Arizona Cardinals

Last year, the Cardinals announced their roster cuts to the 53-man limit one day before the deadline. If they hold to form this year, they'll announce 2010 reductions Friday, and those reductions could bring clarity to Matt Leinart's situation. The obvious question -- will Leinart stay or will he go? -- might be outdated. The more pertinent question might be, "When will he go?"

It's just tough to see Leinart figuring into the Cardinals' plans at all based on recent events.

St. Louis Rams

The word from coach Steve Spagnuolo on Friday was that there will be no word on a starting quarterback until the team conducts meetings over the next couple days.

There's very little mystery involved here, however.

It's a huge, huge upset if the Rams open the regular season with anyone other than Sam Bradford under center.

Seattle Seahawks

The contrast between starter Matt Hasselbeck and backup Charlie Whitehurst appears as striking as the contrast between their hairstyles.

Hasselbeck has made his living by throwing quickly and accurately on shorter and intermediate routes. He's never been the best deep-ball thrower even on his own roster. Trent Dilfer and Seneca Wallace threw better deep balls. Whitehurst also digs the long ball, strikingly so, but Hasselbeck has much better touch and accuracy on the shorter stuff.

Hasselbeck has won over the Seahawks' coaches through his hard work, leadership and intelligence, but Whitehurst reflects what the team's new decision makers want in terms of arm strength and downfield throwing.

San Francisco 49ers

Coach Mike Singletary has said the team isn't asking Alex Smith to carry the offense.

The 49ers think Smith can function effectively with a strong supporting cast around him. That doesn't mean the team is sold on Smith beyond this season (his contract runs through 2010), but Smith is the clear-cut starter heading into this season.

Continuity prevails in San Francisco and it might be enough for the 49ers to win a division in some turmoil.