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INDIANAPOLIS -- Thirteen modern-era NFL players were finalists for enshrinement Saturday in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Only one was named offensive or defensive player of the year during his career.

That was the Seattle Seahawks' Cortez Kennedy. His eight Pro Bowls, all-1990s selection and overall dominance made my job as his presenter quite simple. State the facts and let Kennedy's career do the talking. Picking the final five out of 15 modern-era finalists is always tough, however, because it usually requires leaving off worthy candidates.

The 43 other selectors and I met for more than seven hours before identifying Kennedy, Chris Doleman, Dermontti Dawson, Curtis Martin and Willie Roaf as the class of 2012. Jack Butler made it as a seniors candidate.

A few thoughts on the process and the results:

• This class made it through at a good time. Larry Allen, Michael Strahan, Jonathan Ogden, Warren Sapp, Bryant Young, John Lynch and Steve McNair become eligible for the first time in 2013. Shaun Alexander, Derrick Brooks, Marvin Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren join the list in 2014. Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James, Walter Jones, Junior Seau, Chris Samuels, Kurt Warner, Ty Law and Orlando Pace are among those eligible beginning in 2015.
• Former St. Louis Rams
  and Arizona Cardinals
  cornerback Aeneas Williams should feel great about cracking the final 10 in his first year as a finalist. Williams had 55 career interceptions and scored nine touchdowns. He was a big-time playmaker for bad and good teams alike.
• The situation at receiver remains a mess and it's not going to get easier with Harrison becoming eligible in a couple years. Voters are having a tough time deciding between Cris Carter and Andre Reed. Both made the final 10 this year. Reed made the final 10 last year as well. Having both crack the final 10 this year made it harder for one of them to break through. Voters were more likely to choose one wideout when forced to pick only five players.
• Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. did not make the reduction from 15 to 10. I think it's tougher for voters to quantify how owners and even coaches -- think Bill Parcells, who missed the cut from 10 to five -- contributed to their teams' success. The discussions for Parcells (55-plus minutes) and DeBartolo (42-plus minutes) were more than twice as long as the discussions for other candidates. Hall bylaws prevented voters from considering the legal troubles and suspension that preceded DeBartolo's exit from the game.
• DeBartolo was a finalist in part because he hired Bill Walsh, promoted a winning culture, cared tremendously for his players and helped win five Super Bowls. He spent this weekend with former 49ers player Freddie Solomon, who is in the final days of a battle with cancer. The 49ers' renewed success this past season also reflected well on DeBartolo, who has become a tremendous resource for current team president Jed York, his nephew.
• Electing one pass-rusher (Doleman, who spent part of his career with the 49ers) to the Hall could give former 49ers and Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Charles Haley an easier time in the future. But with Strahan joining the conversation in 2013, Haley faces stiff competition again. Former Rams pass-rusher Kevin Greene did not make the final 10 despite 160 career sacks.

It's been a whirlwind day. Hall bylaws prevent me from sharing specifics about what was said in the room during the proceedings. The Hall also asked voters not to reveal their votes outright. I voted for five of the six players enshrined on the final cut and supported others. As always, however, reducing to only five in the end required leaving off candidates I hope will make it in the future.

Aldon Smith is the first San Francisco 49ers player since Patrick Willis in 2007 to win defensive rookie of the month from the NFL.

The 49ers announced Smith's honor Wednesday afternoon.

Another NFC West first-round pick, St. Louis' Robert Quinn, was named NFC special-teams player of the week Wednesday.

Smith finished October with 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, a safety and three passes defensed in four games.

From the 49ers: Smith is the first 49ers player to have two or more sacks in consecutive games since Bryant Young in 2000.

Smith could do worse than to earn mention with Willis and Young, two of the 49ers' best defensive players of the past 15 years.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick is nearly all the way back from the leg surgery he underwent earlier this offseason. Barrows: "The 49ers quarterback revealed today that he ran two miles at Stanford Hospital as part of his rehabilitation from a surgical procedure on his left leg. He's also been throwing regularly at the recent workout sessions at San Jose State. Kaepernick had the operation in early May and has been mum on the details." Kaepernick: "I'm a little anxious for the doctors to really cut me loose and say, go ahead. I'm kind of on their time. They're just trying to take every precaution. I feel like I might be able to do more than they think."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Kaepernick's injury did not affect him much at Nevada. Branch: "He played through the injury in his final four games of his senior year at Nevada and averaged 11.5 rushes and 64.3 yards a game. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at the NFL Combine in late February, the second-fastest time among the 17 quarterbacks who ran at the event."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says San Jose State is happy to give the 49ers' players a place to work out. Maiocco: "San Jose State has a history of being gracious hosts to NFL visitors. In recent seasons, the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys have trained at San Jose State while on West Coast trips. The Patriots are scheduled to return this season. The 49ers' involvement with San Jose State began several years ago when linebacker Jeff Ulbrich would work out regularly during the summer. Bryant Young also forged a bond with the athletic department during the final years of his playing career."

