NFC West: Kevin Kolb
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Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Cardinals in 2012:
Dream scenario (11-5): A full offseason of healing and playbook study lets Kevin Kolb prove the Cardinals knew what they were doing when they acquired him from Philadelphia in the offseason. There's plenty of credit to go around. The team's decision to reassign assistant coach John McNulty from receivers to quarterbacks becomes a popular storyline. There's no doubt Kolb's mechanics have improved, but talent and good health are what win football games.
Michael Floyd's addition through the draft makes the Cardinals' passing game nearly impossible to defend, particularly with second-year back Ryan Williams emerging as the game-breaking runner Arizona was convinced it had drafted. Adding young linemen for Russ Grimm to develop also pays off, particularly as the season progresses. Bobby Massie looks like a keeper at right tackle. On the other side, Levi Brown picks up where he left off last season, proving Arizona was right in re-signing him to a five-year contract.
The transformation on defense surprises even the Cardinals. Yes, Arizona made strides on that side of the ball while winning seven of its final nine games in 2011. But there was no way anyone could have expected Sam Acho to challenge Simeon Rice's season franchise record for sacks since 1982 (Rice had 16.5 in 1999). With a healthy Dan Williams at nose tackle and Acho pumping up an already-underrated pass rush, cornerback Patrick Peterson takes the next logical step in his development: picking off passes and returning them for touchdowns.
Winning at San Francisco in Week 17 delivers an 11-5 record and the NFC West title to Arizona, the team's third division crown in five years.
Nightmare scenario (5-11): No one can blame Gregg Williams or Jonathan Vilma for the concussion Kolb suffers in the Hall of Fame game against New Orleans to open the exhibition season. Some in the Cardinals' organization welcome the switch to John Skelton, but with Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells predictably battling knee problems, the offense becomes one-dimensional. That's tough for a team with Brown and a rookie starting at tackle. Kolb's return after a few weeks means as much as it did last season -- nothing.
By October, it's clear the Cardinals didn't do enough at tackle or outside linebacker to take the next step. Those offseason stories about a full offseason helping Kolb seemed justified at the time, but we should have known better. McNulty's coaching helps, but players revert to form under pressure, and Kolb is no exception. He wasn't going to develop instincts all of a sudden, was he? Aldon Smith's three-sack game against Arizona on Monday night in Week 8 doesn't seem so bad when Clay Matthews collects four of them the following week.
For the second time in three seasons, the Cards finish 5-11 after getting blown out at San Francisco in Week 17. The quarterback questions persisting upon Kurt Warner's retirement continue to linger. Watching Peyton Manning in the playoffs doesn't help.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Cardinals in 2012:
Dream scenario (11-5): A full offseason of healing and playbook study lets Kevin Kolb prove the Cardinals knew what they were doing when they acquired him from Philadelphia in the offseason. There's plenty of credit to go around. The team's decision to reassign assistant coach John McNulty from receivers to quarterbacks becomes a popular storyline. There's no doubt Kolb's mechanics have improved, but talent and good health are what win football games.
Michael Floyd's addition through the draft makes the Cardinals' passing game nearly impossible to defend, particularly with second-year back Ryan Williams emerging as the game-breaking runner Arizona was convinced it had drafted. Adding young linemen for Russ Grimm to develop also pays off, particularly as the season progresses. Bobby Massie looks like a keeper at right tackle. On the other side, Levi Brown picks up where he left off last season, proving Arizona was right in re-signing him to a five-year contract.
The transformation on defense surprises even the Cardinals. Yes, Arizona made strides on that side of the ball while winning seven of its final nine games in 2011. But there was no way anyone could have expected Sam Acho to challenge Simeon Rice's season franchise record for sacks since 1982 (Rice had 16.5 in 1999). With a healthy Dan Williams at nose tackle and Acho pumping up an already-underrated pass rush, cornerback Patrick Peterson takes the next logical step in his development: picking off passes and returning them for touchdowns.
Winning at San Francisco in Week 17 delivers an 11-5 record and the NFC West title to Arizona, the team's third division crown in five years.
Nightmare scenario (5-11): No one can blame Gregg Williams or Jonathan Vilma for the concussion Kolb suffers in the Hall of Fame game against New Orleans to open the exhibition season. Some in the Cardinals' organization welcome the switch to John Skelton, but with Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells predictably battling knee problems, the offense becomes one-dimensional. That's tough for a team with Brown and a rookie starting at tackle. Kolb's return after a few weeks means as much as it did last season -- nothing.
By October, it's clear the Cardinals didn't do enough at tackle or outside linebacker to take the next step. Those offseason stories about a full offseason helping Kolb seemed justified at the time, but we should have known better. McNulty's coaching helps, but players revert to form under pressure, and Kolb is no exception. He wasn't going to develop instincts all of a sudden, was he? Aldon Smith's three-sack game against Arizona on Monday night in Week 8 doesn't seem so bad when Clay Matthews collects four of them the following week.
For the second time in three seasons, the Cards finish 5-11 after getting blown out at San Francisco in Week 17. The quarterback questions persisting upon Kurt Warner's retirement continue to linger. Watching Peyton Manning in the playoffs doesn't help.
JohnnyP from St. Louis, Mo., wants to see NFC West awards patterned after the major NFL awards: MVP, offensive and defensive players of the year, top rookies, etc.
Mike Sando: We've done all-division teams since 2008 and I'll reproduce the choices here.
What we should do, I think, is make projections for the coming season.
It's a little early to have a great feel for the rookies, but I think we'll likely see one of the receivers make an impact.
Brian Quick of the St. Louis Rams is my early choice on the suspicion Sam Bradford enjoys a bounce-back season. The team doesn't necessarily have an established No. 1 option even though Danny Amendola is returning from injury. Perhaps that gives Quick an immediate opportunity. That could change as we learn more, of course.
Michael Floyd of the Arizona Cardinals is an obvious contender. How many passes will come his way given Larry Fitzgerald's presence and established third-down options elsewhere? I'm less certain where the San Francisco 49ers' A.J. Jenkins will fit into an offense with Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and, potentially, Randy Moss.
Defensively, Bruce Irvin will have sack opportunities for the Seattle Seahawks. Janoris Jenkins could have opportunities to pick off passes and factor in the Rams' return game. Those are two players to watch right away. The Rams' run defense figures to improve with Michael Brockers on the line, but he won't have as many chances for stats.
Let's revisit this one in a separate item.
First, I'll dust off the all-division teams since 2008, beginning with the offensive choices.
Defensive choices are next. Note that I went with four defensive ends in 2011, my attempt to include the best defensive linemen.
The specialists featured 49ers punter Andy Lee, who cashed in with a six-year contract Wednesday.
Moving along to other subjects ...
Richard from Tucson, Ariz., thinks the NFL's push for players to wear knee and thigh pads beginning in 2013 stems in part from injuries such as the one Kevin Kolb suffered last season.
Mike Sando: The San Francisco 49ers' Ahmad Brooks did not appear to be wearing kneepads when his knee accidentally struck Kolb's helmet during a scramble for the football. I went back and watched the play a few more times to be sure. Would kneepads have spared Kolb from the concussion he suffered? That's not something anyone can determine with any certainty.
The injury San Francisco's Delanie Walker suffered at Seattle two weeks later also comes to mind. Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill was wearing thigh pads. He did not appear to be wearing knee pads when his knee accidentally struck Walker in the side of the helmet, breaking Walker's jaw. Again, it's tough to say if padding would have made any difference for Walker.
Requiring knee and helmet pads seems like a logical move even in the absence of evidence proving additional pads would reduce concussions. The league is working with Nike to develop padding players consider more comfortable. I'd like to know whether these sleeker pads will provide as much protection for those on the receiving end of blows like the ones Kolb and Walker absorbed.
Miles from Seattle questions asks whether the salaries for Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow would force them into competition for a single roster spot at tight end.
Mike Sando: Miller is scheduled to earn $6 million in base salary. His contract is scheduled to count $7 million against the salary cap this year. Winslow has a $3.3 million salary. His contract could count up to $4.8 million. Indeed, that's a hefty chunk of money tied up in two tight ends, but Seattle has the salary cap room to absorb the charges comfortably.
The five-year deal Miller signed before the 2011 looks more like a three-year contract for practical purposes. Miller's base salary rises to $6.8 million in 2013, with another $3 million due in a roster bonus. His cap number spikes to $11 million. Those numbers appear steep even for a top tight end.
A.J. from Mendham, N.J., thinks the recent item criticizing Stephen Ross was overkill.
"I don't think the Dolphins were sold on Matt Flynn," he writes. "Jim Harbaugh wanted to stay in Northern California much more than he was uncomfortable with Miami's owner. Jeff Fisher would have taken the Miami job had he been granted total personnel control."
Mike Sando: That's a fair criticism. I'm finished with Ross and suspect he'll be OK, but the way he runs the franchise has benefited teams in the NFC West, in my view. Wait, I thought I was finished with Ross. OK, now I'm finished.
Mike Sando: We've done all-division teams since 2008 and I'll reproduce the choices here.
What we should do, I think, is make projections for the coming season.
It's a little early to have a great feel for the rookies, but I think we'll likely see one of the receivers make an impact.
Brian Quick of the St. Louis Rams is my early choice on the suspicion Sam Bradford enjoys a bounce-back season. The team doesn't necessarily have an established No. 1 option even though Danny Amendola is returning from injury. Perhaps that gives Quick an immediate opportunity. That could change as we learn more, of course.
