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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says Anquan Boldin's hamstring problems have become a trigger for cynicism. Bickley: "Boldin no longer receives unconditional support from the masses, nor does he deserve it. When he faked a hamstring injury to make a statement about his contract during minicamp, it cheapened his toughness. His hamstrings became a tool for his agent and a gauge of his unhappiness. The latter remains a tender subject."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the 49ers-Cardinals rivalry has been packed with drama in recent seasons. Niners coach Mike Singletary called this just another game, however.

Also from Urban: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie needs to become more consistent. Defensive coordinator Bill Davis: "At least now he’s aware of what he doesn’t know and aware of what he needs to work on. That’s half the battle."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic also expects drama when the Cardinals and 49ers play.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat passes along what Singletary says he learned during the 49ers' poorly executed finish at Arizona last season. Singletary: "It had to do with the communication from the booth. It had to do with the communication on the field with the referees. So, yes, I learned something from that. You try to figure out ways to communicate as best you can to eliminate those things, but they come up in a game. So preparation is the key, and that’s some of the things we have to continue to work on."

Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat sees a 6-10 team when he sizes up the 49ers. He sees a team that failed to address its personnel shortcomings and a coach who has proven he can talk a good game. Cohn: "It is essential to understand Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan knew the team's three weaknesses when last season ended -- quarterback, offensive line and pass rush. They did nothing to improve these areas, solved nothing. One might accuse them of being careless or perhaps absent-minded. Back to the questions."

Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle says the stakes are high for the 49ers. Knapp: "A win in the desert, over last season's Super Bowl runner-up, wouldn't necessarily inspire confidence all on its own. But if it is built on Singletary's platform - a relentless running game; Shaun Hill's savvy, if not stylish, play; and steadfast defense -- everything will look different." For at least a week, anyway.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers' offensive philosophy did not appear to Kurt Warner when the quarterback visited team headquarters as a free agent. Warner: "As similar as our beliefs were, as great as it could have been, I really felt I was supposed to be in Arizona. I felt it was a pretty good fit (in San Francisco) from an overall perspective. It wasn't such a perfect fit football-wise. ... Singletary wants to run the ball first, pass the ball second. Obviously, I like to do the opposite."

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat relays thoughts from the Rams' coordinators on why they'll coach from the sideline (Pat Shurmur, offense) and booth (Ken Flajole, defense).

John Morgan of Field Gulls imagines what would have to happen for the Seahawks to finish with records ranging from 3-13 to 12-4 or better.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says September is the season for hope in the NFL, including for the Seahawks.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com checks in with Gus Bradley as the Seattle assistant prepares to make his NFL debut as a defensive coordinator. Coach Jim Mora: "He’ll do great. He's a tireless worker and he’ll be thoroughly prepared, so I think he’ll be fine. He has a really good mix of enthusiasm and the ability to remain calm when he's talking to the players. He's able to turn it up and turn it down at the right time, and it will be fun to watch."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says the Seahawks' 2009 opener has a different feel with Mora making his debut as head coach in Seattle. Johns: "Tight end John Carlson and linemen Steve Vallos and Ray Willis are the only returners on offense from the group that faced Arizona last Dec. 28; Vallos and Willis ironically filling in again now only because of new injuries to Chris Spencer and Walter Jones."

Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle outlines keys to the game for the Seahawks. Huard: "With the O-line and WR issues in St. Louis, I expect the Hawks defense to 'stay on schedule' or win the early downs and force the Rams into 3rd and 7+ situations. Winning those nickel situations and getting off the field will be the difference between a 30-10 game or a 21-14 game."

Brian McIntyre of Scout.com predicts a Seahawks victory while pointing out this "Fun Fact" in previewing the Rams-Seahawks game: "From the time he entered the NFL to the 9:49 mark of the 1st quarter of the Rams-Seahawks game on November 25, 2007 at the Edward Jones Dome, Rams quarterback Marc Bulger had a career passer rating of 91.3. On a 3rd-and-7 play from the Seattle 26-yard line, Bulger suffered a concussion after being hit from behind by blitzing Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill, who came untouched from the blindside. Since that play, a span that covers 18 starts, Bulger’s passer rating is 68.6."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Bulger is facing a make-or-break season as Rams quarterback, even though teammates speak highly of his leadership. Thomas: "How long is the leash if Bulger struggles out of the gate? There's no doubt that Bulger enters the season with the full backing of Shurmur and head coach Steve Spagnuolo. But if one thing has been made perfectly clear in the offseason and preseason, this coaching staff -- and this front office -- isn't afraid to make changes if they don't like what they're seeing."

Also from Thomas: He gives the Rams' offense an edge against the Seahawks' defense.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers simple expectations for the Rams this season: "All I want them to do is not disappoint me."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with the Rams' rookie contributors, from Jason Smith to James Laurinaitis to Darell Scott and beyond. Laurinaitis: "It's something that I've dreamed about all my life, this moment. It's something that I'm cherishing, and I'm excited for the opportunity."