Andrew Astleford of Fox Sports Midwest says Rams fans need to make sure their team doesn't leave for Los Angeles. He quotes Dan Lebowitz, executive director of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, this way: "The thing about an NFL team is that it doesn't matter what socioeconomic background you're from, it doesn't matter what race you are, it doesn't matter what your ethnicity is, it doesn't matter what your religious affiliation is, it doesn't matter about anything that generally divides us. The things about teams in general -- particularly teams in your city -- is that they are this great unifier."

Allaccess.com quotes Rams executive Kevin Demoff and others regarding the team's contract extension with 101ESPN St. Louis. Demoff: "We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with 101 ESPN. Together we have been able to grow our brands and become the home for sports listeners in St. Louis."

VanRam of Turf Show Times says stats from Pro Football Focus suggest the Rams' tight ends aren't very good in pass protection. I thought Mike Hoomanawanui showed pretty good ability in that area at times, although injuries kept him off the field too much.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com catches up with former cornerback Shawn Springs, the nickel corner on the team's 35th anniversary squad. Farnsworth: "Springs left the Seahawks after the 2003 season, signing with the Washington Redskins on the first day of the free-agency period in 2004. After five seasons with the Redskins, he played for the New England Patriots in 2009. In a 2008 game at Qwest Field, Springs intercepted a Matt Hasselbeck pass at the Seahawks’ 44-yard line with 80 seconds left to ice the Redskins’ 20-17 victory. Springs' tenure with the Seahawks bridged what never quiet was and what was to come. He played his first two seasons under Dennis Erickson, when the team finished 8-8 twice. He played the next five under Holmgren, when the Seahawks won the AFC West title in 1999 before going 6-10, 9-7, 7-9 and, finally, 10-6."

Also from Farnsworth: Springs and former teammate Bobby Engram, now a 49ers assistant coach, trade jabs.

Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle passes along John Clayton's thoughts regarding Nnamdi Asomugha and Seattle. Clayton: "I just get the feeling that they [the Seahawks] wouldn't pay the $12-13 million a year but that could be wrong. They can pay [that much]. I think the one concern would be this team wants to get younger and wants to get younger as fast as possible, and bringing in a [30]-year-old corner is not going to get the team younger. It will make it better, because now what it does is it sets up a great three-cornerback set [with Asomugha, Marcus Trufant and Walter Thurmond]."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com links to a Larry Fitzgerald video from the receiver's days at Pitt. He also posts a photo from Fitzgerald's recent workouts with Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, noting that it has nothing to do with which veteran quarterback Arizona will pursue in the market this offseason. Urban: "Orton apparently has known Fitz for a long time and besides, this happens all the time (Greg Jennings has long been a regular with Fitz in Minny; why doesn’t anyone peg Jennings as a future Card?). It’s probably not a coincidence that Orton’s Broncos teammate and one-time University of Minnesota Gopher, receiver Eric Decker, is also in the picture having worked out. Maybe that’s the real Orton connection?" Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck recently indicated he had an invite to work out with Fitzgerald. That also would have nothing to do with any moves the Cardinals might make once the signing period opens.

Current NFC West teams popped up four times in Mike Tanier's Insider list of the 10 most disappointing NFL trades of the past 25 years.

How heartwarming.

By disappointing, Tanier meant for both teams. He was not analyzing lopsided trades, but rather those that hurt both teams. Terrell Owens, Kelly Stouffer, Joe Wolf, Deion Branch and Trev Alberts make appearances, so proceed at your own risk.

The San Francisco 49ers' 2004 trade sending Owens to Philadelphia for Brandon Whiting and a conditional fifth-round choice checked in at No. 2 on the list.

I'm not sure how disappointing this trade wound up being for the Eagles. Owens played a leading role in getting them to a Super Bowl, and his gutsy play put Philadelphia in position to win the game. That one season was worth losing Whiting even though Owens became a headache for the team overall.

On some levels, this deal was a downer for all parties. Owens should have become an unrestricted free agent that year, but his agent failed to file the necessary paperwork to void his deal. The 49ers initially received a second-round choice from Baltimore as part of the trade, but with Owens seeking a ruling that would let him hit the market, San Francisco agreed to lesser compensation as part of a settlement. Owens did get a new contract, so he came out OK, but the trade was definitely disappointing.