Michael Floyd of the Arizona Cardinals is an obvious contender. How many passes will come his way given Larry Fitzgerald's presence and established third-down options elsewhere? I'm less certain where the San Francisco 49ers' A.J. Jenkins will fit into an offense with Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and, potentially, Randy Moss.
Defensively, Bruce Irvin will have sack opportunities for the Seattle Seahawks. Janoris Jenkins could have opportunities to pick off passes and factor in the Rams' return game. Those are two players to watch right away. The Rams' run defense figures to improve with Michael Brockers on the line, but he won't have as many chances for stats.
Let's revisit this one in a separate item.
First, I'll dust off the all-division teams since 2008, beginning with the offensive choices.
Defensive choices are next. Note that I went with four defensive ends in 2011, my attempt to include the best defensive linemen.
The specialists featured 49ers punter Andy Lee, who cashed in with a six-year contract Wednesday.
Moving along to other subjects ...
Richard from Tucson, Ariz., thinks the NFL's push for players to wear knee and thigh pads beginning in 2013 stems in part from injuries such as the one Kevin Kolb suffered last season.
Mike Sando: The San Francisco 49ers' Ahmad Brooks did not appear to be wearing kneepads when his knee accidentally struck Kolb's helmet during a scramble for the football. I went back and watched the play a few more times to be sure. Would kneepads have spared Kolb from the concussion he suffered? That's not something anyone can determine with any certainty.
The injury San Francisco's Delanie Walker suffered at Seattle two weeks later also comes to mind. Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill was wearing thigh pads. He did not appear to be wearing knee pads when his knee accidentally struck Walker in the side of the helmet, breaking Walker's jaw. Again, it's tough to say if padding would have made any difference for Walker.
Requiring knee and helmet pads seems like a logical move even in the absence of evidence proving additional pads would reduce concussions. The league is working with Nike to develop padding players consider more comfortable. I'd like to know whether these sleeker pads will provide as much protection for those on the receiving end of blows like the ones Kolb and Walker absorbed.
Miles from Seattle questions asks whether the salaries for Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow would force them into competition for a single roster spot at tight end.
Mike Sando: Miller is scheduled to earn $6 million in base salary. His contract is scheduled to count $7 million against the salary cap this year. Winslow has a $3.3 million salary. His contract could count up to $4.8 million. Indeed, that's a hefty chunk of money tied up in two tight ends, but Seattle has the salary cap room to absorb the charges comfortably.
The five-year deal Miller signed before the 2011 looks more like a three-year contract for practical purposes. Miller's base salary rises to $6.8 million in 2013, with another $3 million due in a roster bonus. His cap number spikes to $11 million. Those numbers appear steep even for a top tight end.
A.J. from Mendham, N.J., thinks the recent item criticizing Stephen Ross was overkill.
"I don't think the Dolphins were sold on Matt Flynn," he writes. "Jim Harbaugh wanted to stay in Northern California much more than he was uncomfortable with Miami's owner. Jeff Fisher would have taken the Miami job had he been granted total personnel control."
Mike Sando: That's a fair criticism. I'm finished with Ross and suspect he'll be OK, but the way he runs the franchise has benefited teams in the NFC West, in my view. Wait, I thought I was finished with Ross. OK, now I'm finished.
The San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith has company among NFC West quarterbacks seeking to improve their mechanics this season.
Kevin Kolb and John Skelton of the Arizona Cardinals have a new position coach and, unlike last offseason, ample time to work on the finer points. This is one area where Kolb should take a step forward. Learning a new offense and getting acclimated to new teammates were the priority during a lockout-shortened 2011 offseason.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic has the details, including a note from quarterbacks coach John McNulty regarding bad habits each player developed. Somers: "Last year Skelton had a tendency to not move his feet when he had to go to a second option. Sometimes the pass got there, sometimes it didn't, McNulty said. In the same situations, Kolb would just start moving, rather than adjust his feet to throw to a secondary target."
Also from Somers: The Cardinals would miss tight end Jeff King, who is recovering from a quadriceps injury. Somers: "King's contract remains unaffected because it is a football related injury. He is due to make $1.95 million in salary this season. Losing King for any amount of time would be a blow. He started 10 games last season and had 27 receptions, fourth on the team and the most of any tight end. With King out, the tight ends in these practices are Todd Heap, Rob Housler, Jim Dray, Steve Skelton and Martell Webb."
More from Somers: The start of training camp July 24 is the target date for Beanie Wells' return from knee surgery.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Frank Gore has good reason for attending the 49ers' offseason conditioning program. Maiocco: "Gore said he took six weeks after the season to let his body rest. As part of the contract extension he signed last summer, Gore receives a $400,000 annual bonus for taking part in the 49ers' offseason program. He reported to the Bay Area to join his teammates three weeks ago."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee provides a transcript from Kyle Williams' interview session. Williams on the impact Randy Moss has had on him: "Oh, a huge impact. He's a vet and he's a savvy vet and he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he gets done playing. So if you can't learn something from a guy like that, then you're not paying attention. So just the way he goes about his business, the way he works and the way he takes care of himself every day -- it's something that you can't help but learn from."
710ESPN Seattle offers commentary from Bucs beat reporter Roy Cummings regarding Kellen Winslow, acquired Monday by Seattle. Cummings: "He's got -- for whatever reason and I'm not sure why -- he's got this image out in the public of being a trouble-maker or not being a conformist or anything like that."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com offers notes from the team's practice Tuesday, including this one: "Another new wrinkle in the defense could be veteran Marcus Trufant sliding inside as the nickelback. A first-round draft choice in 2003, he has started 123 games and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2007. But when a back problem forced Trufant to sit out the final 12 games last season, Sherman stepped in and played well enough to remain the starter on the left side."
Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' new offensive playbook features a larger role for the fullback. Brit Miller: "It's great. Last year there wasn't really anything in there for us that stood out where we could get downhill and block people and do the things we like, things we're good at. This playbook is full of it. I've had familiarity with this system in the past, so coming in I can jump right into everything." Noted: There's a tendency to think players get better from one generation to the next. I question whether that's true at fullback. The college game no longer produces many players at the position. Miller played linebacker in college. The 49ers' Bruce Miller converted from defensive end. Seattle's Michael Robinson played quarterback and tailback in college, among other positions.
Kevin Kolb and John Skelton of the Arizona Cardinals have a new position coach and, unlike last offseason, ample time to work on the finer points. This is one area where Kolb should take a step forward. Learning a new offense and getting acclimated to new teammates were the priority during a lockout-shortened 2011 offseason.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic has the details, including a note from quarterbacks coach John McNulty regarding bad habits each player developed. Somers: "Last year Skelton had a tendency to not move his feet when he had to go to a second option. Sometimes the pass got there, sometimes it didn't, McNulty said. In the same situations, Kolb would just start moving, rather than adjust his feet to throw to a secondary target."
Also from Somers: The Cardinals would miss tight end Jeff King, who is recovering from a quadriceps injury. Somers: "King's contract remains unaffected because it is a football related injury. He is due to make $1.95 million in salary this season. Losing King for any amount of time would be a blow. He started 10 games last season and had 27 receptions, fourth on the team and the most of any tight end. With King out, the tight ends in these practices are Todd Heap, Rob Housler, Jim Dray, Steve Skelton and Martell Webb."
More from Somers: The start of training camp July 24 is the target date for Beanie Wells' return from knee surgery.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Frank Gore has good reason for attending the 49ers' offseason conditioning program. Maiocco: "Gore said he took six weeks after the season to let his body rest. As part of the contract extension he signed last summer, Gore receives a $400,000 annual bonus for taking part in the 49ers' offseason program. He reported to the Bay Area to join his teammates three weeks ago."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee provides a transcript from Kyle Williams' interview session. Williams on the impact Randy Moss has had on him: "Oh, a huge impact. He's a vet and he's a savvy vet and he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he gets done playing. So if you can't learn something from a guy like that, then you're not paying attention. So just the way he goes about his business, the way he works and the way he takes care of himself every day -- it's something that you can't help but learn from."
710ESPN Seattle offers commentary from Bucs beat reporter Roy Cummings regarding Kellen Winslow, acquired Monday by Seattle. Cummings: "He's got -- for whatever reason and I'm not sure why -- he's got this image out in the public of being a trouble-maker or not being a conformist or anything like that."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com offers notes from the team's practice Tuesday, including this one: "Another new wrinkle in the defense could be veteran Marcus Trufant sliding inside as the nickelback. A first-round draft choice in 2003, he has started 123 games and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2007. But when a back problem forced Trufant to sit out the final 12 games last season, Sherman stepped in and played well enough to remain the starter on the left side."
Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' new offensive playbook features a larger role for the fullback. Brit Miller: "It's great. Last year there wasn't really anything in there for us that stood out where we could get downhill and block people and do the things we like, things we're good at. This playbook is full of it. I've had familiarity with this system in the past, so coming in I can jump right into everything." Noted: There's a tendency to think players get better from one generation to the next. I question whether that's true at fullback. The college game no longer produces many players at the position. Miller played linebacker in college. The 49ers' Bruce Miller converted from defensive end. Seattle's Michael Robinson played quarterback and tailback in college, among other positions.
Kellen Winslow set season highs in 2010 with seven receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns during a 38-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Winslow caught 10 passes for 83 yards against the other NFC West teams that season.
What, exactly, are the Seahawks getting in Winslow, acquired Monday night from Tampa Bay for a conditional draft choice in 2013?
