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The first full-contact goal-line session of Arizona Cardinals training camp arrived amid some anticipation.

I stood along the back of the end zone and watched the offense push around the defense convincingly.

My take then: "Defensive coordinator Ray Horton should know by now he's not in Pittsburgh any longer." My take now: After two games, Horton really knows he's not in Pittsburgh. And just to be sure of it, Horton will have to watch the Steelers' defense during its Week 2 shutout against Seattle while preparing to face the Seahawks in a Week 3 game at CenturyLink Field.

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says former Cardinals coordinators Clancy Pendergast and Billy Davis must be feeling some vindication after watching the Cardinals' defense allow more than 900 yards in the first two weeks of the season. Noted: I had similar thoughts watching the Washington Redskins amass 477 yards during a 22-21 victory against Arizona on Sunday. Not that the defense necessarily would have performed any better with Pendergast or Davis.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says former Cardinals running back Tim Hightower took credit for baiting his former team into a 15-yard penalty early in the game. Hightower called it knowing which buttons to push. Hightower: "I'm trying to think of all the adjectives that I could use right now that are coming to mind. Happy. It feels great. I tried to tell myself all week that this was just another game, but it wasn't. It meant a lot to me. I wanted this one really bad."

Also from Somers: The Cardinals are entering a critical stretch of seemingly winnable games, but their defense has to play better. On Kevin Kolb, whose 73-yard scoring pass to Larry Fitzgerald put Arizona ahead, 21-13: "I can see why coaches wanted Kolb. He can make all the necessary throws. He's tough. And he understands leadership. He takes more than his share of the blame for losses and other failures. That throw to Fitz and the hit he took? I don't see how anyone could watch that and think Kolb's not suited to be a good starter." Noted: The challenge for Kolb is playing aggressively without taking too many chances. Kolb agreed Sunday that this is a line he walks.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: schemes and themes.

Arizona Cardinals

Theme: Amping up the pass rush. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton has already guaranteed that the Cardinals will blitz on their first play under his watch. Why would Horton say such a thing? He's looking to establish an aggressive, blitzing mindset similar to what the Pittsburgh Steelers have established under his mentor, Dick LeBeau. To do that, the Cardinals will need to upgrade their pass rush by targeting at least one outside linebacker in the draft -- perhaps even with the fifth overall choice. Von Miller from Texas A&M comes to mind as one option. The team also expects more from youngsters O'Brien Schofield and Will Davis, coach Ken Whisenhunt said from the NFL owners meeting. To ease the transition, Horton will adapt much of the terminology used under former coordinator Bill Davis. Both favor 3-4 schemes.

St. Louis Rams

Scheme: Away from the West Coast offense. Josh McDaniels' hiring as offensive coordinator signals a significant scheme change even though the team has held over most offensive assistants from last season. McDaniels traces his roots to New England. The Rams will be looking to upgrade at wide receiver, where injuries diminished a group that had question marks already. McDaniels' teams have drafted bigger receivers over the years. The diminutive Deion Branch stands out as an exception to the rule. Otherwise, McDaniels' New England and Denver teams have targeted receivers in the draft averaging taller than 6-foot-1. His Broncos drafted three receivers in his two years there. All three were at least 6 feet tall. Two weighed at least 220 pounds. Alabama's Julio Jones, a candidate for the Rams at No. 14 overall, fits the profile at 6-2 and 220.

San Francisco 49ers

Scheme: New coordinators proliferate. Jim Harbaugh turned over both coordinator positions, but the 49ers could still be looking for similar types of players. They are sticking with a 3-4 defense, so that helps. Trent Baalke ran the draft last year and will do so again as general manager this offseason. Even though Harbaugh has emphasized the switch to a West Coast scheme on offense, he wants to play an extremely physical brand of football, just like predecessor Mike Singletary. He wants tight ends and fullbacks to be the face of the offense. At quarterback, Harbaugh believes he can make imperfect quarterbacks play winning football. His former coach at Indianapolis, Lindy Infante, made a career of this. As a result, there's no directive to find a quarterback in the first round, even though the position is obviously one of great need.

Seattle Seahawks

Scheme: New offensive coordinator in place. Darrell Bevell's hiring away from the Minnesota Vikings indicated, on the surface, that the Seahawks might not value mobility as much from their quarterbacks. Coach Pete Carroll said otherwise over breakfast during the recent NFL owners meeting. He said Bevell and new assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable "totally believe in the moving of the quarterback as a complement to the running game and play-action passing game." That was likewise a point of emphasis under previous coordinator Jeremy Bates. Cable's hiring means the Seahawks will target bigger interior offensive linemen in the draft, a departure from how former offensive line coach Alex Gibbs approached the position. That brings the coaching and personnel mindsets into better alignment.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are meeting at team headquarters, as expected. Thomas: "Bradford was at Rams Park on Wednesday, and according to team sources got in a workout in the weight room and said hello to the coaches. There was no indication of any lengthy meeting between McDaniels and Bradford. But at least they've met, and Bradford is back in town after spending the early part of the offseason at home in Oklahoma."

Also from Thomas: The Rams might relocate training camp because coach Steve Spagnuolo likes getting away in an effort to build camaraderie. The team has looked at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, located about 100 miles from St. Louis in Rolla, Mo. Thomas: "Missouri S&T had not come up in discussions of possible training camp sites until now. Spagnuolo and Bruce Warwick -- the Rams' assistant to the head coach for football operations -- have toured the facility. A follow-up meeting was canceled because of bad weather. Missouri S&T's football team, the Miners, competes as an independent in Division II of the NCAA. By NFL standards, the Miners' facilities are said to be so-so. Several grass fields are available but there is not an artificial turf field. The football stadium, Allgood-Bailey Stadium, seats 8,000 and also has a grass surface. Without an artificial turf field, the Rams would be more vulnerable to rain during training camp. And the Miners have a small indoor facility, 40 yards by 40 yards."

Ben Malcolmson of seahawks.com provides a general update on what's happening around the facility during a relatively quiet time during the offseason. Malcolmson: "Although strength coaches aren’t permitted to direct strength and conditioning sessions, they are on hand to monitor for safety and watch over the voluntary player workouts." Strength coach Chris Carlisle says players are working out routinely.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the team heads toward the draft and potential free agency hoping to upgrade its offensive line. Farnsworth: "Because the Seahawks are selecting 25th, the top candidates -- Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo and USC tackle Tyron Smith -- are expected to be gone by the time they make their first pick. But it definitely helps that the O-line group is what senior personnel executive Scot McCloughan calls the best he has seen in his 16 years in the NFL; so good that as many as eight could go in the first round."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with draft analyst Rob Rang for thoughts on receivers who might interest Seattle. Rang: "Wide receiver is an area of concern; they need another playmaker. But having invested the picks they have in back-to-back years in Deon Butler and Golden Tate, you’ve got to expect that these guys are going to start to contribute. To me, with the other needs on this team, to invest another pick at the receiver position is almost like a luxury pick at this point, especially considering they don’t have a third-round pick."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt likes the new structure of his coaching staff. Somers: "With [Mike] Miller's promotion, Whisenhunt's staff is set for this season, barring unforeseen developments. Ray Horton, the Steelers secondary coach, was hired as defensive coordinator. Louie Cioffi, the assistant secondary coach with the Bengals, was hired as defensive backs coach, and former Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend was hired as assistant secondary coach. Former defensive coordinator Bill Davis, secondary coach Donnie Henderson and assistant secondary coach Rick Courtright were not retained."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com casts Miller's promotion to offensive coordinator as part of a progression. Urban: "Coach Ken Whisenhunt had said after the season he expected to consider handing playcalling duties to Miller full-time, and the promotion seemingly would be a precursor."

Also from Urban: Miller rolled with Whisenhunt's joke about the head coach calling only the good plays. Miller: "He’s the head coach, so, what do they say? 'It’s good to be king.'"