The 1989 trade between Seattle and the then-Phoenix Cardinals ranked sixth on the list. The Seahawks got Stouffer, who never became the franchise quarterback they were seeking. The Cardinals drafted Wolf with the first-round pick they received from Seattle.

This deal was also memorable for the Seahawks' failed attempts to trade Pro Bowl safety Kenny Easley before settling on the first-round pick as compensation. The Easley trade fell through when doctors discovered Easley had suffered career-ending and life-altering kidney damage after ingesting massive quantities of ibuprofen over the years. The Seahawks' role in administering the ibuprofen drove a wedge between Easley and the organization. The sides reconciled 15 years later, but it was an excruciating process.

I appreciate Tanier's inclusion of the first Seattle-New England trade involving Branch. Sure, the Patriots came away with Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather, while the Seahawks never got much in return for Branch. This trade was lopsided on the surface, but as Tanier points out, losing Branch cost New England during the playoffs following the 2006 season. I thought the move cost the Patriots a trip to the Super Bowl, and Tanier agrees.

This was a bad move for both teams even though the Patriots came out ahead. New England's relationship with Branch had soured amid a contentious contract dispute. The Patriots got significant value for a player they were unable to sign, but they missed Branch.

One more NFC West trade made the list, but I'm guessing you'll have a hard time singling it out. Tanier went with the 1994 deal between the Indianapolis Colts and then-Los Angeles Rams. The Colts acquired the fifth overall pick from the Rams to select Alberts. The Rams traded the seventh pick to San Francisco, which selected Bryant Young, while using an additional pick from Indianapolis for running back James Bostic. The Rams drafted Wayne Gandy, Brad Ottis and Ernest Jones with the picks from the 49ers.

This deal was disappointing from the Rams' perspective if the team missed out on Young. I wouldn't necessarily view it that way. The Rams came out ahead by a wide margin when we examine the trade itself. Gandy became a long-term starter. Alberts lasted three seasons and made only seven starts.

The NFL lockout sharpens our focus on the 2011 draft by postponing indefinitely free agency and trades involving players.

Teams interested in wheeling and dealing have few options during a lockout. They can still trade draft choices, which got me thinking about what NFC West teams could get in return for their first-round selections.

Specifically, what could the Arizona Cardinals expect to receive in return for the fifth overall choice? The trade-value chart can help, and I was happy to stumble across this handy calculator for analyzing trades during the draft.

History provides another guide. What has the fifth choice returned previously? Two resources became starting points for finding out.

AdamJT13, known around here for his wizardry in projecting compensatory choices, put together a list showing trades involving only draft picks (not players and picks). Another site, this one maintained by Frank Marousek, logs trades by year and identifies the players teams drafted with those choices. Both sites were helpful.

Let's count this as the first in a series of items revisiting NFL trades involving the first-round draft choices NFC West teams hold this year. I'll begin with the fifth overall choice because it's the highest one an NFC West team holds. The division's other first-round choices carried more instructive recent histories, I thought.

The pick: Fifth overall

Held by: Arizona Cardinals

Most recent trade involving only picks: 1999. This one won't help establish value for the fifth pick. Mike Ditka and the New Orleans Saints traded their entire 1999 draft, plus first- and third-round choices in 2000, to the Washington Redskins for the fifth choice. The Saints selected running back Ricky Williams. That type of trade isn't happening again, most likely. For reference, though, the Saints parted with the 12th, 71st, 107th, 144th, 179th and 218th picks in the 1999 draft, plus those early picks in 2000.

Previous trade: 1994. The Los Angeles Rams sent the fifth overall choice to Indianapolis for the seventh and 83rd choices. The trade-value chart says this was close to an even swap. It values the fifth choices at 1,700 points. The seventh and 83rd choices add up to 1,695 points. In this case, the Colts drafted Nebraska linebacker Trev Alberts with the fifth pick. The Rams sent the seventh choice to the San Francisco 49ers in a separate deal. The 49ers used the choice wisely, selecting Bryant Young.

Note: The New York Jets acquired the fifth overall choice from the Cleveland Browns in 2009, selecting quarterback Mark Sanchez. That deal included multiple veteran players. I've excluded deals involving players in part because the lockout prevents teams from trading players. Also, it's tougher to determine values for players than it is for draft choices.

As promised, Kevin Kolb's potential trade value has provided a starting point for additional discussion.