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle expects Winslow to become the H-back in Tom Cable's offense, allowing Zach Miller to focus on his duties as an in-line tight end. Huard: "Tom Cable has talked about the eight- and even nine-man box counts opposing defenses threw at the Hawks a year ago. Putting two tight ends like Miller and Winslow on the field will force the defense's hand. Play base defense and Winslow is a mismatch; play nickel defense and expect Beast Mode to run off of Miller and set up the play-action pass." Noted: Winslow's bad knee is also worth our consideration here. The knee has kept Winslow off the practice field. Seattle will have to manage the injury throughout training camp and the regular season. Winslow has managed to produce anyway. He has missed no games over the past three seasons.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic outlines five areas to watch for the Cardinals over the next month. Somers on the quarterbacks: "There is competition between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton for the starting job. Rich Bartel and rookie Ryan Lindley could be competing for a roster spot. Position meetings can sometimes be like an old one-room schoolhouse. One student, say a 10-year veteran, is ready for calculus. Another, say a rookie, is learning multiplication tables. That's not the case with this group. The Cardinals four quarterbacks aren't exactly at the same level, but it's close. There is no 10-year veteran in the room who has been there, done that."
Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains why the Rams had little trouble landing undrafted free-agent safety Matt Daniels. For one, the Rams had only three safeties on their roster at the time. Daniels: "That was the reason I came here. It's the biggest opportunity to actually make a roster and make an impact. It wasn't about money or getting a big signing bonus or going to the team that's predicted to win the Super Bowl. The reason you come here is the opportunity to play and help a team win and go to a Super Bowl."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee takes a closer look at the 49ers' receiving targets from last season. Barrows: "Everyone's percentage, aside from Vernon Davis', went down as the season progressed, perhaps because of the weather or the caliber of opponent or both. Davis also was the only pass catcher who had any success in the playoffs. He caught 10 of the 15 passes that went his way (for 292 yards and four touchdowns). The rest of the group combined to catch 10 of the 33 passes that went their way against the Saints and Giants. Michael Crabtree caught five of 16 passes thrown in his direction; Williams caught two of the 10 passes on which he was targeted."
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News offers a look at the 49ers' locker-room layout.
Winslow caught 10 passes for 83 yards against the other NFC West teams that season.
What, exactly, are the Seahawks getting in Winslow, acquired Monday night from Tampa Bay for a conditional draft choice in 2013?
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle expects Winslow to become the H-back in Tom Cable's offense, allowing Zach Miller to focus on his duties as an in-line tight end. Huard: "Tom Cable has talked about the eight- and even nine-man box counts opposing defenses threw at the Hawks a year ago. Putting two tight ends like Miller and Winslow on the field will force the defense's hand. Play base defense and Winslow is a mismatch; play nickel defense and expect Beast Mode to run off of Miller and set up the play-action pass." Noted: Winslow's bad knee is also worth our consideration here. The knee has kept Winslow off the practice field. Seattle will have to manage the injury throughout training camp and the regular season. Winslow has managed to produce anyway. He has missed no games over the past three seasons.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic outlines five areas to watch for the Cardinals over the next month. Somers on the quarterbacks: "There is competition between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton for the starting job. Rich Bartel and rookie Ryan Lindley could be competing for a roster spot. Position meetings can sometimes be like an old one-room schoolhouse. One student, say a 10-year veteran, is ready for calculus. Another, say a rookie, is learning multiplication tables. That's not the case with this group. The Cardinals four quarterbacks aren't exactly at the same level, but it's close. There is no 10-year veteran in the room who has been there, done that."
Stu Durando of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains why the Rams had little trouble landing undrafted free-agent safety Matt Daniels. For one, the Rams had only three safeties on their roster at the time. Daniels: "That was the reason I came here. It's the biggest opportunity to actually make a roster and make an impact. It wasn't about money or getting a big signing bonus or going to the team that's predicted to win the Super Bowl. The reason you come here is the opportunity to play and help a team win and go to a Super Bowl."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee takes a closer look at the 49ers' receiving targets from last season. Barrows: "Everyone's percentage, aside from Vernon Davis', went down as the season progressed, perhaps because of the weather or the caliber of opponent or both. Davis also was the only pass catcher who had any success in the playoffs. He caught 10 of the 15 passes that went his way (for 292 yards and four touchdowns). The rest of the group combined to catch 10 of the 33 passes that went their way against the Saints and Giants. Michael Crabtree caught five of 16 passes thrown in his direction; Williams caught two of the 10 passes on which he was targeted."
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News offers a look at the 49ers' locker-room layout.
We might need to consider Friday afternoon chats more regularly. Lots of fun in there.
The highlight for me, by far, was when blog regular Deccare, posting under the guise of Deccarizzle, lobbed a softball.
"Who's to blame for the 49ers losing the NFC championship game?" he asked.
Too easy.
"The Giants," I replied.
Gotta keep up your guard in the chats.
"I will sonic boom sando," Deccare replied in the comments beneath the full transcript.
The chat also generated spirited discussion on the St. Louis Rams, with Will from Tallahassee calling out my, shall we say, conservative projections for 2012.
"Are you saying that even if the Rams come into the season healthy, as opposed to last season, and maintain relative good health amongst their starters on offense and defense, that they would only get 4 or 5 wins?" Will wrote. "Really, Sando?"
I'm saying the Rams went 15-65 over the past five seasons, faring worse than expected at almost every turn. So, when asked for early victory projections in the NFC West, I had the Rams in the 4-6 range, with San Francisco (10-11), Seattle (nine) and Arizona (eight) ahead of them. Those projections invited another round of debate.
Once the chat had concluded, we had argued over how to characterize Alex Smith's career, with SFfan_inNY claiming in the comments section that "Sando is never gonna man up and admit what most of us know: Smith was a victim of a terrible situation that very well have ended the careers of Brady, Manning or Rodgers."
How many cans of worms could one NFC West chat open? Lets sift through a few more:
Enjoy your Friday.
The highlight for me, by far, was when blog regular Deccare, posting under the guise of Deccarizzle, lobbed a softball.
"Who's to blame for the 49ers losing the NFC championship game?" he asked.
Too easy.
"The Giants," I replied.
Gotta keep up your guard in the chats.
"I will sonic boom sando," Deccare replied in the comments beneath the full transcript.
The chat also generated spirited discussion on the St. Louis Rams, with Will from Tallahassee calling out my, shall we say, conservative projections for 2012.
"Are you saying that even if the Rams come into the season healthy, as opposed to last season, and maintain relative good health amongst their starters on offense and defense, that they would only get 4 or 5 wins?" Will wrote. "Really, Sando?"
I'm saying the Rams went 15-65 over the past five seasons, faring worse than expected at almost every turn. So, when asked for early victory projections in the NFC West, I had the Rams in the 4-6 range, with San Francisco (10-11), Seattle (nine) and Arizona (eight) ahead of them. Those projections invited another round of debate.
Once the chat had concluded, we had argued over how to characterize Alex Smith's career, with SFfan_inNY claiming in the comments section that "Sando is never gonna man up and admit what most of us know: Smith was a victim of a terrible situation that very well have ended the careers of Brady, Manning or Rodgers."
How many cans of worms could one NFC West chat open? Lets sift through a few more:
Mike Sando: Moderately successful will not be good enough for Flynn to hold onto the job. The Seahawks love Russell Wilson and want to see if he can overcome the one big strike against him: lack of height. They feel like Wilson has everything else. They're optimistic, but they just don't know for sure based on the height. That one trait explains why Wilson was still available in the third round.
Mike Sando: Football is largely unpredictable, especially in a division without established, reliable quarterback play. It's not like the AFC East, where everyone is trying to catch up to Tom Brady. We went into last season with Sam Bradford appearing on the rise, the 49ers breaking in a new staff under tough circumstances, Arizona spending big on Kevin Kolb, Seattle coming off a weird season featuring a 7-9 record and a playoff victory. So many variables in this division. The 49ers are the logical favorite based on what we saw from them last.
Mike Sando: I don't recall making that selection at cornerback, but the truth is, I watched Carlos Rogers every week last season. I did not watch the Titans very much at all. Might need to see Finnegan play in the division before putting him on an all-division team. Chris Long is very good and could be a worthy selection. He has competition in this division, however.
Mike Sando: You could be 100 percent correct in that. I do see similarities, for sure. The feeling in Arizona last season was that the quarterback play had to improve even if Kevin Kolb were mediocre, and that the improvement would help the team win a few more games. The team did win a few more games, improving from 5-11 to 8-8, but how much did that have to do with quarterback improvement? The defense improved tremendously over the second half of the season. Patrick Peterson's punt-return touchdowns were huge. And then John Skelton, not Kolb, helped pull out some comeback victories.
Enjoy your Friday.
SeattleAztec from San Diego asks whether Matt Flynn might be the "most developed" quarterback in the NFC West after learning from Mike McCarthy in Green Bay.
"Alex Smith and Sam Bradford seem to be the least developed with having multiple offensive coordinators and no great vets to learn behind," he writes. "Kevin Kolb had a good upbringing in Philadelphia and Arizona has shown an ability to handle QBs, but Flynn had the benefit of learning in the Green Bay system. Learning behind Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will give him an advantage, assuming he wins the starting job. Thoughts?"
Mike Sando: Flynn's background with McCarthy and the Packers appealed to the Seahawks. McCarthy, with nothing more than a compensatory draft choice to gain from advocating for Flynn in free agency, gave glowing reviews in conversations with the Seahawks. Those conversations appear more credible based on Seahawks general manager John Schneider's long association and friendship with McCarthy.