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers' Frank Gore plans to resume running Feb. 28 after recovering from a hip injury suffered last season. Gore: "I will be better. I will take it one day at a time. I'm just happy to say that my injury healed perfectly. And right now I'm trying to get some strength, and in another week start running."

Also from Maiocco: The 49ers' coaches expect to have no contact with players during a lockout, and they would not even send home written materials, including a playbook, with them under those circumstances. The Rams' Bradford previously said he expected to have playbook in hand this offseason, no matter what, but Bradford was not speaking definitively on the matter. I'm checking on what is permitted. Coach Jim Harbaugh has repeatedly discussed meeting with quarterback Alex Smith multiple times this offseason.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely also expects no contact with players before March 14 or until a labor agreement is in place, whichever comes later.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee checks in with 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for thoughts on whether the 49ers need a top cornerback, a top pass-rusher or both, and in what order. Barrows: "Asked about his pass-rushers, it was interesting that Fangio cited Ahmad Brooks -- 'He played some for them last year and showed some potential' -- before starter Parys Haralson." Fangio on Haralson: "Obviously, he's a guy that has some ability, but he hasn't done it to this point. And we have to figure out why he hasn't done it on a consistent basis. Can he or can't he?"

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa-Press Democrat looks at how labor uncertainty affects the 49ers.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman plans to dig up videos showing former coach Bill Walsh installing his offense.

Those over-the-counter drug commercials filled with hope, sunshine and a long list of potentially disastrous side effects come to mind when NFC West teams hire coordinators these days.

Ray Horton, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and a successful run as the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary coach, should be thrilled to have emerged as a favorite to run the Arizona Cardinals' defense.

Becoming a coordinator for the first time stands as a career achievement, particularly for someone such as Horton, who has invested more than 25 years as an NFL player and position coach.

But if the NFC West were living under the same guidelines pharmaceutical companies must follow, the Cardinals would punctuate their interview with Horton by listing the primary side effect associated with the job: quick unemployment.

High rate of turnover

NFC West teams have employed 22 coordinators since 2008. Horton would make it 23.

Only four NFC West coordinators are returning from last season.

Two -- Russ Grimm and Mike Miller in Arizona -- divide responsibilities for the running and passing games, respectively. They work under an offensive-minded head coach, Ken Whisenhunt, who has frequently handled the play calling. The division's two other returning coordinators -- St. Louis' Ken Flajole and Seattle's Gus Bradley -- are defensive coordinators under defensive-minded head coaches.

Since 2008, NFC West teams have fired six coordinators. They have decided against retaining five left over from previous staffs. They have lost two to head coaching jobs and allowed another, Greg Manusky in San Francisco, to make a lateral move while the new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, pursued others for his staff.

Four NFC West coordinators are heading into their first season on the job, with Horton potentially becoming the fifth.

The situation in Arizona

Whisenhunt has sought to transfer the Pittsburgh model to Arizona since leaving the Steelers to become the Cardinals' head coach before the 2007 season. Grimm, who coaches the offensive line and running game while serving as assistant head coach, came along with him from Pittsburgh.

The Cardinals have twice tried and failed to land Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler as their defensive coordinator. They interviewed Todd Bowles, the assistant head coach and secondary coach for the Miami Dolphins, before the Super Bowl. They reportedly reached out to Green Bay Packers assistant head coach and linebackers coach Winston Moss.

But it's the Pittsburgh model they want to establish in Arizona.

Whisenhunt's background on offense makes him ideally suited to oversee that side of the ball. That offensive background also makes him more reliant on his defensive coordinator to run the defense. Hiring the right defensive coordinator can be critical for an offensive-minded head coach. That is the case here.

Don't forget the players

Horton's immediate boss in Pittsburgh, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, likes to dispel the notion that he's some sort of defensive guru devising novel schemes to outwit less resourceful opponents.

LeBeau provided one of my favorite quotes from Super Bowl week when a reporter asked how he manages to disguise his defenses.

"That’s easy," LeBeau said. "You just get Troy Polamalu in your backfield and he’ll move around and disguise anything you want to do. Usually it works when he’s doing it."

The Steelers have dynamic players at outside linebacker, a position critical to making a 3-4 defense succeed. The Cardinals have gotten old at the position without developing suitable replacements, one reason Bill Davis lasted only two seasons as coordinator.

"The bottom line is always going to be who is playing for you and how good are they," LeBeau said, "because they are the ones, in the final analysis, who are going to go out there and make your defense successful."

Horton's credentials

Whisenhunt and Grimm can tap into their own playing careers when relating to players. I've always sensed that Whisenhunt valued that part of the coaching equation.

Neither of the Cardinals' previous two coordinators under Whisenhunt played in the NFL. Horton, a second-round draft choice in 1983, played six seasons for Cincinnati and four for Dallas, transitioning from cornerback to free safety. Being a former player isn't enough by itself, obviously, but Horton's playing career could make him more credible initially.

And for the first time, Whisenhunt would have a defensive coordinator versed in the Steelers' scheme and mindset.

Horton's background coaching the secondary, as opposed to linebackers, further distinguishes him from his immediate predecessor. It also distinguishes him from most coordinators running a 3-4 scheme under offensive-minded head coaches, a distinction I find relevant because defensive-minded head coaches tend to oversee that side of the ball.

Arizona was among eight NFL teams that went into the 2010 season with an offensive-minded head coach and a defensive coordinator running a 3-4 scheme. Six of the eight defensive coordinators had backgrounds coaching linebackers. One, Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, traced his coaching roots to the defensive line. The Packers' Dom Capers was the only one with a background in the secondary, although he had been a head coach twice before joining Green Bay.

Three-four schemes rely heavily on blitz combinations featuring linebackers. Horton's background coaching the secondary wouldn't preclude him from knowing the ins and outs of linebacker blitzes. At the least, he might approach the defense a little differently than a former linebackers coach might.

"He’s been around the game a lot and he’s won a Super Bowl as a coach and as a player," Polamalu said of Horton. "He’s had so much to do with the success that we’ve had as a secondary."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Keith Butler didn't want to say much, at least initially, about his prospects as a candidate to become the Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator.

"I'm Sergeant Schultz -- I know nothing," the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebackers coach joked during Super Bowl media day Tuesday.

At this point, I turned to ESPN.com colleague John Clayton, who covered Butler's playing career in Seattle, and jokingly asked for what the Cardinals have so far failed to secure from the Steelers: permission to speak with Butler about a coaching job in Arizona.

We laughed, and it wasn't for the last time.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, Butler's golfing buddy and former coaching associate in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, requested permission to interview Butler following the Super Bowl two years ago. The Steelers denied the request.

Tuesday, Butler repeatedly credited Steelers' ownership for stepping up to keep him in Pittsburgh. He pointed to Dan Rooney in particular for setting up the organization in a manner that has produced six Super Bowl championships.

"And the Rooneys did something they normally don't do with assistant coaches," Butler said. "I am cognizant of that."

What was it, I asked, that was so unusual?

"They gave me a lot of money," Butler said, his deadpan delivery enhanced by an accent with roots in Alabama, where he was born, and Memphis, where he played linebacker.

More laughter.

"It was unusual for a linebackers coach to make that kind of money," Butler said. "That was commitment from them. I am very fond of the Rooneys. I think they are great owners."

Butler credited Dan Rooney for playing a pivotal role in settling the two player strikes that marked Butler's playing career. He said he thought Rooney, now U.S. ambassador to Ireland, should play a role in solving in the current labor impasse.

"He has been a great asset for the league and the proof is in the pudding -- they've got six Lombardi trophies sitting in the trophy case in our office we see every day," Butler said.

If Butler came to Arizona, he would inherit a defense with talent on the line and in the secondary, but with serious concerns at outside linebacker. He credited the Steelers for arming him with high-character linebackers through the draft, noting that it makes his job easier. Butler could not work for a more stable organization.

