ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Thanks to those who dropped by the latest NFC West chat. And thanks to those who awaited my late arrival. The limo driver got lost and then chat administrator didn't have the Perrier at the right temperature, so we had to get that straightened out. You think I'm kidding? OK, I am. Full transcript here. Highlights below.

salukice (Illinois): Hi, Mike. I read a couple articles about somethings Singletary mentioned about his quarterbacks. I was wondering how long do you think Hill has to get Crabtree plenty of catches before Smith gets his crack at it....or do you think Hill will keep his spot the rest of the season? Thanks

Mike Sando: I tend to think Alex Smith will get a chance at some point this season. The 49ers committed to Shaun Hill only at the last minute -- well into August -- and you know they have to be holding out hope for Smith. I'm sure internally there's a thought along the lines of, hey, let's take a look at an offense with a bunch of 49ers draft choices: Smith, Gore, Crabtree, Davis, Staley, Morgan, etc.

Kalen (Kodiak, Alaska): So, Marcus Trufant and Leroy Hill seem to be ready to suit up after the bye week. That is great news for Seattle, but what is the latest news on Walter Jones and Sean Locklear?

Mike Sando: Sean Locklear has a chance to play, but it doesn't sound like a great chance. I would consider Walter Jones a longer shot at this point. Getting those players healthy would transform Seattle's offense and give the Seahawks a chance to win the division. I think it's going to be tough sledding without a restoration of the tackle position.

Evan (Tempe, AZ): Hey Mike, love the blog. If the Cardinals play well this weekend (really win or lose given the conditions), and the 49ers play poorly, do you think that would clearly put last year's power structure back in place in the West, with the Cards the team to beat?

Mike Sando: Yes. I made the case after Week 5 that nothing had really changed in the division. I've considered the Cardinals the favorite all along. My take after Week 1 was that the 49ers showed it'll be a race and Arizona will have to work for the title. But I thought the Cardinals would come around and win the division eventually. Now, had the 49ers beaten the Vikings and the Falcons, they would be on their way. It just seemed as though some of the 49ers' limitations on offense had to factor at some point.

Jerry (Folsom, CA): Thanks for chatting with us Mike. Does the loss at Jacksonville last week crush the Rams' spirit or is it just like any other loss? While they haven't won a game, they also haven't quit yet. How does losing in that fashion to a team of that caliber affect them?

Mike Sando: I don't think it crushes them. Now, Peyton Manning could crush them. I don't think losing 60-0 would be chicken soup for the 0-7 soul. But I do see lots of heart with this team. I see a steady, consistent head coach. I see Steven Jackson and Leonard Little playing their tails off. The Rams have a young team and I think that will help them keep the attitude right.

Someone also asked which game I'm attending Sunday. 49ers at Texans, for two reasons: Michael Crabtree is making his debut for the 49ers, and the late kickoff for the Cardinals-Giants game complicates coverage options. This way, I can watch the Rams on TV in the morning, attend the 49ers in the afternoon and watch the Cardinals on TV at night. Oops: Rams and 49ers play at the same time. I haven't watched a game in Houston for a while.