"We really respect the job that they’ve done with their offense and their quarterbacking and Matt is a beneficiary of that, so therefore we are also," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after signing Flynn in March. "His process to learn as Aaron Rodgers has learned has really been helpful to him. There are a lot of similarities in their style of movement and decision-making, play and conscience that I think helps us."
That doesn't necessarily mean Flynn will be the "most developed" quarterback in the division. A few thoughts on what the other NFC West quarterbacks have going for them:
Circling back to the original question, we could make a case that Flynn should be the most developed quarterback in the division.
Other factors go into success, of course. Bradford and Smith were No. 1 overall choices, indicating that teams thought they were more talented than Flynn, a seventh-rounder who drew moderate interest in free agency this offseason. And if the Seahawks were convinced Flynn were the answer, they would have had less reason to use a third-round choice for a quarterback after signing Flynn.
I do think Flynn's background with the Packers was crucial for the Seahawks. Schneider's first-hand knowledge of Green Bay's quarterback training techniques was a factor.
"Alex Smith and Sam Bradford seem to be the least developed with having multiple offensive coordinators and no great vets to learn behind," he writes. "Kevin Kolb had a good upbringing in Philadelphia and Arizona has shown an ability to handle QBs, but Flynn had the benefit of learning in the Green Bay system. Learning behind Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will give him an advantage, assuming he wins the starting job. Thoughts?"
Mike Sando: Flynn's background with McCarthy and the Packers appealed to the Seahawks. McCarthy, with nothing more than a compensatory draft choice to gain from advocating for Flynn in free agency, gave glowing reviews in conversations with the Seahawks. Those conversations appear more credible based on Seahawks general manager John Schneider's long association and friendship with McCarthy.
"We really respect the job that they’ve done with their offense and their quarterbacking and Matt is a beneficiary of that, so therefore we are also," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after signing Flynn in March. "His process to learn as Aaron Rodgers has learned has really been helpful to him. There are a lot of similarities in their style of movement and decision-making, play and conscience that I think helps us."
That doesn't necessarily mean Flynn will be the "most developed" quarterback in the division. A few thoughts on what the other NFC West quarterbacks have going for them:
- Smith (49ers): Jim Harbaugh should know the position better than any head coach in the division. Smith has more experience than any quarterback in the division. Harbaugh and Smith meshed well last season. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and quarterbacks coach Geep Chryst round out what looks like a solid support group. Smith has finally had time this offseason to work on his mechanics. He's getting a second season in the offense. Spending one season with McCarthy and a second with Norv Turner probably counts for something, too, despite the passage of time.
- Kolb (Cardinals): Kolb did not practice with the Cardinals until 38 days before the 2011 opener. That made it tough for Kolb to learn a new system and settle into the role. Injuries derailed Kolb once he finally did get experience in the system. The Cardinals fired quarterbacks coach Chris Miller and promoted receivers coach John McNulty to the position. Arizona valued McNulty enough to block Tampa Bay from pursuing him as its offensive coordinator. The team's new receivers coach, Frank Reich, was an NFL quarterback for 14 seasons. What does it all mean? It's a little early to tell.
- Bradford (Rams): New coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was with Mark Sanchez previously. One line of thinking says Schottenheimer led Sanchez as far as Sanchez could go, then took the fall when Sanchez failed to carry more of the offensive load. Another line of thinking says Schottenheimer couldn't get Sanchez past a certain point. Bradford is on his third coordinator in as many seasons. The Rams went through 2011 without a quarterbacks coach. The new quarterbacks coach, Frank Cignetti, coached the 49ers' Smith under coordinator Jim Hostler in 2007. That was one of the worst offensive seasons in 49ers history. Hostler took the blame. It's tough to fault Cignetti in that context, but also tough to offer a strong endorsement without seeing results.
Circling back to the original question, we could make a case that Flynn should be the most developed quarterback in the division.
Other factors go into success, of course. Bradford and Smith were No. 1 overall choices, indicating that teams thought they were more talented than Flynn, a seventh-rounder who drew moderate interest in free agency this offseason. And if the Seahawks were convinced Flynn were the answer, they would have had less reason to use a third-round choice for a quarterback after signing Flynn.
I do think Flynn's background with the Packers was crucial for the Seahawks. Schneider's first-hand knowledge of Green Bay's quarterback training techniques was a factor.
Coach Pete Carroll's declaration that rookie quarterback Russell Wilson would compete for the Seattle Seahawks' starting job made waves over the weekend.
The NFC West mailbag is brimming with Wilson-related queries, so here goes.
Scott from Spokane, Wash., read that Wilson "throws open receivers" and wondered what that meant.
Mike Sando: That term reflects a quarterback's ability to complete passes to covered receivers by leading them to spots where the reception can be made. Quarterbacks with the ability to anticipate where a receiver might come open have advantages over those more comfortable throwing to receivers only after they've gotten open.
Wilson was competing against rookies in non-contact drills, so we must guard against reading too much into the results. He did repeatedly throw open receivers (and tight ends) during the camp, however. I was impressed, as were viewers with much sturdier credentials for evaluating the position (Brock Huard was one).
Miles from Seattle asks whether the Seahawks' three-man quarterback competition benefits the Seahawks.
Mike Sando: It benefits them unless they name Wilson the starter prematurely, thereby undercutting the veterans on the roster. It's no big deal if Wilson goes into the season as a backup. He has time. It's more telling for Matt Flynn or Tarvaris Jackson if they're unable to beat out a third-round rookie.
Carroll thinks encouraging competition at the most important position sends a strong message through the rest of the roster. He realizes the Seahawks do not have an established starter, so he sees less risk in making Flynn and Jackson fight for the job. If Flynn or Jackson cannot handle the pressure associated with competing against a rookie third-round choice, are they really the answer? That is a question Carroll might ask.
There is some risk, however. What if Wilson is a much better practice player than Flynn? What if Flynn is much better than Wilson in game situations? Wilson could, in theory, win the job without being the better option. Of course, there's nothing stopping the Seahawks from naming Flynn the starter anyway.
There's a point in time when a head coach is best off promoting stability and clarity at quarterback. The Seahawks aren't at that point just yet. The salary structure for existing quarterbacks on the team tells us what we need to know. None of the candidates is earning enough money to identify him as the undisputed starter.
Rob from Augusta, Ga., asks what the impact would be on the Seahawks if Wilson indeed won the starting job heading into the 2012 season.
Mike Sando: Making that move would undercut Flynn and Jackson while signaling the team's belief in Wilson as a franchise quarterback. I think it's unlikely the Seahawks will make such a determination so quickly. Wilson would have to be spectacular and significantly better than the other two, in my view.
Flynn is most likely to emerge as the starter this season. The team already knows what Jackson offers. The team has more time to develop Wilson, who is earning less money and might benefit from seasoning.
It's clear the Seahawks think Wilson, like Flynn, has starting potential. But if Wilson and Flynn are pretty much even in terms of immediate readiness and perceived long-term potential, giving Flynn the first shot would make sense. Entering the season as a backup would be far more damaging to Flynn, a veteran acquisition, than for Wilson, who is just starting out.
Hideo from Seattle asks whether the contracts for Flynn, Jackson and Wilson carry combined value similar to the contract for Kevin Kolb in Arizona. "No matter who is chosen to start," he writes, "it seems that if we use Kolb as a benchmark, the Seahawks seem to come out well, at least from a salary perspective."
Mike Sando: Did you have to rub it in, Hideo? Cardinals fans will love you for that.
Every situation is different. The Cardinals badly needed a quarterback last offseason. They had already gone through a quarterback nightmare while suffering through a 5-11 record in 2010. They were not starting over with a new head coach. They were at a different point in their development. Arizona knew acquiring Kolb was a gamble. Sure, the Cardinals would have preferred paying less for Kolb, but they paid what they had to pay for a shot at improving the position. The immediate results were disappointing. This year is pivotal.
As for your question, Kolb's cap number for 2012 is scheduled to be $10.5 million. I would expect the combined cap numbers for Jackson, Flynn and Wilson to fall short of that figure.
The NFC West mailbag is brimming with Wilson-related queries, so here goes.
Scott from Spokane, Wash., read that Wilson "throws open receivers" and wondered what that meant.
Mike Sando: That term reflects a quarterback's ability to complete passes to covered receivers by leading them to spots where the reception can be made. Quarterbacks with the ability to anticipate where a receiver might come open have advantages over those more comfortable throwing to receivers only after they've gotten open.
Wilson was competing against rookies in non-contact drills, so we must guard against reading too much into the results. He did repeatedly throw open receivers (and tight ends) during the camp, however. I was impressed, as were viewers with much sturdier credentials for evaluating the position (Brock Huard was one).
Miles from Seattle asks whether the Seahawks' three-man quarterback competition benefits the Seahawks.
Mike Sando: It benefits them unless they name Wilson the starter prematurely, thereby undercutting the veterans on the roster. It's no big deal if Wilson goes into the season as a backup. He has time. It's more telling for Matt Flynn or Tarvaris Jackson if they're unable to beat out a third-round rookie.
Carroll thinks encouraging competition at the most important position sends a strong message through the rest of the roster. He realizes the Seahawks do not have an established starter, so he sees less risk in making Flynn and Jackson fight for the job. If Flynn or Jackson cannot handle the pressure associated with competing against a rookie third-round choice, are they really the answer? That is a question Carroll might ask.
There is some risk, however. What if Wilson is a much better practice player than Flynn? What if Flynn is much better than Wilson in game situations? Wilson could, in theory, win the job without being the better option. Of course, there's nothing stopping the Seahawks from naming Flynn the starter anyway.