Butler also shot down reports suggesting the Steelers have put in writing a promise to name him their next defensive coordinator. Current coordinator Dick LeBeau is 73 years old and without a contract for next season. LeBeau has said he'll coach for the Steelers if he coaches next season.

If LeBeau does decide to return, Butler could conceivably have more incentive to consider an offer from Whisenhunt, provided the Steelers granted Arizona permission to interview him. NFL rules require teams to let assistants interview for head coaching positions. Teams do no have to let assistants interview at the coordinator level.

Assistants for Super Bowl teams are off-limits to other teams until after the game.

Whisenhunt and Butler became close friends when working on the Browns' staff in 1999. Once in Pittsburgh, they regularly golfed with LeBeau and current offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. The four still debate which one won the most matches. According to Butler, winning a Super Bowl together cemented the bond.

"That doesn't mean he wouldn't fire me," Butler said of Whisenhunt. "That doesn't mean that at all. That doesn't mean I wouldn't fire him if I was in his shoes, either. He is a good friend of mine. Has been for a long time. We golf once a year in Hilton Head. I've been to Augusta with him once (to play Augusta National)."

The Cardinals fired defensive coordinator Bill Davis about three weeks ago. They have interviewed Miami Dolphins assistant head coach/secondary Todd Bowles. Whisenhunt has said he'd like to speak with assistants from both Super Bowl teams.

"Kenny has to do what he has to do," Butler said. "I do not want him to do anything that takes away from him being a great head coach at Arizona. I am under contract with the Steelers. I am not sure they will let me go. ...

"So, we'll see how it goes after everything pans out. As to whether I am going to be the defensive coordinator in Arizona or not, I have no idea. Kenny is not allowed to talk to me in terms of that situation until after the Super Bowl."

Steelers permitting.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is putting together a Hall of Fame career. Maiocco: "Writers from around the country vote for the All-Pro team. There are many of the same writers who also vote for the Hall of Fame, so it only stands to reason that Willis is taking some significant strides early in his career toward eventually being honored in Canton, Ohio. After all, the great Ronnie Lott made first-team All-Pro six times in his career -- and just once in his first five seasons in the league." Willis is definitely heading down a Hall of Fame path. It's reasonable to think he could perform at a similar level for another five or six seasons.

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Willis is the first player in 49ers history to earn All-Pro honors in each of his first four seasons. Branch: "Since 2004, Willis is one of just three Niners to earn All-Pro honors and one of two named to the first team. Running back Frank Gore was a second-team selection in 2006 and punter Andy Lee earned first-team honors in 2007 and was a second-team selection last year. The last Niners position player besides Willis to earn first-team All-Pro honors was linebacker Julian Peterson in 2003. Tight end Vernon Davis and defensive tackle Justin Smith were the only other players to earn All-Pro votes Monday after the Niners' 6-10 season."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee checks in with former Stanford defensive linemen for insights into Vic Fangio's coaching. Barrows: "(Sione) Fua said that when Fangio first arrived, he showed them films of NFL defenses he had coached, especially the Ravens defense. Fangio was a special assistant to Ravens coach John Harbaugh before joining Jim Harbaugh at Stanford in 2010."

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is in his element at the Senior Bowl. White: "Deep inside, Baalke will forever be a field-level scout, and has been since the day he made the career change from high school athletic director in North Dakota to regional scout with the Jets 14 years ago. Some scouts socialized and schmoozed at the South team's practice Monday. Not Baalke. He stood on the sideline, often alone, eyes fixed on a receiver getting around a jam at the line of scrimmage, a left tackle getting leverage on a pass rusher, a cornerback breaking up a seam pass."

Doug Farrar of Sportspress Northwest says the Seahawks can help themselves with the right evaluation at the Senior Bowl. Farrar: "Like Earl Thomas, left tackle Russell Okung proved the value of Seattle’s 2010 draft by providing key option that could be in place for years. But between Sean Locklear and Stacy Andrews, the right tackle spot is anything but defined, and Okung’s repeated ankle issues show an increased need for depth. There are several tackles in this senior draft class. So far, Wisconsin’s Game Carimi has been the most impressive. Carimi occasionally played too upright to be an effective pass blocker during his collegiate career, but work in that area has been evident. Colorado’s Nate Solder must transcend many technique issues, but there’s potential there. Derek Sherrod of Mississippi State and Anthony Constanzo of Boston College are also worth watching this week."

Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks can learn from the Packers' and Steelers' Super Bowl runs. Brewer: "It's rare that a champion makes a trade for a Drew Brees. It's rare that a defense is so dominant that it can win with a Trent Dilfer merely managing the game. But it's not rare to draft a franchise quarterback, even when you don't have a top-10 pick. The Seahawks need to re-sign Matt Hasselbeck and use this draft to figure out a quarterback succession plan. It has worked amazingly for Green Bay, with Rodgers stepping in for future Hall of Famer Brett Favre."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune has this to say during a chat: "I don't think Donovan McNabb is an upgrade over Matt Hasselbeck. But I think a key will be money and years. How much money Hasselbek wants and how much security. I don't know if Seattle would be willing to sign Hasselbeck to a three-year, $30 million deal." That would be approaching the average Kurt Warner commanded after leading Arizona to the Super Bowl following the 2008 season.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune explains why he thinks Seattle needs to re-sign Hasselbeck. Boling: "If you end up letting him go, you’d better find a better alternative. Even if you like somebody in what appears to be an unimposing pool of free-agent talent, it might be months before you settle this critical issue. Meanwhile, there definitely will be a market for Hasselbeck, perhaps even among division brethren, who could quickly alter the competitive balance with a veteran quarterback. If you can sign him for a reasonable cost for a couple of years, you can draft a prospective replacement and let him be groomed by Hasselbeck."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Steelers' advancement to the Super Bowl further delays the Cardinals' search for a defensive coordinator. Somers: "Ken Whisenhunt is expecting to interview other candidates this week in Mobile, Ala., site of the Senior Bowl. He has declined to reveal their names. It is possible Whisenhunt could hire a coordinator before the Super Bowl, but that seems doubtful at this point. He admires Dick LeBeau and has wanted to use a similar defensive system in Arizona. It's been nearly three weeks since Whisenhunt fired coordinator Bill Davis, so replacing Davis quickly was not a priority. After firing his two previous coordinators, Whisenhunt knows he has to find the right person for the job this time. Four other teams -- the Titans, Raiders, Broncos and Eagles -- are searching for defensive coordinators."

Aaron Wilson of National Football Post says former Cardinals secondary coach Teryl Austin is the favorite to land the same job with the Ravens. Austin spent last season as defensive coordinator at the University of Florida.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com looks ahead to the Rams' 2011 schedule. Wagoner: "Because of the NFL’s scheduling rotation, the Rams will play all members of the NFC East and AFC North Divisions in addition to the usual home and home series within the NFC West. Additionally, the Rams will meet their division doppelganger within the NFC for the North and South divisions. On paper, at least, it appears the Rams will face one of the league’s most daunting schedules in 2011. Of course, a lot changes from year to year so teams expected to be major challenges might struggle and teams expected to be ripe for the picking could be greatly improved."

Brian Stull of 101ESPN St. Louis says the Rams should consider adding Braylon Edwards during the offseason.

Blake from St. Louis writes: In a vote of 617 NFL players and head coaches conducted by the Sporting News, Ndamukong Suh was named the NFL's top rookie. Suh received 260 votes. Sam Bradford received 221 votes. Devin McCourty received 49 votes.

How could Bradford possibly lose? He broke multiple rookie records. How many records did Suh break? Should I be worried about Bradford not winning the rookie of the year award from the NFL?

Mike Sando: Suh was more dominant and Bradford was more valuable. Suh was better at the one thing he could control -- his level of play. Bradford's value was greater through the nature of his position. Playing quarterback carries more demands than playing defensive tackle.