"Shades" from Chico, Calif., used the recently concluded NFC West chat to question why NFL teams seem to over-value draft choices, and specifically whether the San Francisco 49ers would be foolish to consider trading the seventh overall choice for Kolb:

Kevin Kolb

#4 QB
Philadelphia Eagles

2010 STATS

• Comp115
• Yds1197
• TD7
• Int7
• Rat76.1

These are unproven, college players. Kevin Kolb has been an NFL starting QB, has had success, and has a nice upside. If he were a collegiate player, he would surely go high -- perhaps even with the No. 7 pick if he were as he is today. Can somebody, anybody, please, please give me a triple Oy Vey? I'd be all teeth to see the 49ers land Kolb and it doesn't seem like a No. 7 pick is too much of a reach, given the state of the QB situation. Of course, I'd rather trade a large turkey leg, a Prince Purple Rain CD, a sack of frozen burritos, a case of frozen Otter Pops, a BBQ-slathered porksteak, and a gigantic bowl of corn for Kolb. Smile.

This is a question I'd like to throw open for discussion, then revisit Friday.

First, I'll provide a chart showing the last 20 players drafted seventh overall, with how many seasons they played and how many Pro Bowl seasons they have earned, courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

Justin Smith's disqualification from the San Francisco 49ers' game against San Diego on Thursday night marked the first for an NFC West player since 2005.

Officials ejected Damione Lewis, then with the St. Louis Rams, from a 2005 game. Two more Rams, Tommy Polley and Orlando Pace, suffered ejections in 2004.

No other players have suffered disqualifications for current NFC West teams since at least 2001, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

A quick look at NFC West disqualifications since 2001:

• Smith, 2010, Week 15: The 49ers' defensive end shoved umpire Garth DeFelice's arm away while DeFelice separated players following a play. Smith said he didn't realize it was an official making contact with him.
• Lewis, 2005, Week 7: Replays showed the defensive tackle punching New Orleans center LeCharles Bentley in the groin area during the Rams' 28-17 victory over the Saints.
• Pace, 2004, Week 10: Pace made contact with side judge Don Carlsen during a fracas involving Rams and Seattle Seahawks players. The Rams won the game, 23-12.
• Polley, 2004, Week 15: Polley shoved Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Russell Davis in the face while Davis was standing on the sideline without his helmet during the fourth quarter. Trash talk escalated when Davis tapped Polley's helmet.

These were the only four ejections I could find by searching for fouls listed as disqualifications.

I recall Cardinals offensive lineman Elton Brown drawing an ejection for bumping an official during a 2009 exhibition game. Back in 1998, officials ejected 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young for twice retaliating against allegedly dirty tactics used by Kyle Turley, then with the Saints.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says NFL owners needed less than an hour to approve Stan Kroenke's bid to purchase majority ownership in the Rams. Thomas: "Kroenke has until December 2014 to be fully compliant with NFL cross-ownership rules. That gives him four years to work out a financially efficient way to actually sell the Nuggets and Avalanche to Josh Kroenke, or another family member. Those familiar with the sale process say Kroenke isn't entirely sure how he's going to do that at this point but is considering several options."

Also from Thomas: Shahid Khan bows out gracefully.

More from Thomas: Chip Rosenbloom reflects on his family's ownership of the Rams. Thomas: "Rosenbloom made it a point to stay out of the spotlight Wednesday. He respectfully declined an invitation to join Kroenke at a news conference following the owners' vote. And he quietly checked out of the hotel where the meetings were held a couple of hours before the meeting concluded, heading to the airport for the flight back home."

Brian Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sees Kroenke as the right man to own the Rams, even though he doesn't necessarily trust the billionaire. Burwell: "Until Kroenke agrees to a new lease agreement, or the Rams are playing in a new stadium in the greater St. Louis area — or two other NFL franchises end up in Los Angeles over the next five years -- I will continue to raise an eyebrow to his every move when it concerns the long-term future of the Rams in St. Louis. ... Yet in spite of my ever-diligent distrust of the man, here's why Kroenke still could and should be great for the Rams. He will hit the ground running. Because he is no stranger to the workings of the organization, there will be no learning curve. He knows how everything works, and just as important, what doesn't work. And I would be surprised if everyone in the organization doesn't already understand that the clock has been ticking on their evaluations for more than a year."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch expects Kroenke to evaluate the Rams' structure.

Also from the Post-Dispatch: a recent Rams ownership timeline.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Leon Washington impressed during practice Wednesday. Washington will start for the Seahawks this week.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers notes from Seahawks practice, including this one: "Ben Hamilton worked as the second-unit center on Tuesday. He watched Wednesday's practice at one point with an ice bag on his knee. Chester Pitts was on the field, but was limited. Extremely limited, and he also iced the knee after individual drills."