There's a point in time when a head coach is best off promoting stability and clarity at quarterback. The Seahawks aren't at that point just yet. The salary structure for existing quarterbacks on the team tells us what we need to know. None of the candidates is earning enough money to identify him as the undisputed starter.
Rob from Augusta, Ga., asks what the impact would be on the Seahawks if Wilson indeed won the starting job heading into the 2012 season.
Mike Sando: Making that move would undercut Flynn and Jackson while signaling the team's belief in Wilson as a franchise quarterback. I think it's unlikely the Seahawks will make such a determination so quickly. Wilson would have to be spectacular and significantly better than the other two, in my view.
Flynn is most likely to emerge as the starter this season. The team already knows what Jackson offers. The team has more time to develop Wilson, who is earning less money and might benefit from seasoning.
It's clear the Seahawks think Wilson, like Flynn, has starting potential. But if Wilson and Flynn are pretty much even in terms of immediate readiness and perceived long-term potential, giving Flynn the first shot would make sense. Entering the season as a backup would be far more damaging to Flynn, a veteran acquisition, than for Wilson, who is just starting out.
Hideo from Seattle asks whether the contracts for Flynn, Jackson and Wilson carry combined value similar to the contract for Kevin Kolb in Arizona. "No matter who is chosen to start," he writes, "it seems that if we use Kolb as a benchmark, the Seahawks seem to come out well, at least from a salary perspective."
Mike Sando: Did you have to rub it in, Hideo? Cardinals fans will love you for that.
Every situation is different. The Cardinals badly needed a quarterback last offseason. They had already gone through a quarterback nightmare while suffering through a 5-11 record in 2010. They were not starting over with a new head coach. They were at a different point in their development. Arizona knew acquiring Kolb was a gamble. Sure, the Cardinals would have preferred paying less for Kolb, but they paid what they had to pay for a shot at improving the position. The immediate results were disappointing. This year is pivotal.
As for your question, Kolb's cap number for 2012 is scheduled to be $10.5 million. I would expect the combined cap numbers for Jackson, Flynn and Wilson to fall short of that figure.
» NFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Arizona Cardinals and why.
The 2012 season should be less challenging for Kevin Kolb than the one that came before it, but Kolb still qualifies for consideration on a varied list of NFC West players with tough roads ahead. Quarterback is a difficult enough position without the added burden of unrealistic expectations. The $12.4 million annual average Arizona paid to Kolb demanded immediate production, and at a high level. Kolb struggled, raising the stakes for 2012.
Kolb should benefit from the added preparation time this offseason affords players in general. Last year, Kolb remained property of the Philadelphia Eagles until late July. Rules prevented him from practicing with his new teammates until Aug. 4. This year, Kolb gets a full offseason to master the offense. The Cardinals also expect Kolb's fundamentals to improve now that the detail-oriented John McNulty has shifted over from receivers coach to handle quarterbacks.
Kolb faces at least three tough challenges.
First, he must hold off John Skelton for the starting job. Skelton faces no pressure as a 2010 fifth-round draft choice earning $490,000 in base salary. Skelton scored points with fans and the team for his role in a few fourth-quarter comeback victories last season. Skelton has also proved durable, which leads into the second challenge for Kolb: staying healthy. Concussions have knocked Kolb from the lineup in Philadelphia (2010) and Arizona (2011).
Finally, Kolb enters what is clearly a make-or-break year for him with no assurances that the Cardinals can protect him adequately. Arizona has questionable pass-protection credentials at both tackle spots. Kolb did not demonstrate much feel for the pocket last season. The Cardinals did add weaponry for Kolb by using a first-round pick for Michael Floyd. Floyd, unlike Kolb, will be given a couple of years to develop.
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Arizona Cardinals and why.
The 2012 season should be less challenging for Kevin Kolb than the one that came before it, but Kolb still qualifies for consideration on a varied list of NFC West players with tough roads ahead. Quarterback is a difficult enough position without the added burden of unrealistic expectations. The $12.4 million annual average Arizona paid to Kolb demanded immediate production, and at a high level. Kolb struggled, raising the stakes for 2012.
Kolb should benefit from the added preparation time this offseason affords players in general. Last year, Kolb remained property of the Philadelphia Eagles until late July. Rules prevented him from practicing with his new teammates until Aug. 4. This year, Kolb gets a full offseason to master the offense. The Cardinals also expect Kolb's fundamentals to improve now that the detail-oriented John McNulty has shifted over from receivers coach to handle quarterbacks.
Kolb faces at least three tough challenges.
First, he must hold off John Skelton for the starting job. Skelton faces no pressure as a 2010 fifth-round draft choice earning $490,000 in base salary. Skelton scored points with fans and the team for his role in a few fourth-quarter comeback victories last season. Skelton has also proved durable, which leads into the second challenge for Kolb: staying healthy. Concussions have knocked Kolb from the lineup in Philadelphia (2010) and Arizona (2011).
Finally, Kolb enters what is clearly a make-or-break year for him with no assurances that the Cardinals can protect him adequately. Arizona has questionable pass-protection credentials at both tackle spots. Kolb did not demonstrate much feel for the pocket last season. The Cardinals did add weaponry for Kolb by using a first-round pick for Michael Floyd. Floyd, unlike Kolb, will be given a couple of years to develop.
A look at the Arizona Cardinals' offseason to this point ...
What went right: The Cardinals struck a long-term contract agreement with franchise player Calais Campbell, solidifying their defensive line. ... First-round draft choice Michael Floyd promised to give the Cardinals a big, talented weapon opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd's addition makes Arizona four players deep at wide receiver. The team expects Andre Roberts to become more productive from the slot as a result. ... The Cardinals arguably have better cornerback depth than they've had in years, particularly if rookie Jamell Fleming builds upon an impressive rookie camp debut. ... Running back Ryan Williams has beat expectations in his recovery from a knee injury that could have been career-threatening. The team thinks he can contribute significantly this season, one reason the Cardinals did not address the position much this offseason. ... Keeping assistant John McNulty away from Tampa bay and converting him to quarterbacks coach has the potential to benefit Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. ... The Cardinals finally have young prospects for the offensive line after selecting three in the draft.
What went wrong: Arizona made landing Peyton Manning a top priority, involving in the pursuit everyone from ownership to Fitzgerald. The effort was admirable, but the results were disappointing and the fallback -- paying another $7 million to retain Kolb -- was unsatisfying. ... The Miami Dolphins paid relatively big money to sign cornerback Richard Marshall away from the Cardinals. Marshall had been Arizona's defensive MVP, according to coordinator Ray Horton. The resources Arizona used to replace Marshall might have been directed elsewhere, as the Cardinals navigated the offseason with relatively scarce resources (little salary-cap space, no second-round draft choice). ... The search for a veteran offensive tackle led nowhere after Demetress Bell signed with Philadelphia. ... Arizona could be over-reliant on young outside linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield after failing to upgrade that position. Clark Haggans' expected return would help.
The bottom line: The Cardinals need better play from their quarterbacks. Everything else is details.
Your turn: Any significant omissions here?
What went right: The Cardinals struck a long-term contract agreement with franchise player Calais Campbell, solidifying their defensive line. ... First-round draft choice Michael Floyd promised to give the Cardinals a big, talented weapon opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd's addition makes Arizona four players deep at wide receiver. The team expects Andre Roberts to become more productive from the slot as a result. ... The Cardinals arguably have better cornerback depth than they've had in years, particularly if rookie Jamell Fleming builds upon an impressive rookie camp debut. ... Running back Ryan Williams has beat expectations in his recovery from a knee injury that could have been career-threatening. The team thinks he can contribute significantly this season, one reason the Cardinals did not address the position much this offseason. ... Keeping assistant John McNulty away from Tampa bay and converting him to quarterbacks coach has the potential to benefit Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. ... The Cardinals finally have young prospects for the offensive line after selecting three in the draft.
What went wrong: Arizona made landing Peyton Manning a top priority, involving in the pursuit everyone from ownership to Fitzgerald. The effort was admirable, but the results were disappointing and the fallback -- paying another $7 million to retain Kolb -- was unsatisfying. ... The Miami Dolphins paid relatively big money to sign cornerback Richard Marshall away from the Cardinals. Marshall had been Arizona's defensive MVP, according to coordinator Ray Horton. The resources Arizona used to replace Marshall might have been directed elsewhere, as the Cardinals navigated the offseason with relatively scarce resources (little salary-cap space, no second-round draft choice). ... The search for a veteran offensive tackle led nowhere after Demetress Bell signed with Philadelphia. ... Arizona could be over-reliant on young outside linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield after failing to upgrade that position. Clark Haggans' expected return would help.
The bottom line: The Cardinals need better play from their quarterbacks. Everything else is details.
Your turn: Any significant omissions here?
David from Maryland wants to know what I expected from the St. Louis Rams' Sam Bradford as the quarterback prepares to play under his third offensive coordinator in three years, and with multiple new targets.
Mike Sando: Let's put a Mother's Day spin on this one, David. The hardest part of sports for any mother can be watching her child risk injuries during competition. The injury factor is critical for quarterbacks and the NFC West has demonstrated as much last season.
Alex Smith was the only NFC West quarterback to start all 16 regular-season games. He was the only one healthy enough to do so (to clarify, Smith was the only projected starter healthy enough to remain in the lineup all season; backups were healthy enough). His ability to hold up physically was the key to his season and a key to the 49ers' season.
Bradford suffered a thumb injury against Philadelphia in the season opener. He took a beating and eventually left the lineup for an extended period after suffering a high-ankle sprain against Green Bay. Bradford was much more impressive as a rookie in 2010. He was also much healthier, taking every snap.