I would favor Bradford in this debate largely because the Rams went from 6-42 over three seasons without him to 7-9 in their first season with Bradford under center. Bradford played every offensive snap. He made players around him better, which is tough to do from that position.

Matt Ryan, Vince Young and Ben Roethlisberger won the award over the past six seasons. Ryan and Roethlisberger went to the playoffs as rookie starters. The Titans finished 8-8 with Young starting 13 games. Roethlisberger went 13-0 as a rookie starter for a good team. The chart shows where Bradford's rookie season ranks compared to rookie seasons by those players.

Bradford still has a good chance at winning the award. The voters will presumably take into account what Bradford meant to the Rams. However, I think you could have felt a lot better about Bradford's chances if the Rams had beaten Seattle on national TV in Week 17 and advanced to the playoffs. That probably would have cemented Bradford as the clear choice.

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Ben from Seattle writes: At this point in the season, it is hard not to question whether the Josh Wilson trade was a good idea or not. The Seahawks play a lot of defensive backs, Kelly Jennings is still struggling, Walter Thurmond is promising (but is still not of starting caliber), Roy Lewis is on injured reserve and we could use some game-changers on defense.

Wilson seems to be doing well for Baltimore. One thing that would make things more palatable for the Seahawk fan is what we get in return for Wilson. I recall that the pick was a fifth-rounder, but was conditional on playing time. Do you have any idea whether that fifth rounder will become a fourth? Thanks. Love the blog.

Mike Sando: Thanks, Ben. Seattle will receive a fifth-round choice in return for Wilson. The pick would have upgraded to a fourth-rounder if Wilson had started at least 10 games. He wound up starting nine -- the final eight games, plus a game against Cleveland in Week 3.

Did the Ravens make sure Wilson started fewer than 10 games? That is difficult to know. The Ravens benched Fabian Washington at halftime of their Nov. 7 victory against the Miami Dolphins. Wilson had three passes defensed and one interception in relief. Wilson then started the remaining eight regular-season games, giving him nine starts for the regular season.

I questioned the Wilson trade at the time because I thought the team lacked depth at the position and might wind up needing Wilson in the return game as well. Leon Washington's return to health meant Seattle never needed Wilson on returns. In retrospect, I do not think the Seahawks badly missed Wilson this season. Lewis played pretty well for them and became a leader.

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Jeff from Raleigh writes: What is your opinion on the potential of Golden Tate for next year and the years beyond that? I know a lot of times it is very difficult for a rookie wide receiver to learn the intricacies of the position. And, I read on one of the Seahawks outlets that during his inactive time of the season, Tate started to look within and began to act a little more like a professional in his approach to studying his teammates and film.

Do you think it will be likely that one of Seattle's receivers would get traded or released this offseason, thus allowing Tate to move up the charts? Also, from speaking with him and the rest of the team, does it seem like he is maturing a little since the preseason and early weeks of the regular season? Thanks for all of your input throughout the year and travel safe during your coverage.

Mike Sando: Thanks, Jeff. I don't think Tate is going to move up the depth chart based on any trades. Seattle has recently signed Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu to three-year extensions. Those deals should have gotten Tate's attention. Both players justified their playing time.

Tate is obviously gifted. I was watching him field punts after practice this week and can share a story reflecting his pure athleticism and the athleticism of pro athletes in general. Tate was fielding punts from a "Jugs" machine. He took one ball and threw it back toward the machine on a trajectory similar to the one it followed on the simulated punt. The ball traveled about 50 yards and hit the machine precisely at the launch point between the two rotating discs. I just shook my head in amazement.

The Seahawks are not going to hand anything to Tate. The light bulb will have to come on for him. I think we saw it flicker at times during the season. He will need a full offseason of renewed dedication and professionalism to get the playing time he wants.

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Peter from Arizona writes: Larry Fitzgerald CAN be traded. Media everywhere reports that he cannot. In 2009, when he restructured his deal, the no-trade clause was dropped!

Mike Sando: You are partially correct. I had forgotten about this aspect of the renegotiation, which took place in August 2009. Thanks for the reminder.

The no-trade clause remained in effect for the 2009 and 2010 contract years. No-trade clauses were removed from the 2011 and voidable 2012 years of the contract. The deal still prevents the Cardinals from naming Fitzgerald their franchise or transition player should those designations remain available to NFL teams once Fitzgerald's deal voids or otherwise ends.

This means the Cardinals could, indeed, attempt to trade Fitzgerald during the 2011 season. However, any team agreeing to give up anything of consequence in return for Fitzgerald would first want to work out a long-term deal with him. That would effectively give Fitzgerald veto power over trades.

But the possibility remains for the Cardinals to seek value for Fitzgerald if they cannot work out a long-term deal with him. Thanks for the heads-up.

Update: The no-trade clause remains in place for 2011. The previously referenced report was subsequently corrected. Information on file with the players' association is apparently source for the confusion. An agent told me the information mentions the no-trade clauses for the 2009 and 2010 seasons only even though the clause applies to 2011 as well. So, all the previous items about a no-trade clause were indeed correct. Sorry about that, Peter.

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Jim from San Francisco writes: Hi Mike, love the blog. Do you think cutting Matt Leinart effectively cost the Cardinals any shot at the playoffs in what turned out to be a weak NFC West season? Also, are any QB-needy teams looking at him as an option? How did his star fade so quickly? Thanks.

Mike Sando: It's possible the Cardinals might have won a couple more games with Leinart as their quarterback this season. It's possible that would have been enough to get them into the playoffs, provided those additional victories came against Seattle and San Francisco. Overall, however, I do not think Leinart would have made the Cardinals a contending team.

The question I have is whether coach Ken Whisenhunt hastily subtracted a player from his roster without having better options. To use an analogy, it looks like Whisenhunt decided to sell his beater of a car without realizing he would be walking to work in the future. I also wonder if he is headed down a similar path after firing defensive coordinator Bill Davis. Did Whisenhunt sell another car without lining up alternate means of transportation?

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Ian from Washington, D.C., writes: Hey Sando, would love to get your take on the rest of the 49ers' offseason "plan". Mainly, do you think that either Ryan Mallett, Cam Newton or Jake Locker might slip to the 49ers in round two? That way, they could grab Nebraska corner Prince Amakamara or LSU's Patrick Peterson (if they are lucky) in round one, and sign Donovan McNabb for now. Man, that sure is my dream situation.

Mike Sando: I thought the 49ers should have acquired Donovan McNabb last offseason and I suspect they would have won the NFC West had they gone that route, even though McNabb didn't do much with a rebuilding Washington Redskins team. It's becoming clearer, however, that McNabb might not be as attractive an option as he once appeared to be.

Getting some sort of veteran quarterback for the 2011 season would upgrade the roster, however. I would rather have McNabb as my one-year rental than Alex Smith or David Carr.

The college quarterbacks you listed would presumably be gone by the second round. It seems as though Locker's stock has already tumbled quite a bit since last season, putting him in position to potentially rise, if anything. He's a tremendous athlete. Does he throw accurately enough? That is a fair question.

I suspect the combine process will affect Mallett and Newton in particular as NFL teams get a better feel for their personalities and backgrounds. Mallett has an arrest for public intoxication on his record. Newton's experience at Auburn raised questions about NCAA rules violations. What more is there to know about these guys?

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Alex from San Francisco writes: Jim Harbaugh runs a version of the West Coast offense. Assuming the 49ers will bring in one veteran at minimum (even if they do draft a QB), what other teams in the NFL currently run the West Coast and what potential QBs could the 49ers pick up in free agency or via trade? I'm holding out for Jeff Garcia personally.

Mike Sando: Garcia is 40 years old and probably not the guy you want on your team as a backup. He wants to start and that is why he is playing in the UFL instead of finishing out his career on an NFL roster.

Green Bay, Minnesota, St. Louis and Philadephia run offenses with West Coast roots. Cleveland will run one now that Pat Shurmur is head coach.

