme -- and I don't see why they can't mix in some more trickery.

Mike Sando: Mike Holmgren is more loyal to the Bill Walsh system than any West Coast coach in the league. Diverting to that extreme -- installing the Wildcat -- has not been in his nature. For that reason, I would not expect that type of change.

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Jason from Greeley, Colo., writes: I have a question about offensive linemen getting a 15 yard personal foul penalty for facemasking. This happened to Deuce Latui in the Cards game and again in the Broncos/Dolphins game. Why is this not "illegal to the face?" What is the difference between these two penalties?

Mike Sando: Twisting, turning or pulling on the facemask differs from striking it. That would be my interpretation.

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Kraig from Puyallup, Wash., writes: Which is the most injury-plagued team in the NFL so far this season? It seems like the Seahawks are. But others say the Cowboys and Patriots, due to the high profile of their fallen QBs. Just wondered what you would say and how'd you'd make your case.

Mike Sando: Matt Hasselbeck counts as a high-profile quarterback, too. The Seahawks' injuries at receiver are as bad as anything any other team has experienced at a position. The Patriots have been hit hard at running back as well. But I think we can answer this question by looking at actual records vs. projected records. By that measure, the Seahawks' would appear to be hardest hit or most affected.

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Rio from Bellingham, Wash., writes: What are the chances the Seahawks take a look at the recently released KGB [Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila]? I know he didn't quite live up to the expectations he's had through his career, which lead to his release. Could it really hurt, though, with the dismal state our pass rush is in without Kerney?

Mike Sando: I think that will depend on what they learn about Patrick Kerney's shoulder. The longer Kerney misses, the more likely Seattle considers veteran options.

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Sue from parts unknown writes: I'm doing a research paper on should women be allowed to play in men's sports and I'm looking for some more opinions on the issue. What is your opinion?

Mike Sando: In general, I think anyone good enough to compete should be given that opportunity. If your Aunt Martha is good enough to play left tackle for the Steelers, let her play.

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Joe from New York writes: Mike, great insight as always, though it's been a while to have to start looking toward the draft for the Seahawks. As it appears the Hawks will have a pick around #5 - #7, and the weaknesses in a bunch of places (OL, WR, S, CB), where do you think the way to go is especially with so many injuries to top players (Hass, Tatupu, Kerney etc.). I would think that a lot of money was spent on the running game (and it hasnt produced), you still have a few years (hopefully) from Hass and Walter Jones is a year or two removed from retiring, that you select from Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith with the pick. Enjoy hearing your feedback as always.

Mike Sando: I would focus on linemen early and hit those other positions later. Cornerback isn't a huge concern if Josh Wilson continues on his current trajectory.

I don't know enough about specific college players to choose one over another.

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Ian from Federal Way, Wash., writes: Sando, I really enjoy reading your stories. As a Hawks fan, I'm just not used to seeing you write on Seattle being last place and all the injuries. But being a Seattle sports fan, I am all too familiar with heart breaking seasons and am almost numb to the pain of losing. Can you offer me anything encouraging (I'm looking for something other than high draft picks)? Thanks for the blogging, keep it up

Mike Sando: Thanks, Ian. Some people think I've gone "negative" on the Seahawks, so it's nice when people realize the coverage reflects the team's fortunes.

You should feel good knowing injuries aren't likely to strike this hard again. You should also feel good knowing Tim Ruskell generally makes a concerted effort to address problem areas. He doesn't always succeed in fixing the problems, but he does act decisively. I point to the steps taken in upgrading the ground game, which I think is improved, and the steps he took in upgrading the defense beginning in 2005.

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Dan from Portland, Ore., writes: Hi Mike, I am a life long Seahawks fan and I was wondering if you think the Seahawks could still win the NFC west or should they start thinking about the draft. Thanks, Dan

Mike Sando: I think Seattle should play to win and think about the draft. Those are not mutually exclusive. But the division race no longer includes the Seahawks unless the injury situation changes dramatically in Seattle and Arizona.

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Matt from Scottsdale, Calif., writes: Hey Sando, Is it not time to bench Chris Spencer yet? Spencer is horrible! Can we get Steve Vallos out there? It seems Spencer is the weakest link on the line. He is a 1st round bust. Your thoughts?

Mike Sando: Based on what I have seen, yes, I would give Steve Vallos a look. On the other hand, didn't the Seahawks make a big deal about hiring Mike Solari to coach the offensive line? If I'm the Seahawks, I make that decision based strongly on what Solari thinks makes the most sense. Developing Spencer should be the top priority if Solari thinks Spencer can become a top center.