Arizona's Kevin Kolb (toe, concussion) and Seattle's Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) also had injury problems last season. Those injuries prevented them from reaching their potential.
The best NFC West quarterback in 2012 will probably be the healthiest one. There is some luck involved, but at least the Rams' new coaching staff plans to protect Bradford by putting greater emphasis on the run game. I'm expecting a better season from him as a result.
Mike Sando: Let's put a Mother's Day spin on this one, David. The hardest part of sports for any mother can be watching her child risk injuries during competition. The injury factor is critical for quarterbacks and the NFC West has demonstrated as much last season.
Alex Smith was the only NFC West quarterback to start all 16 regular-season games. He was the only one healthy enough to do so (to clarify, Smith was the only projected starter healthy enough to remain in the lineup all season; backups were healthy enough). His ability to hold up physically was the key to his season and a key to the 49ers' season.
Bradford suffered a thumb injury against Philadelphia in the season opener. He took a beating and eventually left the lineup for an extended period after suffering a high-ankle sprain against Green Bay. Bradford was much more impressive as a rookie in 2010. He was also much healthier, taking every snap.
Arizona's Kevin Kolb (toe, concussion) and Seattle's Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) also had injury problems last season. Those injuries prevented them from reaching their potential.
The best NFC West quarterback in 2012 will probably be the healthiest one. There is some luck involved, but at least the Rams' new coaching staff plans to protect Bradford by putting greater emphasis on the run game. I'm expecting a better season from him as a result.
Alex Smith had a sturdier look to him upon reporting for San Francisco 49ers training camp last season.
That was my first impression while watching Smith walk toward an interview podium between practices.
One of the quarterback's best friends on the team, left tackle Joe Staley, was standing nearby. I mentioned something about Smith's guns and Staley, ever the jokester, used the opportunity to tease Smith, striking body-building poses from a distance while Smith answered questions at a podium.
It's tough to say whether Smith was actually sturdier, but he did start all 16 games in a regular season for the first time since 2006. He started two playoff games as well. Smith's body held up through 18 starts, 51 sacks and 59 rushing attempts.
Other NFC West quarterbacks weren't as fortunate.
With Dan Graziano taking a closer look at Michael Vick's injuries, I decided to revisit the ones affecting NFC West passers in 2011, with special attention toward whether they could have been avoided.
Jackson and Kolb have competition for their jobs this year.
New Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn hasn't played enough to demonstrate durability one way or another. His ratio of pass attempts (115) to sacks (12) over the last two seasons was about 9.6 to one, between those for Kolb (8.4) and Smith (10.1) last season.
Kolb's competition, John Skelton, appears durable. He's the biggest starting quarterback candidate in the division at 6-foot-6 and 244 pounds.
That was my first impression while watching Smith walk toward an interview podium between practices.
One of the quarterback's best friends on the team, left tackle Joe Staley, was standing nearby. I mentioned something about Smith's guns and Staley, ever the jokester, used the opportunity to tease Smith, striking body-building poses from a distance while Smith answered questions at a podium.
It's tough to say whether Smith was actually sturdier, but he did start all 16 games in a regular season for the first time since 2006. He started two playoff games as well. Smith's body held up through 18 starts, 51 sacks and 59 rushing attempts.
Other NFC West quarterbacks weren't as fortunate.
With Dan Graziano taking a closer look at Michael Vick's injuries, I decided to revisit the ones affecting NFC West passers in 2011, with special attention toward whether they could have been avoided.
- Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams: Bradford suffered a season-altering high-ankle sprain on the Rams' final offensive play during a 24-3 defeat at Green Bay. Why would the Rams risk injury by having Bradford drop back to pass on fourth-and-12 during the final minutes of a blowout defeat? This was a fair question at the time. We could use this injury to argue that coaches need to protect their indispensable players when a game is out of reach. However, the Rams' offense was moving the ball effectively that day, finishing with 424 yards. Bradford had played every snap of every game the previous season, answering questions about durability. The Rams took possession near midfield with 5:37 remaining. It was too early to give up.
- Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks: Jackson suffered a season-altering torn pectoral injury during an 11-yard scramble against the New York Giants in Week 5. Designed quarterback runs can keep a defense off-balance. Smith and the 49ers proved a well-timed keeper can change field position and swing momentum in the postseason. We could argue that Jackson should have done more to protect himself during the run against the Giants, but I thought the Seahawks' coaching staff took an undue risk in this situation. The Seattle offense had come to life against Atlanta the previous week, but with Jackson ailing, the Seahawks lost their next three games, failing to exceed 13 points in any of them. That stretch might have cost Seattle a winning record.
- Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals: Kolb suffered a turf-toe injury during a Week 8 game at Baltimore. He stayed in the game, making it unclear exactly when he suffered the injury. Kolb was under pressure frequently, however. Pass protection was a problem. Kolb eventually returned, only to suffer a concussion during a Week 14 game against San Francisco. Kolb took an inadvertent knee to the helmet. These could have been fluke injuries. In general, though, Kolb would benefit from improved pass protection and better pocket instincts.
Jackson and Kolb have competition for their jobs this year.
New Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn hasn't played enough to demonstrate durability one way or another. His ratio of pass attempts (115) to sacks (12) over the last two seasons was about 9.6 to one, between those for Kolb (8.4) and Smith (10.1) last season.
Kolb's competition, John Skelton, appears durable. He's the biggest starting quarterback candidate in the division at 6-foot-6 and 244 pounds.
Greetings, and Happy Cinco de Mayo.
A look back at the most recent NFC West chat shows the concussion issue permeating what are usually football-related discussions. The issue was a significant one for the division last season as several players, notably Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb and St. Louis Rams tackle Jason Smith, missed extended periods after suffering head injuries.
Both men absorbed inadvertent knees to the head (as did the San Francisco 49ers' Delanie Walker, who suffered a broken jaw as a result). There was not much anyone could have done to prevent these injuries, but as ESPN's Merril Hoge said Friday, how teams and players respond can make all the difference.
NFC West teams seemed to respond appropriately in these cases. Walker said he did not suffer a concussion, only the jaw injury. Kolb and Smith missed extended periods following their concussions.
Enjoy your Saturday. I'll be ducking out to watch our youngest play baseball.
A look back at the most recent NFC West chat shows the concussion issue permeating what are usually football-related discussions. The issue was a significant one for the division last season as several players, notably Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb and St. Louis Rams tackle Jason Smith, missed extended periods after suffering head injuries.
Both men absorbed inadvertent knees to the head (as did the San Francisco 49ers' Delanie Walker, who suffered a broken jaw as a result). There was not much anyone could have done to prevent these injuries, but as ESPN's Merril Hoge said Friday, how teams and players respond can make all the difference.
NFC West teams seemed to respond appropriately in these cases. Walker said he did not suffer a concussion, only the jaw injury. Kolb and Smith missed extended periods following their concussions.
Mike Sando: Reasonably, yes, but we have evidence suggesting players will try to keep playing, and teams will keep giving them chances. I wonder if we're headed for a day when players must go through some sort of neurological or medical board to get a license to play in the NFL. Sort of the way boxing requires boxers to get a license. I mean, Brandon Stokley is playing in the NFL after suffering more than 10 significant concussions, by his count.
Mike Sando: We need to know whether Steve Smith is going to be healthy. A scout for an NFL team told me he though the Rams would cut a receiver who would catch on with another team. Brian Quick makes it as a second-round choice. Danny Amendola makes it as a slot receiver. I suspect Greg Salas makes it. Chris Givens has a decent shot as a fourth-round pick. We haven't even mentioned Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis or Danario Alexander. My feel is that injuries will make some of the decisions for the Rams. Smith and Alexander are two players to watch on that front. Can they hold up OK?
Mike Sando: The 49ers were adding to their offense, period. If Alex Smith makes the most of those weapons, good for him. If not, on to the next guy. I'm sure they're thinking in the backs of their minds about a day when Colin Kaepernick, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James are on the field together with Vernon Davis, etc. But for now, Alex Smith gets first crack.
Mike Sando: Mike Williams wouldn't offer enough as a blocker. Plus, he is 230 pounds, too light for a tight end, and he has had trouble staying healthy. The team needs to add a real tight end. Visanthe Shiancoe is the most logical candidate by far among veteran free agents. He is 32, but he has not missed games.
Enjoy your Saturday. I'll be ducking out to watch our youngest play baseball.
The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers used early draft choices for players they hope will make big plays on offense.
Both teams have offensive-minded head coaches.
The Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams used early draft choices for players they hope will fortify their defenses.
Both teams have defensive-minded head coaches.
Coincidence? Perhaps, but whatever the reason for the differing approaches, the tack these teams took continues to generate discussion.
Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks' emphasis on defense comes as teams with the best offenses win games. Kelley: "The Green Bay Packers had the worst defense in the league. They lost once. The New England Patriots were the second-worst defense. They went to the Super Bowl. With the exception of the Baltimore Ravens, who have decided they don't need wide receivers to win division titles, the teams with the most productive, most dynamic, most dizzying offenses won the most games." Noted: Seattle has made offense more of a focus in free agency. The team signed quarterback Matt Flynn from Green Bay. A year earlier, the Seahawks signed receiver Sidney Rice and tight end Zach Miller to lucrative contracts. The year before that, Seattle acquired running back Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo. Also, the Seahawks used an NFL-high 80 percent of their first-, second- and third-round draft choices for offensive players over the 2010 and 2011 drafts, the first two under coach Pete Carroll.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals went with a wide receiver in the first round largely because they wanted more game-changing plays on offense. Somers: "The Cardinals' selections also reflected their views on how the NFL game has changed. They selected Floyd in the first round because they think he has the ability to make big plays. That's more important in today's game, coach Ken Whisenhunt said, because moving the kickoff up last year resulted in more touchbacks. Being able to quickly flip field position is important. Floyd is expected to help do that." Noted: The Cardinals, like the Seahawks, will be relying heavily on a veteran quarterback acquired from another team. Kevin Kolb showed a few signs of promise early in the season, including when he took a huge hit at Washington while delivering a deep pass to Larry Fitzgerald. As far as the draft, Arizona had used three of its previous four first-round choices for defense, selecting Patrick Peterson (2011), Dan Williams (2010) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008).