Mike Shanahan favors a version featuring zone blocking schemes and requiring more mobility from the quarterback. Washington, Houston and Seattle have head coaches and/or offensive coordinators with roots in this system. The Packers' scheme also favors zone blocking.

Harbaugh has favored a power running game setting up play-action passes. I'm not yet sure what kind of quarterback he'll pursue.

The 2010 Arizona Cardinals struggled badly on both sides of the ball.

They'll address those problems, at least in part, by seeking a new quarterback and a new defensive coordinator. The team fired Bill Davis, its coordinator the past two seasons, in a move announced Thursday.

This marks the second time in three seasons coach Ken Whisenhunt has fired a defensive coordinator. He inherited Clancy Pendergast from Dennis Green's staff in 2007, firing him after the 2008 season.

Whisenhunt, as an offensive-minded head coach, is not in a position to take over the defense if things go wrong. That's why it's critical for him to find the right defensive coordinator.

Pendergast's defense had failed to hold a fourth-quarter lead against Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl. Arizona had ranked 28th in points allowed per game during the 2008 regular season.

Whisenhunt tried to hire Steelers assistant Keith Butler to replace Pendergast, but Butler remained with Pittsburgh. Whisenhunt then promoted Davis. The defense made statistical gains in 2009, but key young players regressed in 2010 as the defense failed to compensate for an even more dramatic dropoff on offense following Kurt Warner's retirement.

It's not yet clear which direction the Cardinals might go in replacing Davis. They could pursue Butler again. As Mike Jurecki of XTRA910 radio in Phoenix notes, the team could consider San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, should he become available.

The chart breaks down defensive stats for the Cardinals over the past five seasons.

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says the 49ers' search for a GM will be a 'sham' if current team executive Trent Baalke gets the job quickly. Lynch: "The 49ers are either creating a huge smoke screen to conceal their true desire to hire someone other than Trent Baalke as their general manager, or their GM search is a sham. Yet another league source said Baalke's hire was a done deal. Not only that, reports and sources say his hiring has been in the works for several weeks." Hiring from within isn't necessarily a bad thing. It would be puzzling, however, for the 49ers to hire Baalke quickly without following through on team president Jed York's pledge to consider as many people as possible.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com checks in with 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, who lobbies for Takeo Spikes' return and says he wishes he could play Sunday.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says former Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist is the latest candidate to interview for the 49ers' GM job.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News offers details on Willis' hand injury. Brown: "Willis provided new details about the second hand surgery that will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. He said X-rays after last week's game revealed that bones in his hand had moved, despite a pin that had been surgically inserted to keep it in place. Willis said he thought the X-ray was just a formality and was laughing right up until the moment the doctor gave him a serious look."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat wonders how the 49ers will approach a meaningless game after coming out flat with the playoffs on the line.

Also from Branch: checking in with Nate Davis.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers want to interview at least one GM candidate who will not be available before next week, but Trent Baalke remains the overwhelming favorite to become GM.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com takes a closer look at Craig Terrill's almost accidental development into a kick-blocking machine. Terrill has three blocked field-goal tries this season and eight for his career, tied with Joe Nash for most in franchise history.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times passes along this comment from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll regarding quarterback Charlie Whitehurst: "It's all on him. I've talked about that. This is the big opportunity. This is the big challenge. This is the big spotlight. This is all of that for him." No pressure, Charlie.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says containing Steven Jackson remains the key to beating the Rams. Jackson has never reached 100 yards rushing against Seattle. Nose tackle Colin Cole: "It always starts with Steven Jackson. They’re not going to put the whole offense on Bradford’s shoulders and expect him to win the game for them. It’s not going to happen. They’ve got one of the top-five running backs in the game in their backfield, and he makes that team better. And he’s going to be the No. 1 threat that we have to take away from them as best as we can."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' John Skelton has shown an ability to make plays, at least on occasion, without ideal mechanics. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: ""The one thing that I've been really impressed with John is, at that position, you have to be able to throw the football in all kinds of different physical positions, and I've seen him do that."

Also from Somers: Guard Alan Faneca considers retirement. Faneca proved this season he was not washed up after the New York Jets released him, but suffering through a 5-10 season surely has taken away some of the enjoyment. Faneca: "You know you are getting closer to the end than you are to the beginning, so you just appreciate the moment and treat it as if it is the last time. I've seen guys that haven't known (it was ending)."

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals rookie receiver Andre Roberts is making strides. Larry Fitzgerald: "He had a rough start and that's been well noted, but you really have to tip your hat for the way he's bounced back. It really makes you proud to see a guy so resilient and dealing with controversy and things not going his way. I told him after the (Cowboys) game how happy I was for him. . . . He's getting better every single week. He can get a lot better and he is getting better."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says unusual weather has forced the Cardinals to brave the elements this week. Whisenhunt even wore sweatpants instead of shorts to one practice.

Also from Urban: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did not earn a Pro Bowl berth this season, but all was not lost. Urban: "The ironic part is that defensive coordinator Bill Davis actually sees this as Rodgers-Cromartie’s most consistent season of his three. DRC’s work in the film room has greatly improved, and Davis said Rodgers-Cromartie’s mistakes have been minimized. On that point, Rodgers-Cromartie doesn’t disagree, saying that he has learned a lot and has been consistent in practice."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' last few seasons have made the more appreciative of their current opportunity. Burwell: "Don't tell them they ought to be embarrassed for still being alive and kicking in the NFL playoff hunt with a 7-8 record. Don't tell them that winning the NFC West title is an insult to everyone's football sensibilities, because they just might tell you something you don't want to hear, such as what it has been like to have endured the pain and suffering through one of the most moribund eras in NFL history."

Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asks colleagues to compare Sam Bradford to other quarterbacks in style and approach. Burwell: "He reminds me a little of Joe Montana for his nimbleness out of the pocket, and Troy Aikman as a big man in the pocket with great accuracy." That's a combination the Rams could live with.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch compares Bradford to other quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall. Miklasz: "You'd have to go back to John Elway (1983) to find the last time a team made the playoffs after drafting and starting a QB chosen No. 1 overall. But even then, Elway had some help; he started 10 games for Denver, with Steve DeBerg making the other six starts."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Mike Hoomanawanui returned to practice for the Rams. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur: "Mike did a good job today. He got a limited amount of reps, and the stuff that we did with him he seemed to be able to function. Obviously, Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) will make the final decision on what happens with Mike, but as far as today goes, it's promising."

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says cornerback Jerome Murphy returned to full participation after missing time with a broken finger.

Also from Wagoner: The Rams' defensive front has been key this season. Wagoner: "Led by the talented trio of James Hall, Chris Long and Fred Robbins and deploying a rotation that sometimes goes as many as nine deep, the Rams front four has become the lead force behind a defensive resurgence that’s seen them make tremendous strides this season."

More from Wagoner: Rams veterans are savoring a chance to earn a playoff berth.

Jonathan Webb of stlouisrams.com says former Seahawks kicker Josh Brown has played a key role in the Rams-Seahawks rivalry over the years.

You know the St. Louis Rams are becoming relevant again when talk of their improvement grates on other teams' fans. I'll kick off the chat wrap with an item along those lines. Transcript here. Highlights below:

Steve (San Francisco): Mike, it seems like a lot of people think the Rams have really grown up this year. I see exactly one impressive win on their resume (SD, although I guess Seattle could count), and really moreso they've found ways to lose games they could have won (Oakland, Tampa Bay, SF). Why does everyone seem to think they're poised to get it done down the stretch?

Mike Sando: The Rams get a bit of a pass as a feel-good story because they went 1-15 last season and 6-42 over their last three seasons. They have improved, no doubt. They have the quarterback situation settled. They have two of their final three at home. That guarantees nothing. They still have to get it done and they still have not proven they can do that. But when you look around the NFC West, it's not like those other teams have it figured out, either.