Also from O'Neil: a look at the Seahawks' roster on defense. O'Neil: "Lawyer Milloy and Earl Thomas are lined up as the starting safeties, but behind that duo is a logjam of players that includes former starter Jordan Babineaux, a fifth-round pick in Kam Chancellor the team probably doesn't want to cut and free-agent addition Kevin Ellison, who has a bad knee, but all he did last year was start nine games for the San Diego Chargers."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Seahawks tight end John Carlson isn't sweating too much over a couple dropped passes.

John Morgan of Field Gulls appreciates Mike Williams' sure hands.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in from the Cardinals' spirited practices with the Tennessee Titans. Somers: "The pass-rush session between the Cardinals' offensive line and the Titans' defense was the only serious threat to decorum. The Titans' front four is relentless, and the Cardinals started to take offense to what they viewed as extracurricular behavior. Cardinals backups Jeremy Bridges and Rex Hadnot ratcheted things up a notch with some talking. After the Titans were stopped on snap, Hadnot said, 'No soup for you!' Bridges did some hitting and talking, prompting one Titans player to ask later if Bridges had eaten enough biscuits."

Also from Somers: "Matt Leinart continues to play with the starting unit and backup Derek Anderson got some work with the starters, too. Rookie Max Hall worked some with the second unit. Leinart looked sharp in the two-minute drill, driving the team down the field. Anderson looked decent and Hall was in command, too."

More from Somers: a chat transcript with his thoughts on the quarterback situation in Arizona. Somers: "I sense some worry. Staff is waiting for Leinart to make the plays he should. But it's not as if Anderson is pushing him. I think the staff feels comfortable the line, backs and receivers will be fine. ... Some people I talked to think Leinart is not looking downfield long enough. It seems to be he's a little cautious of making a mistake. The go route to Williams was an aggressive play call on 3rd and 1. Coaches wanted to see how Leinart would handle it."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Greg Toler was working at right cornerback with the Cardinals' first-team defense.

Also from Urban: Were there unrealistic expectations for the Cardinals' offensive line?

More from Urban: Ken Whisenhunt and Jeff Fisher sounded satisfied with the work their teams got in practice.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says 20 players missed 49ers practice for various reasons, but Ted Ginn Jr. was not one of them. Maiocco: "Quarterback Alex Smith hit receiver Ted Ginn with 29-yard touchdown pass in the back corner of the end zone, over the coverage of Patrick Stoudamire. Ginn narrowly avoided running into a table in an empty hospitality tent. Ginn spiked the ball in the tent." I'm often amused by the seemingly arbitrary rules coaches set for practices. They'll ban cell phones or drink containers among spectators, only to let sponsors set up tables within a few yards of the fields.

Also from Maiocco: Phillip Adams is making a positive impression with the 49ers.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers held their morning practice in full pads.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee updates 49ers position battles. Barrows: "At the beginning of training camp, four players -- Brandon Jones, Jason Hill, Dominique Zeigler and Kyle Williams -- were competing for perhaps two spots. Jones is out of the running and Williams is out with a toe injury. (He was seen walking in a boot today). But while Williams has been recuperating, no one has stepped forward to take his place as the top punt returner."

Also from Barrows: Defense prevails in a staple of 49ers practice.

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat looks at the 49ers' return game.

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News explains the reasoning behind the "ownership" drills the 49ers run in practice. It's a chance for players to call the plays.

Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with former 49ers standout Bryant Young.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers do not want Ginn returning punts.

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says there's evidence Smith's experience in the 49ers' offense is paying off.

Notable players: QB Joe Montana, QB Steve Young, WR Jerry Rice, WR John Taylor, RB Roger Craig, FB Tom Rathman, TE Brent Jones, G Guy McIntyre, FS Ronnie Lott, OLB Charles Haley, DE Pierce Holt, DE Kevin Fagan, OLB Keena Turner, LB Matt Millen.

Analysis: The San Francisco 49ers had multiple teams worthy of consideration as the best in franchise history. I'll take the one that outscored its opponents 126-26 during the postseason, including 55-10 over the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl. Denver led the NFL in scoring defense that season.

The 1989 team featured the 49ers' offense at the peak of its powers.

Joe Montana averaged 9.1 yards per attempt with 13 starts that season. The figure for three-game starter Steve Young -- 10.9 yards per attempt -- was even more ridiculous. Drew Brees set a career high at 8.5 yards per attempt last season. Tom Brady's average was 8.3 during his historic 2007 season. Dan Marino was at 9.0 in his 1984 career season. None could match the 49ers' top two quarterbacks during this special season.