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch took note of the trend in St. Louis, where the Rams used early picks for a defensive lineman (Michael Brockers) and a cornerback (Janoris Jenkins). Miklasz: "On the surface, [GM Les] Snead and [coach Jeff] Fisher have done little so far to secure immediate, impact help for quarterback Sam Bradford. With five of the first 65 selections overall, the Rams addressed the offense by drafting a small-college wide receiver (Brian Quick) from Appalachian State and a third-down back (Isaiah Pead) from Cincinnati. That's it. Only one probable but relatively unpolished offensive starter (Quick), and no offensive linemen to protect the quarterback. Of their five selections in the first three rounds, three were spent on defense. The Rams took a less urgent approach in attaching an IV to a sickly offense that's averaged an embarrassing 14.4 points over the past five seasons in going 15-65. Wow."
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' decision to draft a receiver (A.J. Jenkins) and running back (LaMichael James) in the first two rounds shows the team wants to close some of the gap between its so-so offense and dominating defense. Cohn: "In free agency, the Niners got two speedy receivers to stretch the field -- Randy (Is He in the Mood to Play?) Moss and Mario Manningham. They already had two swift, strong intermediate route runners -- Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. And they drafted two players to go underneath the coverage. They would be wideout A.J. Jenkins, a strange first-round choice until you realize the Niners brought him in to give Smith an option on third down. Jenkins loves the underneath crossing route, and he presumably can stretch the field, too. In the second round, they took fast, elusive, Oregon running back LaMichael James, who may be better at catching passes coming out of the backfield than actually running -- he’s small for the NFL. And they already have Frank Gore and they got free-agent Brandon Jacobs as a big short-yardage back. In the third round, they even took Joe Looney, a guard, to upgrade Smith’s protection."
Both teams have offensive-minded head coaches.
The Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams used early draft choices for players they hope will fortify their defenses.
Both teams have defensive-minded head coaches.
Coincidence? Perhaps, but whatever the reason for the differing approaches, the tack these teams took continues to generate discussion.
Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks' emphasis on defense comes as teams with the best offenses win games. Kelley: "The Green Bay Packers had the worst defense in the league. They lost once. The New England Patriots were the second-worst defense. They went to the Super Bowl. With the exception of the Baltimore Ravens, who have decided they don't need wide receivers to win division titles, the teams with the most productive, most dynamic, most dizzying offenses won the most games." Noted: Seattle has made offense more of a focus in free agency. The team signed quarterback Matt Flynn from Green Bay. A year earlier, the Seahawks signed receiver Sidney Rice and tight end Zach Miller to lucrative contracts. The year before that, Seattle acquired running back Marshawn Lynch from Buffalo. Also, the Seahawks used an NFL-high 80 percent of their first-, second- and third-round draft choices for offensive players over the 2010 and 2011 drafts, the first two under coach Pete Carroll.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals went with a wide receiver in the first round largely because they wanted more game-changing plays on offense. Somers: "The Cardinals' selections also reflected their views on how the NFL game has changed. They selected Floyd in the first round because they think he has the ability to make big plays. That's more important in today's game, coach Ken Whisenhunt said, because moving the kickoff up last year resulted in more touchbacks. Being able to quickly flip field position is important. Floyd is expected to help do that." Noted: The Cardinals, like the Seahawks, will be relying heavily on a veteran quarterback acquired from another team. Kevin Kolb showed a few signs of promise early in the season, including when he took a huge hit at Washington while delivering a deep pass to Larry Fitzgerald. As far as the draft, Arizona had used three of its previous four first-round choices for defense, selecting Patrick Peterson (2011), Dan Williams (2010) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008).
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch took note of the trend in St. Louis, where the Rams used early picks for a defensive lineman (Michael Brockers) and a cornerback (Janoris Jenkins). Miklasz: "On the surface, [GM Les] Snead and [coach Jeff] Fisher have done little so far to secure immediate, impact help for quarterback Sam Bradford. With five of the first 65 selections overall, the Rams addressed the offense by drafting a small-college wide receiver (Brian Quick) from Appalachian State and a third-down back (Isaiah Pead) from Cincinnati. That's it. Only one probable but relatively unpolished offensive starter (Quick), and no offensive linemen to protect the quarterback. Of their five selections in the first three rounds, three were spent on defense. The Rams took a less urgent approach in attaching an IV to a sickly offense that's averaged an embarrassing 14.4 points over the past five seasons in going 15-65. Wow."
Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' decision to draft a receiver (A.J. Jenkins) and running back (LaMichael James) in the first two rounds shows the team wants to close some of the gap between its so-so offense and dominating defense. Cohn: "In free agency, the Niners got two speedy receivers to stretch the field -- Randy (Is He in the Mood to Play?) Moss and Mario Manningham. They already had two swift, strong intermediate route runners -- Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker. And they drafted two players to go underneath the coverage. They would be wideout A.J. Jenkins, a strange first-round choice until you realize the Niners brought him in to give Smith an option on third down. Jenkins loves the underneath crossing route, and he presumably can stretch the field, too. In the second round, they took fast, elusive, Oregon running back LaMichael James, who may be better at catching passes coming out of the backfield than actually running -- he’s small for the NFL. And they already have Frank Gore and they got free-agent Brandon Jacobs as a big short-yardage back. In the third round, they even took Joe Looney, a guard, to upgrade Smith’s protection."
First impressions on the Arizona Cardinals' performance in the 2012 NFL draft:
What I liked: The Cardinals appeared to resist reaching to fill needs. The approach left Arizona with a huge need for an offensive tackle heading into the third day, but with no second-round choice entering this draft, the Cardinals lacked flexibility. They stayed patient amid criticism and drew high marks for landing Mississippi tackle Bobby Massie in the fourth round. We don't know whether Massie will become a good player, but we do know some had him rated as a potential second-round choice, and Arizona got him in the fourth.
Question marks: The team's decision to acquire Kevin Kolb last offseason hung over this draft. The Kolb trade gave the Cardinals' second-round choice to Philadelphia, preventing Arizona from seriously considering any of the four offensive tackles teams drafted in the round. Mitchell Schwartz (Cleveland Browns), Jonathan Martin (Miami Dolphins) and Jeff Allen were gone before Arizona would have chosen, but Mike Adams (Pittsburgh Steelers) was still there. Martin and Allen went within four choices of Arizona's slot in the round, close enough for the Cardinals to have considered trading up, had they still possessed the pick.
Trending: Arizona and Tennessee are the only teams to have drafted zero offensive linemen in the first three rounds over the past five drafts. Both teams lean on Hall of Fame guards to coach up the position, but the Cardinals in particular haven't had enough young linemen to develop. That changed in this draft. The Cardinals selected three offensive linemen after drafting zero in any round over the previous two drafts. That's a start, even if the team didn't take one early.
Veteran put on alert: Kolb. The Cardinals used their first-round pick for receiver Michael Floyd. Running back Ryan Williams, a second-round choice last year, will be returning from injury. Arizona drafted Massie to stabilize the line. With five of seven picks going for offense, including one to select a developmental quarterback, it's time for Kolb to produce.
What I liked: The Cardinals appeared to resist reaching to fill needs. The approach left Arizona with a huge need for an offensive tackle heading into the third day, but with no second-round choice entering this draft, the Cardinals lacked flexibility. They stayed patient amid criticism and drew high marks for landing Mississippi tackle Bobby Massie in the fourth round. We don't know whether Massie will become a good player, but we do know some had him rated as a potential second-round choice, and Arizona got him in the fourth.
Question marks: The team's decision to acquire Kevin Kolb last offseason hung over this draft. The Kolb trade gave the Cardinals' second-round choice to Philadelphia, preventing Arizona from seriously considering any of the four offensive tackles teams drafted in the round. Mitchell Schwartz (Cleveland Browns), Jonathan Martin (Miami Dolphins) and Jeff Allen were gone before Arizona would have chosen, but Mike Adams (Pittsburgh Steelers) was still there. Martin and Allen went within four choices of Arizona's slot in the round, close enough for the Cardinals to have considered trading up, had they still possessed the pick.
Trending: Arizona and Tennessee are the only teams to have drafted zero offensive linemen in the first three rounds over the past five drafts. Both teams lean on Hall of Fame guards to coach up the position, but the Cardinals in particular haven't had enough young linemen to develop. That changed in this draft. The Cardinals selected three offensive linemen after drafting zero in any round over the previous two drafts. That's a start, even if the team didn't take one early.
Veteran put on alert: Kolb. The Cardinals used their first-round pick for receiver Michael Floyd. Running back Ryan Williams, a second-round choice last year, will be returning from injury. Arizona drafted Massie to stabilize the line. With five of seven picks going for offense, including one to select a developmental quarterback, it's time for Kolb to produce.
» NFC draft analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
The shift in NFL disciplinary emphasis from off-field behavior to on-field safety should serve the NFC West well over the coming months.