Jeff (Peoria, Ariz.): Hi Mike,I am a Cards fan and our defense has been bad since going to 3-4 a few years ago. A 3-4 requires a good, deep linebacker corps. We don't have any linebackers. A 4-3 would make more sense considering current personnel. Plus, Darnell Dockett is a more natural 4-3 end. One other reason is that you have to have a DC who knows how to scheme for a 3-4, and Bill Davis cannot. What do you think?

Mike Sando: Ken Whisenhunt has that Pittsburgh background and I've always thought he would favor the 3-4 scheme. You are right about the personnel. They do not have the linebackers. Dockett is indeed more of a problem as a traditional defensive tackle. I would not argue with a change to a 4-3. I also think we'll see defensive staff changes this offseason. That could facilitate a scheme change.

Scott (SD): Lifelong 49ers fan, but I don't get my "fandom" revoked if I'm hoping they lose and don't make the playoffs so we can finally end the "Alex Smith" experiment and move on, do I?

Mike Sando: Revocation of fandom might be a little strong. You could be put on probation, though. Actively hoping is probably going too far. How about hoping he plays well enough for the team to win, but not well enough for the team to stick with him?

Steve M. (Redmond, Ore.): Sando, as a longtime Seahawk fan, I have been so frustrated all my life with the up and down roller coaster years. One year the Hawks are rocking, the next year we completely stink. Holmgren came in and did very well after a few years. Do you think that Carroll will need one more year to turn the Hawks around? Or, do you think that Carroll needs a lot longer? I just want to see the Hawks have a positive win record for more than two years.

Mike Sando: The important thing is to understand where the team really stands in its development. And that can be hard because the head coach isn't going to just come out and say they are rebuilding. He's going to try to convince the team it can win now. But in the back of his mind, he knows what we know. This team is not very deep or very good, and it's going to take time. The state of the division allows the Seahawks a better chance to compete. But we should not mistake competing within the current NFC West for being competitive overall. Seattle has to solve its quarterback situation, too.

By the way, Jordan from Boise reacted strongly to my Rams response about the team getting somewhat of a pass this season based on where the team stood in its recent past. Fun stuff.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson apologized for his postgame tantrum. Anderson: "Good morning. Let's try this in a manner that doesn't end up all over YouTube. I'd like to apologize for my actions after the game. There's a more professional manner I could have handled that. I wasn't raised that way. My mom and my dad didn't raise me to act like that in times of adversity. I obviously was very frustrated by what happened during the game, and I let the emotions get the best of me."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' defensive coordinator, Bill Davis, is well aware his job is on the line.

Also from Somers: The Cardianls are trying to recapture the swagger they had entering the season.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says coach Ken Whisenhunt strives to keep an even temperament during tough times. Whisenhunt: "I think maybe it’s a little bit the way I am personality-wise. I think it’s important that you try to stay even and that you don’t lose your temper. Trust me, I get upset. Our players have seen that from me."

Also from Urban: Teammates said they're standing by Anderson.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune takes a look at what makes Leon Washington a special player for the Seahawks. Washington ran onto the field to replace teammate Earl Thomas on a coverage team, then made the tackle. Thomas: "He wasn’t even on the depth chart for (kickoffs). It was all from him being in the meetings and knowing what to do. It shows the character he’s got. This is a vet, a Pro Bowl guy; he’s so unselfish, and good things happen to unselfish guys."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com updates Mike Williams' status heading into Seattle's game against Carolina. Coach Pete Carroll: "I think he surprised himself a little bit, because he hadn’t done very much with it since the workout on Sunday. ... So we’ll see what happens with each day. Tomorrow he’ll run around considerably more and we’ll see where he is. It was encouraging today, though, that he might have a chance to move back into some playing opportunity."

Also from Farnsworth: Former coaches and teammates recall Walter Jones' dominance as the Seahawks prepare to honor the retired tackle Sunday. Ray Rhodes in 2005: "With other teams, every time we played against Walter Jones, whoever lined up in front of him he kicked the (bleep) out of them. I am in the coaches’ room with some of the guys who I coached with on other teams and I said, 'You know, I am embarrassed for you. If we could play this game over tomorrow, then he would be embarrassed again. Again, the next day.' He is the top player in this league. There are not many tackles that have the ability that Walter has. He is going to dominate. He is one of the guys on our team that can line up and play with anybody. That is a compliment to Walter. One of the old coaches I used to work with said, 'When Walter goes up against the majority of guys in this league, it’s like you put the guy in a paper bag and carry him around and hold him up for game day and whip his (rear end) and put him back in there.' That is how Walter Jones is. He is a dominating player for our football team. He is a great player."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the playoff picture in the NFC West.

Also from O'Neil: Much has changed since the last Carolina-Seattle game.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says David Hawthorne is happy with his new contract.

Liz Mathews of 710ESPN Seattle says the Seahawks hope to get nose tackle Colin Cole back Sunday.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Danario Alexander's surgically repaired knee held up well during the Rams' victory against the Broncos.

Also from Coats: Brit Miller got some work at fullback Sunday.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are making the no-huddle offense a staple of their game plans. Quarterback Sam Bradford: "I'm just comfortable in it. It's something I've done a lot of (in college), but I think it sometimes keeps the defense on their heels a little bit. When we go no-huddle, they can't huddle. They've got to do all their communication without being in the huddle, which just makes it a little bit tougher on them. I think everyone in this offense really likes it. When we go to our no-huddle offense, we have a good tempo with it and I just think it's something that we do really well."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says drafting Bradford was the right move even though some questioned the wisdom at the time. Said former Seahawks coach Jim Mora: "This guy is truly special. Not only is he real mature, but he has a great grasp and a great command of the game. The Rams continually give him more things to do, and he never fills up. He's poised. He's accurate. He's an excellent decision-maker. It's probably a little early to say this, but he's got a little Joe Montana in him, a little Tom Brady. Down the stretch, when the ballgame's on the line, he's at his best. And all the players look to him as a leader. And for a rookie, that's quite special."

Brian Stull of 101ESPN St. Louis sizes up Bradford's stats, noting that Bradford himself isn't all that excited by them.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says 49ers coach Mike Singletary cries following defeats. Singletary: "You go through the season, a season sometimes it's tough and you feel like you're ready, you're prepared, you go in. It's mostly really the close games, the ones that come down to the last minute, the ones that come down to the last field goal. And those are the ones that really frustrate you. But you know, I've done that all my life."

Also from Maiocco: The 49ers do not expect Frank Gore to require surgery on his fractured hip.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers want rookie Anthony Dixon to run with greater authority. Singletary: "He's going to be thunder. I think what we want him to do is be a little more disciplined toward hitting the hole and hitting it now. And if it's not there, trying to make one there. I just think he's still learning what his style is going to be, but I'm very excited about the possibilities there."

Taylor Price of 49ers.com looks at the contrast between Dixon and Brian Westbrook.

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat also sizes up the differences between the 49ers' primary running backs.

Also from Branch: Niners center David Baas feels better after suffering a concussion for the second time in four months.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with Eddie DeBartolo Jr. for thoughts on 49ers president Jed York. DeBartolo: "Jed will do fine. He's a kid that truly takes everything in and wants to do the very best that he can, and he wants to learn by ... sometimes you have to learn by losing. He's done that. And I think he's going to be a much better and stronger executive from what they've gone through."

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle speaks with a doctor for thoughts on Gore's injury. White: "According to Dr. David Chang, an Oakland-based orthopedic surgeon, the 49ers' remaining five-game schedule doesn't give Gore enough time to return. Chang said that, if the fracture does not require surgery, that implies it is a hairline fracture. Hairline fractures take six to eight weeks for the crack to heal. The hip is a weight-bearing part of the body, so he'd have to be inactive during recovery. As a result, muscle tissue would weaken and require rehab to get back into playing conditioning."