This was the first 49ers team of the 1980s without Bill Walsh, but offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren was still there, as were nearly all of the team's iconic offensive players from the decade. Tight end Brent Jones emerged as a starter. Roger Craig topped 1,000 yards rushing. Fullback Tom Rathman caught 73 passes. Montana set a career high for passer rating at 112.1, completing 70.2 percent with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Rice caught 17 touchdown passes while averaging 18.1 yards per reception.

The defense was typically overlooked except by those forced to play against it. John Elway completed only 10 of 26 passes for 108 yards and two interceptions against the 49ers in the Super Bowl.

"Their defense doesn't get enough credit," Broncos coach Dan Reeves said afterward. ''I can't say enough about them.''

Walsh later regretted retiring. This team made it easy to see why.

Most impressive win: Having already touched on the Super Bowl victory, let's focus on the victory that delivered the NFC West title to San Francisco that season. Montana passed for 458 yards, including 286 to receiver John Taylor, and the 49ers twice overcame 17-point deficits to edge the division-rival Rams, 30-27, on the road.

Transcending Walsh: This 49ers team became the only one in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls with different head coaches. The change from Walsh to George Seifert might have actually helped this team, at least for a season. The offensive-minded Walsh left the defensive-minded Seifert with a veteran offense trained to function at a high level without much big-picture help. Holmgren took the best of what Walsh taught him and made it even better with his own tweaking. In that sense, the 1989 team might have gotten the best of what Walsh and Holmgren had to offer. Montana was also at his best. He never enjoyed a finer season.

Honorable mention

1984: This was the team that knocked off Marino in the Super Bowl after the quarterback shredded defenses for a then-record 48 touchdown passes. This was a great 49ers team with a franchise-best 15-1 record, but the best group in 49ers history needed to include Rice, I thought. He arrived the next year.

1994: Proponents of this team will point to a defense featuring Deion Sanders, Rickey Jackson, Ken Norton, Merton Hanks, Eric Davis, Tim McDonald, Bryant Young and others. They'll point to Young's record six touchdown passes against the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl.

1948: Let's save some recognition for one of the early 49ers teams. This one outscored opponents by more than 17 points per game on its way to a 12-2 record. Frankie Albert put up modern-day numbers with 29 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions and a 102.9 rating.

It's probably presumptive to assume this post is worth $12.95, but that was the price of Web access from seat 21C on my Delta flight to Atlanta, and I'll try to expense it.

The in-seat tracking screen shows our plane rocketing across Northeastern Wyoming.

This post will conclude the series examining the best NFC West players from 2000 to 2009. I suppose we could look at the coaches as well, but Mike Holmgren's longevity and overall success would make him the logical choice, followed by Ken Whisenhunt. Links and quick summaries:

• Offensive line: "The Seahawks' Walter Jones was probably the best offensive lineman in the NFL during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Wide receivers: "Torry Holt set the standard for NFC West receivers during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Quarterbacks. "(Kurt) Warner prevailed as the highest-rated passer among the four quarterbacks with at least 10,000 yards for NFC West teams during the decade."
• Running backs: "Shaun Alexander stands above all others as the NFC West's most productive runner during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Tight ends: "The 49ers' Vernon Davis stood above all other NFC West tight ends during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Safeties: "The Cardinals' Adrian Wilson stands above all other NFC West safeties for his efforts during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Cornerbacks: "No other NFC West cornerback from 2000 to 2009 could match Williams' accomplishments."
• Linebackers: "No NFC West linebacker started more games or earned as many Pro Bowl berths as Julian Peterson during the first decade of the 2000s."
• Defensive line: "Defensive end Leonard Little and defensive tackle Bryant Young stood out to me as the NFC West's best defensive linemen at their positions in the first decade of the 2000s."
• Punters: "The 49ers' Andy Lee stood out as the best NFC West punter for the first decade of the 2000s."
• Kickers: "Josh Brown emerges as the winner, but like I said, it's tough to go wrong picking from this group."

Defensive end Leonard Little and defensive tackle Bryant Young stood out to me as the NFC West's best defensive linemen at their positions in the first decade of the 2000s.

The word "character" applies to both, though in different ways.

Little, his off-field legacy damaged by his role in a drunken-driving crash that killed a woman, showed what scouts and coaches call "football character" -- passion, determination, toughness, etc. Young, held up as a model citizen and all-around good guy, also possessed those on-field traits.

Both were extremely productive and, at their best, dominant and inspirational players. Both played hard regardless of how well their teams played.

The interception and diving touchdown return Little provided in the closing minutes against Jacksonville this past season stands out as one example. Young always commanded the highest compliments from opposing offensive linemen. They admired his production and the way he conducted himself. Former Seahawks guard Chris Gray once said he thought Young would have kept going to Pro Bowls if the 49ers had left him at defensive tackle in a 4-3 instead of transitioning him to end in a 3-4.

There were other very good defensive linemen in the NFC West during the decade.

The Cardinals' Darnell Dockett, now playing end in a 3-4, ranked second on my list of defensive tackles. Ranking second to Young, a potential future Hall of Famer, should stand as an honor. A few other defensive linemen -- Chike Okeafor, Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher -- played well for multiple teams within the division.

The charts below draw information from Pro Football Reference (Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks).

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' season will be defined by how the team performs Sunday. Bickley: "The mood in town is certainly different from last January. A rash of injuries has muted the optimism. The saga of Anquan Boldin -- injured when he shouldn't have been on the field last week -- threatens to dog coach Ken Whisenhunt for years to come. That would be a shame." Leaving Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in the game too long put both players at unnecessary risk on a day when Whisenhunt's top priority was to avoid injuries.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says during a chat that he thinks having Ben Patrick and Dan Kreider available should help the Cardinals' ground game. Also: "My sense is the Cardinals will try to trade Anquan Boldin in the off-season." That could be easier to do now that Beanie Wells appears ready to carry more of the offensive load. I just wonder whether the team can justify taking away a primary weapon from quarterback Kurt Warner. Much could depend on what Arizona could get in return for Boldin. Would another team make it worth their while? Would another team want to give up compensation to the Cardinals and then give up big bucks for Boldin?

Also from Somers: a look at the impending matchup between Larry Fitzgerald and Charles Woodson.

More from Somers: Clark Haggans is thankful for his health after missing the Cardinals' playoff run last season. Somers: "Haggans has been a regular starter at left outside linebacker and has been among the team's more consistent defenders."

More yet from Somers: The Cardinals' injury situation in the secondary has improved, but receiver Anquan Boldin might not know his status until Sunday.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says playoff experience can be overrated, according to running back Tim Hightower.

Also from McManaman: Woodson's smarts help make him such a dynamic player. Fitzgerald: "He's a cerebral guy, crafty, a phenomenal talent, super intelligent. He's all over the field. Usually he's matched up against the top receiver, but he's still able to get after the quarterback and cause a lot of disruptions."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looks at the team's ability to avoid back-to-back defeats in a season for the first time since 1975. I'm not sure we should count Week 17 as a normal defeat, though, since the Cardinals didn't make a legitimate effort to win the game.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times reads between the lines in determining reasons for the Seahawks' offensive struggles in 2009. O'Neil: "The Seahawks face an offseason of change, which won't be confined to the front-office addition of a new president. Something has to be done to bridge the gap between the offensive game plan and the players being trusted to run it after the offense was slow at first and then got worse."

Also from O'Neil: Giants personnel man Marc Ross is expected to interview for the Seahawks' general manager job. The Seahawks have not confirmed interest in any candidates, allowing various reports to shape perceptions at a critical time for the franchise. It's all good if the team makes the right hire.

Seahawks.com offers details on recent surgeries for defensive end Patrick Kerney and safety Deon Grant. Kerney could return in 4-6 weeks after having loose cartilage and bone fragments removed from his elbow. Grant will have surgery to reconstruct a torn ligament in his wrist. He could return after the draft. Both players could be candidates for release this offseason, depending on what the next GM thinks about keeping around older players after a rough season.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams general manager Billy Devaney appears relaxed and in good spirits now that the regular-season grind has given way to thoughts about the draft and free agency. Burwell: "One of the biggest decisions he'll be making over the course of the next few months is what to do about the Rams quarterbacks, and part of that process begins with what to do with veteran starter Marc Bulger. Thursday, the Post-Dispatch reported that several team sources were convinced that the embattled 33-year-old passer is considering retirement. Yet on Tuesday, R.J. Gonser, who represents Bulger with agent Tom Condon of CAA, said Bulger isn't ready to hang up his cleats just yet."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says there's no reason for Bulger to return. Miklasz: "All he would do is absorb more of a pounding and probably get hurt again. He is not a difference maker in a rebuilding situation, but could be an effective quarterback when surrounded by good working parts. The Rams aren’t there yet. If they bring in a new veteran QB to handle the job for a couple of years until a youngster is ready, it should be someone who is mobile, someone who can give the offense a different kind of dimension. It’s just time to move on."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with injured Rams defensive tackle Adam Carriker, who hopes to bounce back. Thomas: "Coach Steve Spagnuolo's staff may have a sense of what Carriker can do. But they've seen very little of him in person -- on the practice field or on game day. Prior to the shoulder injury, he missed three weeks of training camp and three preseason games with an ankle injury. At this point, while the coaching staff and front office sifts through their roster options for 2010, Carriker can't be sure how or even if he fits into the team's plans. But he'd like the opportunity to revive his career for the team that drafted him 13th overall in 2007."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says during a chat that recently fired 49ers special-teams coach Al Everest won't be out of work long because he's very good at what he does.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat ranks the 49ers' offseason needs as offensive tackle, return specialist, cornerback, outside linebacker, guard and quarterback. Drafting a speed cornerback with return capabilities would address two of those needs in one move.

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider passes along notes, including one about 49ers great Byrant Young possibly becoming a position coach at San Jose State. He also passes along this quote from Everest: "I tell my players all the time, you have to make a bad play into a good play and a good play into a great play. That's what I plan on doing."

David Fucillo of Niners Nation takes a statistical look at the 49ers' defense in 2009.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Drew from Fife, Wash., writes: Sando, normally I agree with a lot that you write, but you are clearly showing your bias towards Seattle if you think Shaun Alexander is the better choice of running back over Marhall Faulk. Yes, Alexander scored a lot of touchdows over the years. But that was a product of what might have been the strongest left side of an offensive line ever. Once Hutch went to the Vikes, Alexander's carrer was over.

Mike Sando: You really think I'm so lazy in my analysis to consider Alexander over Faulk for the all-decade team because I covered the Seahawks? Was I then secretly covering for myself by taking Kurt Warner over Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback? Jeremy Newberry over Robbie Tobeck at center? It makes no sense.

Alexander's production sets him apart. His selection to this team was as easy for me as selecting Torry Holt as a receiver and Bryant Young as a defensive lineman.

Faulk had three great years this decade. Alexander had five. Both benefited from superb supporting casts. The Rams put two offensive linemen on the all-decade team, same as the Seahawks. Faulk had the better career and was the better player over the course of his career. This was not an all-career team. It was specific to the years 2000 through 2008.

As for Hutchinson, yes, his departure hurt the Seattle offense. But it wasn't the primary factor in Alexander's demise. Remember, that was Alexander carrying 26 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns during a playoff game at Soldier Field on Jan. 14, 2007 -- with Rob Sims at left guard for Seattle.

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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Former Rams receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce commanded spots on my NFC West all-decade team after leading one of the most-dynamic offenses in NFL history.

Larry Fitzgerald also seemed worthy after posting three 1,400-yard seasons and staking the Cardinals into a late lead with a dramatic 64-yard touchdown reception in Super Bowl XLIII.

With at least three worthy candidates for two spots -- and with receivers Anquan Boldin, Bobby Engram and Terrell Owens more deserving than any of the available tight ends -- something had to give.

"I'm hard pressed to come up with [a tight end] better than Vernon Davis," wrote regular blog contributor Mind of no mind. "But if there is nobody better, then maybe we should drop the TE from the team and go with 3 WR with Bruce."

Done deal.

Holt, Bruce and Fitzgerald became the receivers. That made more sense than adding Davis, Eric Johnson, Jerramy Stevens, Itula Mili or some other relatively unaccomplished tight end to the squad.

Such was the give and take as I sifted through nominations left on the blog and on my Facebook page. One request I couldn't quite accommodate: finding a spot for the legendary Kim Il Zong, a ka The Zonger.

A position-by position look at my NFC West all-decade team follows. Thanks to Adam from Mesa, Ariz., for getting the conversation started (download his suggested team here).

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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

How convenient of me to skip out on vacation after filing all-decade packages to run in my absence. The all-decade defense entry has more than 1,200 comments. The all-decade teams entry has nearly 600. The most recent entry, ranking the top 25 players of the decade, has nearly 3,000 comments and counting.

In the interests of time, I'll have to assume every comment agreed with every aspect of every item. How gratifying. I'd like your help in the next endeavor: naming an all-decade team for the NFC West based on what we've seen from 2000 through last season.

Blog contributor Adam from Mesa, Ariz., has offered his version, which I'll include below. That should help get the discussion running. We can discuss the dilemmas on the blog. I'll put together my own choices in an item for Wednesday.

I've converted into PDF format and made available for download Adam's fully researched document, complete with charts. I'll summarize his choices below:

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