The division took calculated gambles early and often in the 2012 NFL draft, selecting players with rap sheets as varied as the players' on-field skill sets.
But player safety is trumping player behavior as the prevailing NFL issue these days, and NFC West teams aren't likely to draw much scrutiny for their decisions, at least initially.
Five of the first 10 players NFC West teams selected had, at various times, faced accusations relating to drunken driving (Michael Floyd), robbery (Bruce Irvin), marijuana possession (Janoris Jenkins), attempted strangulation (LaMichael James) and resisting arrest (Trumaine Johnson).
They were not all charged nor convicted. They are not necessarily bad guys, of course. But each carried red flags into the evaluation process. Each represents a heightened risk for his new NFC West team.
What's going on here?
A theory: Pete Carroll, Jeff Fisher and Jim Harbaugh, in particular, are three of the higher-profile, more highly paid coaches in the NFL. Higher-paid coaches tend to have more power (Carroll and Fisher demanded personnel influence as a condition of employment). Coaches also tend to listen to their assistants. They might be more apt to take chances, confident in their ability to manage players.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, also well-compensated and facing a pivotal year at quarterback, has made it clear that he's a believer in drafting with character in mind. He also might need to win his bet on Kevin Kolb, perhaps one reason the Cardinals, having done their homework on Floyd, took the first calculated gamble among NFC West teams.
Arizona made Floyd the second receiver drafted, taking him at No. 13. Irvin went to Seattle two spots later, followed by Jenkins to St. Louis (39th), James to San Francisco (61st) and Johnson to the Rams (65th).
BEST MOVE
The Rams' pre-draft move to trade back four spots from the second overall pick set up their next three drafts, beginning with this one.
Moving back again from sixth to 14th overall brought a 2012 second-rounder in return, leaving the Rams with six of the first 96 overall selections -- the most for any team in recent seasons (New England had six of the first 97 picks in the 2009 draft).
With three second-round choices this year, the Rams felt comfortable taking a chance on Jenkins, a player widely regarded as a first-round talent. Jenkins might have the ability to make this draft for the Rams, but taking him at No. 39 and amid so many other early selections insulated the team from undue risk.
The Rams move forward with four first-round selections over the next two drafts. They're in position to get better the right way through the draft.
RISKIEST MOVE
There were a few candidates for consideration, including the Cardinals' decision to draft a wide receiver instead of an offensive tackle at No. 13.
But Irvin's selection with the 15th overall choice stands out given his background, one-dimensional nature and the surprise factor associated with his selection.
Irvin dropped out of high school, lived on the streets for two years, was arrested on robbery charges and more recently was charged with disorderly conduct. His life and career have been trending in the right direction for a few years, but with so few analysts projecting Irvin for the first round, the Seahawks can expect louder than usual criticism if Irvin fails to develop.
Seattle could have drafted Fletcher Cox, Quinton Coples, Michael Brockers, Melvin Ingram or Chandler Jones among the defensive players available when the Seahawks were scheduled to select with the 12th overall choice. They traded back and took Irvin after Philadelphia took Cox at No. 12 and St. Louis took Brockers at No. 14.
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
We could double up on Irvin in this space, but the 49ers deserve a mention as well.
They made Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins a surprise selection with the 27th overall choice. Analysts knew San Francisco might consider a receiver in the first round, but if any of them projected Jenkins as a possibility in that slot, that would be news to me.
Personnel people I've spoken with said they liked Jenkins. The Rams reportedly had him ranked not far behind Justin Blackmon, the first receiver selected.
Receivers Stephen Hill, Alshon Jeffery and Rueben Randle drew more mention before the draft. All were available when the 49ers selected Jenkins, as were Brian Quick and Ryan Broyles, all taken in the second round. The 49ers will get an up-close look at Quick, drafted by the Rams. But Jenkins was the player they wanted.
FILE IT AWAY
The quarterback situations in Seattle and Arizona have become more competitive.
The Seahawks used a third-round choice for Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, a strong-armed quarterback with fantastic intangibles. Concerns over Wilson's 5-foot-11 height knocked him down draft boards, but a third-round pedigree in Seattle should put Seahawks quarterbacks Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson and Justin Portis on notice.
Arizona used a sixth-round choice for San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley. The Cardinals have shown a willingness to let less-heralded quarterbacks compete for playing time. John Skelton and Max Hall over the last couple seasons come to mind. With Kolb and Skelton battling for the starting job, Lindley arrives as a potential alternative for the future.
The 49ers did not head into this draft needing to draft a quarterback, but this is a good time to recall the move they made to acquire Colin Kaepernick in the second round a year ago. Alex Smith is the incumbent starter, but his contract gives the 49ers an easy out after one or two seasons.
The shift in NFL disciplinary emphasis from off-field behavior to on-field safety should serve the NFC West well over the coming months.
The division took calculated gambles early and often in the 2012 NFL draft, selecting players with rap sheets as varied as the players' on-field skill sets.
But player safety is trumping player behavior as the prevailing NFL issue these days, and NFC West teams aren't likely to draw much scrutiny for their decisions, at least initially.
Five of the first 10 players NFC West teams selected had, at various times, faced accusations relating to drunken driving (Michael Floyd), robbery (Bruce Irvin), marijuana possession (Janoris Jenkins), attempted strangulation (LaMichael James) and resisting arrest (Trumaine Johnson).
They were not all charged nor convicted. They are not necessarily bad guys, of course. But each carried red flags into the evaluation process. Each represents a heightened risk for his new NFC West team.
What's going on here?
A theory: Pete Carroll, Jeff Fisher and Jim Harbaugh, in particular, are three of the higher-profile, more highly paid coaches in the NFL. Higher-paid coaches tend to have more power (Carroll and Fisher demanded personnel influence as a condition of employment). Coaches also tend to listen to their assistants. They might be more apt to take chances, confident in their ability to manage players.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, also well-compensated and facing a pivotal year at quarterback, has made it clear that he's a believer in drafting with character in mind. He also might need to win his bet on Kevin Kolb, perhaps one reason the Cardinals, having done their homework on Floyd, took the first calculated gamble among NFC West teams.
Arizona made Floyd the second receiver drafted, taking him at No. 13. Irvin went to Seattle two spots later, followed by Jenkins to St. Louis (39th), James to San Francisco (61st) and Johnson to the Rams (65th).
BEST MOVE
The Rams' pre-draft move to trade back four spots from the second overall pick set up their next three drafts, beginning with this one.
[+] Enlarge
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesManuevering for additional picks meant the St. Louis Rams could take a chance on defensive back Janoris Jenkins.
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesManuevering for additional picks meant the St. Louis Rams could take a chance on defensive back Janoris Jenkins.With three second-round choices this year, the Rams felt comfortable taking a chance on Jenkins, a player widely regarded as a first-round talent. Jenkins might have the ability to make this draft for the Rams, but taking him at No. 39 and amid so many other early selections insulated the team from undue risk.
The Rams move forward with four first-round selections over the next two drafts. They're in position to get better the right way through the draft.
RISKIEST MOVE
There were a few candidates for consideration, including the Cardinals' decision to draft a wide receiver instead of an offensive tackle at No. 13.
But Irvin's selection with the 15th overall choice stands out given his background, one-dimensional nature and the surprise factor associated with his selection.
Irvin dropped out of high school, lived on the streets for two years, was arrested on robbery charges and more recently was charged with disorderly conduct. His life and career have been trending in the right direction for a few years, but with so few analysts projecting Irvin for the first round, the Seahawks can expect louder than usual criticism if Irvin fails to develop.
Seattle could have drafted Fletcher Cox, Quinton Coples, Michael Brockers, Melvin Ingram or Chandler Jones among the defensive players available when the Seahawks were scheduled to select with the 12th overall choice. They traded back and took Irvin after Philadelphia took Cox at No. 12 and St. Louis took Brockers at No. 14.
MOST SURPRISING MOVE
We could double up on Irvin in this space, but the 49ers deserve a mention as well.
They made Illinois receiver A.J. Jenkins a surprise selection with the 27th overall choice. Analysts knew San Francisco might consider a receiver in the first round, but if any of them projected Jenkins as a possibility in that slot, that would be news to me.
Personnel people I've spoken with said they liked Jenkins. The Rams reportedly had him ranked not far behind Justin Blackmon, the first receiver selected.
Receivers Stephen Hill, Alshon Jeffery and Rueben Randle drew more mention before the draft. All were available when the 49ers selected Jenkins, as were Brian Quick and Ryan Broyles, all taken in the second round. The 49ers will get an up-close look at Quick, drafted by the Rams. But Jenkins was the player they wanted.
FILE IT AWAY
The quarterback situations in Seattle and Arizona have become more competitive.
The Seahawks used a third-round choice for Wisconsin's Russell Wilson, a strong-armed quarterback with fantastic intangibles. Concerns over Wilson's 5-foot-11 height knocked him down draft boards, but a third-round pedigree in Seattle should put Seahawks quarterbacks Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson and Justin Portis on notice.
Arizona used a sixth-round choice for San Diego State quarterback Ryan Lindley. The Cardinals have shown a willingness to let less-heralded quarterbacks compete for playing time. John Skelton and Max Hall over the last couple seasons come to mind. With Kolb and Skelton battling for the starting job, Lindley arrives as a potential alternative for the future.
The 49ers did not head into this draft needing to draft a quarterback, but this is a good time to recall the move they made to acquire Colin Kaepernick in the second round a year ago. Alex Smith is the incumbent starter, but his contract gives the 49ers an easy out after one or two seasons.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