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Adrian Wilson, Cardinals SS. We've all seen the Cardinals' Pro Bowl strong safety have bad moments here or there. His dominance around the line of scrimmage doesn't always serve him as well in coverage. I've just never seen Wilson flustered so frequently over such an extended period. It's getting to the point where opposing quarterbacks can simply target whichever player Wilson appears to be covering with expectations that good things will happen for the offense. Wilson's frustration has been obvious through his body language. He can't get a break, either. The one-armed reception Seattle's Mike Williams made against him over the middle Sunday provided fitting punctuation on a difficult day.

2. Bill Davis, Cardinals defensive coordinator. The Cardinals have allowed 407, 507 and 490 yards in their past three games. They have allowed more points than any team in the league. They are missing tackles left and right. The defense appears to have no confidence, no killer instinct and poor fundamentals. Younger players such as Greg Toler and Calais Campbell appear to be regressing.

3. Alex Smith, 49ers QB. An injury forced Smith to the sideline, where he has watched the 49ers' offense flourish without him. It's possible Smith has played his last down for the 49ers. His contract expires after this season and Smith hasn't done enough to win over management.

RISING

1. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks QB. A few more performances like the one Hasselbeck turned in against Arizona will force the Seahawks to address his contract situation. Hasselbeck passed for 333 yards without an interceptions in his best showing of the season. He'll need to get Russell Okung back in the lineup at left tackle, particularly against stronger defenses. Protecting Hasselbeck becomes more important after the quarterback suffered a concussion two weeks ago and cracked bones in his left wrist Sunday.

2. Troy Smith, 49ers QB. Two victories in two starts would have sufficed. How Smith led those victories has sent his stock surging. Smith's big-play ability has been the difference, separating him from Alex Smith and giving the 49ers renewed hope in the unsettled NFC West race. The 49ers have not committed a turnover since Troy Smith became the starter. To be fair, they committed only one in the two games before Troy Smith replaced Alex Smith, and David Carr was responsible for that one.

3. Mike Williams, Seahawks WR. Williams' stock has experienced wild swings in recent weeks. His 11-catch, 145-yard effort against Arizona re-established him as one of the two top receivers in the division this season. Williams has won contested throws even more impressively than Larry Fitzgerald this season.

Thoughts on the Seattle Seahawks' 36-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10:

What it means: The Cardinals have serious problems on defense, their starting quarterback remains prone to turnovers, the Seahawks cannot trust their backup quarterback and their starter, Matt Hasselbeck, can be the difference for Seattle -- in a big way. Hasselbeck played his best game of the season Sunday despite suffering a left wrist injury that sidelined him to open the second half. Arizona, having allowed more than 500 yards to Minnesota last week, had no answer for Hasselbeck's quick passes and increasingly accurate deep throws. Seattle helped itself tremendously within the division by sweeping the Cardinals. The Seahawks are now 3-1 within the division, 5-4 overall and feeling good about themselves after a brutal two-week stretch. Coach Pete Carroll couldn't have scripted this one much better for his team. Arizona has lost four in a row and is officially in free-fall mode.

What I liked: Both teams' quarterbacks started quickly. The Cardinals' Derek Anderson connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a 33-yard gain during a touchdown drive to open the game. Hasselbeck was at his best targeting Mike Williams on third down as the Seahawks answered with a touchdown drive. Anderson and Hasselbeck had combined for only 11 touchdown passes through Week 9, matching St. Louis Rams rookie Sam Bradford. The Cardinals and Seahawks needed to improve their passing games and they did early in the game. Hasselbeck kept up his stellar play the whole game, offering long-term hope for the Seahawks.

What I didn't like: Hasselbeck was outstanding, but the Cardinals' defense was far more generous than it needed to be. The secondary was no match from the beginning, with Arizona even replacing struggling cornerback Greg Toler. I put Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis on the hot seat heading into the season because Arizona has had trouble finishing games on defense. The designation was arguably premature because injuries were a significant factor late last season. Injuries are not the only problem now. They are not even a primary problem. Davis' defense had trouble starting and finishing Sunday. This has to rank as one of Arizona's most disheartening performances on defense. Seattle hadn't done anything on offense recently, even when Hasselbeck was at quarterback.

Injurie(s) of note: The Cardinals played without starters Darnell Dockett (shoulder) and Beanie Wells (knee). Wells' absence meant even more when the Cardinals lost another running back, LaRod Stephens-Howling, to a hamstring injury. Fullback Jason Wright was also injured.

Big Revelation: Seattle's Williams is back after a couple unproductive weeks. He's healthier. The Cardinals had no answer for him. Williams burned the Cardinals on third down as Seattle's offense made a statement early. This was his third game of the season with at least 10 receptions. Williams might have again become the leading candidate for NFL comeback player of the year.

Hindsight: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll keeps making questionable decisions. His decision to go for it on fourth down late in the first half backfired.

Unsung Hero: Aaron Curry, Seattle's second-year linebacker, was around the quarterback. He hit Anderson hard. Chris Clemons was also a force at times.

What's next: The Seahawks visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. The Saints had a bye in Week 10.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune singles out Russell Okung's matchup with Julius Peppers as potentially pivotal for Seattle. Okung's thoughts on the matter remain unknown because the Seahawks' offensive linemen refuse to grant interviews. Guard Ben Hamilton discourages teammates on the line from speaking publicly, issuing fines when quotes appear from a lineman. NFL policy prevents such behavior, stating, "It is not permissible for any group of players to boycott the media. ... Violations of the above procedures will be considered conduct detrimental to the league and will be subject to disciplinary action by the commissioner." In 2009, the league levied a $10,000 fine against Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald for leaving a game without fulfilling media obligations. NFL policy will ultimately apply to the Seattle line, of course.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Marshawn Lynch spent part of his bye week watching his younger brother rush for 260 yards during a high school game in Sacramento.

Also from Farnsworth: Deon Butler says he doesn't need to do anything spectacular while replacing Deion Branch in the Seahawks' starting lineup.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Ben Hamilton remains the Seahawks' starting left guard, although Chester Pitts could play in a backup role Sunday. Can Pitts practice extensively two days in a row without knee trouble?

Also from O'Neil: thoughts on Seattle's matchup against Peppers. O'Neil: "In Okung's debut in St. Louis, he was beaten once by a spin move from James Hall and then failed to recognize a zone blitz that resulted in Matt Hasselbeck getting hit cleanly from behind by Rams linebacker David Vobora."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Lynch feels rejuvenated playing for a new team. Lynch: "Everybody is excited to see what I'm going to do and I'm also excited to see what I"m going to do myself. So it's a pretty intense time for me."

Also from Johns: Butler says the Seahawks' receiver meetings are quieter without Nate Burleson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Branch.

John Morgan of Field Gulls offers a "C" grade for the Seahawks' cornerbacks through four games. The safeties get a "B" grade.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic does not expect the Cardinals to show interest in Shawne Merriman once San Diego releases the former standout pass-rusher. Somers: "The Cardinals have a need for depth at outside linebacker. While Merriman is a recognizable name, it's doubtful the Cardinals will bring someone with a injury history in to back up to 33-year-old linebackers, Clark Haggans and Joey Porter."

Also from Somers: The Cardinals' defense was more sound against New Orleans than it had been previously. Defensive coordinator Bill Davis: "I just saw us take a big step forward in playing the defense together. I'm excited as hell about the guys we have and the growth we're making. But we got off a rough start, and there are growing pains. We have to make sure we're better this week than we were this week. That's the only goal we have."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says younger players will get some extra work during Arizona's bye week.

Also from Urban: The Cardinals respond to rookie quarterback Max Hall. Running back Jason Wright: "There are certain people, when they walk into a room, they could be the newest person there, but when they speak, they speak in a certain way and they come across with a certain air, and you are going to listen, even if they are the brand-new guy. Even if they are completely dead wrong in what they are saying, you still say afterward, 'Hmm. What about that guy?' Whatever ‘it’ is, he’s got it. He’s probably like that in the rest of life too. I expect he’s been that way his whole life. That’s what guys are talking about. It’s more a personality trait than it is having really earned his stripes."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Danario Alexander's emotions are running high as his first NFL game approaches. Alexander: "I'll be highly emotional. I've been through a lot throughout this whole summer, with the surgery, missing the draft. ... I want to come out and produce for this organization. I sat at home for a long time before the Rams gave me the call."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sizes up Sam Bradford against the blitz and says he doesn't expect Alexander to play a significant role against San Diego.

