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The 1998 Cardinals beat Dallas in the playoffs, then lost tackle Lomas Brown, fullback Larry Centers and linebacker Jamir Miller in a free-agent exodus precipitating a 6-10 record the following season.

The current offseason is feeling somewhat similar.

The Cardinals have lost Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle and Bertrand Berry since their most recent game.

They will not be considered an NFC power heading into the 2010 season.

"Don't think just because we lost some key guys that we ain't gone (sic) bust heads," defensive end Darnell Dockett tweeted after Rolle agreed to terms with the Giants.

Dockett might be right. The Cardinals have bucked expectations recently. But their inability to re-sign Dansby or Rolle -- on the same day they traded Boldin -- makes Friday one of the darker days recently for Arizona.

Losing Warner alone could have set back the Cardinals multiple games in the standings. They'll have to scramble now.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the team could start the same five offensive linemen in back-to-back games for the first time since Week 2. So much for continuity. Sean Locklear, Brandon Frye, Kyle Williams, Damion McIntosh, Rob Sims, Mansfield Wrotto, Steve Vallos, Chris Spencer, Max Unger and Ray Willis have started on the line for Seattle this season. It wasn't always this way. