ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Thanks to those who dropped by the NFC West chat Thursday. Full transcript here. Highlights below:

Andrew (Seattle): Crabtree's position seems to defy all logic, if its truly just about money. Do you think he just doesn't want to play for the 49ers? Any news on this front that's new?

Mike Sando: One theory: Crabtree could be trying to get more favorable incentive clauses based on expectations for this passing game under Jimmy Raye. Rookies need to hit incentives to maximize their contracts. A wide receiver could have a hard time reaching generally established incentives in this style of offense. The leading receiver on each of the 12 Raye-coordinated offenses averaged 55 receptions per year. That is not much by NFL standards.

Jerry (Folsom, CA): After game one, grade the Rams' important players (Bulger, Jackson, Smith, O-line in general, Long, Laurinaitis, Atogwe).

Mike Sando: Marc Bulger: only OK, but at least he is playing. The finger didn't seem to prevent him from making throws. Steven Jackson: He will be fine. Jason Smith: Improving, looking much better than he did against the Falcons in preseason. Offensive line in general: a little disappointing in the run game and they need to clean up some protection issues up the middle. The tackles held up pretty well, though. Chris Long: I see occasional flashes, but nothing to suggest he's going to have a big season. James Laurinaitis: Should start for a long time. Oshiomogho Atogwe: Outstanding and fun to watch. All over the place in coverage. Seems to be well suited for the scheme. Tricky to block in the run game.

nick (new york): Sando, when people talk about the Seahawks, they still refer to them as a finesse team. With one of the largest front sevens in the league and the presence of one of the most dominating linemen ever, when will this change? Here in NYC, I get the feeling all we would hear about is how tough these guys were if they played here.

Mike Sando: The Seahawks do have one of the heaviest front sevens in the league. Did you see anything special from Patrick Kerney in the opener? I did not see him making a big difference as a pass rusher. He could need time to get back into a groove. Cory Redding was a major force during training camp practices, but not so much Sunday. Let's see how this defensive front performs over the course of several games and against better offenses and away from Qwest Field.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA): Sand-O! Im not jumping off the Warner bandwagon yet, but I was wondering if there are any rumors of Whiz looking at Leinart. When Leinart was the starter in preseason last year, Whiz said the best QB will play, so Id be shocked if he didnt have the same attitude this year. Also, what is the deal with Warner's hip injury? Is it similar to the one that forced Neil Lommax into retirement?

Mike Sando: Kurt Warner is the quarterback. Ken Whisenhunt would not consider a change this early in the season. Warner would have to perform horribly over multiple weeks, I suspect. The money Arizona committed to Warner makes him the starter. You are onto something in a broader context, though. I'm interested in seeing how quickly Whisenhunt takes the offense toward the Pittsburgh model. We all know Warner isn't comfortable running that style of offense. Moving Beanie Wells into the lineup could help Warner, I think, because Tim Hightower appears less suited to running from one-back sets. If Wells is better from one-back sets -- and I'm pretty confident he would be -- the Cardinals could keep three receivers on the field along with a tight end. Seems to me this is where the offense needs to head.

Just noticed I forgot to answer the question about Warner's hip. The medical people I know said the procedure was routine and Warner should be OK.