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says Alexander expects to play some on special teams.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are treating the Chargers as a 5-0 team, not a 2-3 team, based on where San Diego ranks in major statistical categories. Thomas: "Even without disgruntled and unsigned Vincent Jackson at wide receiver, Philip Rivers is putting up epic passing numbers. Only four QBs in NFL history have thrown for more yards in the first five games of a season than Rivers (who has 1,759)."

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says Danny Amendola's role has grown with Mark Clayton on injured reserve. Amendola caught a career-high 12 passes Sunday.

Howard Balzer of scout.com says the Rams' blowout defeat on the road in Week 5 was nothing out of the ordinary for NFC West teams. Balzer: "Overall, the Rams have been outscored 60-20, the Cardinals 95-34, the 49ers 78-30 and the Seahawks 51-17. That’s a combined score of 284-101."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Shaun Hill is thankful to be playing for the Lions instead of for the 49ers. Hill: "It’s a mess out there (with the 49ers). I'm just very happy that I'm here right now."

Also from Maiocco: Time is running out for Mike Singletary and Alex Smith.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers' run defense has faltered as opponents have put more focus on handling Patrick Willis.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Willis' tackle totals have fallen.

Also from Barrows: The 49ers think some breaks have gone against them. They hope those breaks even out. Singletary: "Sometimes the way the ball bounces makes you wonder. It's pretty crazy the way the ball bounced in these first five games."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says David Carr can relate to the booing Smith has received lately, but the biggest challenge can be for a quarterback's family members in the stands.

Also from Branch: Turnovers are piling up for the 49ers.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News thinks 49ers president Jed York works behind the scenes to undermine the team's head coaches even while praising them publicly. Kawakami: "It’s not hard to figure any of it out. It’s your typical York intrigue–declare total support, in a bizarre, amateur way, and simultaneously plot against the coach who displeases you. That way, Jed and his courtiers think they have it both ways: If Singletary fails, they fire him and they have the national media explaining why it’s not their fault. And if Singletary rallies the 49ers to the playoffs, they can say, 'See, we knew he’d do it all along. And we said so.' "

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News looks at issues dragging down the 49ers.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says Tony Dungy has advice for Singletary.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic examines the relationship between receiver Larry Fitzgerald and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Fitzgerald: "I don't think there's a cornerback in the NFL as athletically gifted as he is. He's the best athlete I've gone against since I've played in the NFL. It's hands down, not even close." Both players enter the 2010 season coming off knee injuries. Rodgers-Cromartie has bounced back better than I might have expected. Fitzgerald expects to return for the regular-season opener.

Also from McManaman: The Cardinals head to Tennessee, site of their memorable 2009 regular-season defeat. McManaman: "And then there's Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis, who remembers every last morbid detail of the Titans' stunning 20-17 come-from-behind victory in Week 12 last season. It was so gut-wrenching for Davis, he still has nightmares about it. And the Tennessee game doesn't even haunt him as much as Arizona's playoff performances in a narrow victory over the Green Bay Packers and a loss to eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints." It's a big season for Davis and the Cardinals' defense. The offense probably will not score as many points. The margin for error could shrink on defense.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com pays tribute to former Cardinals (and Rams) receiver Johnny Bailey, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 43. Little-known fact from the Cardinals' media guide: Steve Breaston's punt-return touchdown against the Steelers in 2007 was the team's first since 1993, when Bailey returned Reggie Roby's punt 58 yards for a score against the Redskins.

Also from Urban: The Cardinals brace for three games in 11 days.

Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group offers 10 observations from the 49ers' game against the Vikings on Sunday night. Inman: "Rookie tailback Anthony Dixon continues to impress. And not just by scoring the 49ers' lone first-half touchdown. On the sideline, Dixon looked at full attention as (Frank) Gore and running backs coach Tom Rathman mentored him."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers were not happy with their running game against the Vikings. Not having Gore or even Brian Westbrook was a big factor.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee looks at 10 players who were "on the bubble" heading into the 49ers' exhibition game Sunday night. On Travis LaBoy, who enjoyed a strong game against the Vikings: "Based on the first three weeks of training camp, it's hard to see LaBoy making the team. The fourth OLB must be rugged enough to contribute on special teams. LaBoy missed the most of the team's practices with a concussion. The 49ers also are wary of a foot injury that cost LaBoy the 2009 season. However, he still has three preseason games to make an impression."

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Alex Smith was sharp for the 49ers. Barber: "Smith's performance was a big step up from the first game. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 88 yards, for a solid passer rating of 88. And the fact that he did it without Crabtree, (Vernon) Davis and Gore says something of his ability to improvise."

Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Smith needs to be a little less nice, or maybe a lot less nice. True, Smith might be better off if his personality had a sharper edge. The most important thing, however, is for Smith to be himself. Faking an edge isn't going to work.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle checks in with Patrick Willis following the linebacker's big hit on Brett Favre. Willis: "He's a wise old vet. I guess he was like, 'This is a little too much for me right now just coming back.' I guess a lot of people thought he shouldn't have played. I was happy to be out there myself."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Leon Washington could get the start for Seattle at running back in the team's third exhibition game. Julius Jones and Justin Forsett have each started on game to this point. Coach Pete Carroll: "We decided that somewhere months ago about how we were going to do this in the first couple of games. Just give these guys a chance to compete, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. There’s a good chance that Leon will start next week, and we’ll see how he does in that role. That’s what our plan was, to give these guys a chance to go with the first group and show us what they’ve got."

Brian McIntyre of scout.com calls T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Golden Tate and Deon Butler "locks" to earn roster spots at receiver for Seattle.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks' first-team offense looks better with Mike Williams as part of the group. O'Neil: "In the exhibition opener against Tennessee, Seattle used T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and tight end John Carlson in the slot in a three-receiver formation. That lineup that didn't threaten the defense outside. Williams changed the dynamic of that group. He caught four passes against Green Bay in the first half, as did Houshmandzadeh, and Seattle scored touchdowns on two of its first three possessions."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune sizes up Seahawks rookie Dexter Davis, who has made an impact as a pass-rusher.

John Morgan of Field Gulls lists Matt Hasselbeck, Jon Ryan, Marcus Trufant and Mike Williams among "big winners" in the second week of the Seahawks' exhibition season. Aaron Curry? Not so much. Perhaps Curry really does need Lofa Tatupu by his side.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Sam Bradford will start for the Rams on Thursday night if A.J. Feeley's injured thumb remains a problem. Bradford on his performance against the Browns: "Obviously, I'd like to have had a couple more completions out there. I felt like we struggled a little bit early. I felt like once I settled down, I made some smart decisions. I felt like for the most part, I was in the right place with the ball."

Also from Thomas: The Rams signed former Missouri receiver Danario Alexander, releasing 2009 fifth-round choice Brooks Foster. Thomas: "Rams general manager Billy Devaney said the team is realistic about what to expect right away. Today marks Alexander's first practice since January, when he suffered his most recent knee injury in a Senior Bowl practice. So he'll be playing catch-up."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' poor tackling against the Browns stood out to coach Steve Spagnuolo. Coats: "After watching the game film, Spagnuolo put together a clip of five or six tackles that he said were executed perfectly. He plans to highlight those when he meets with his defense today."

Also from Coats: The Rams need more from their backup running backs. Kenneth Darby was probably most impressive among them Saturday night.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch saw improvement from the Rams' offensive line Saturday night.

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says Spagnuolo wasn't happy after the Rams scored only six points off five Cleveland turnovers.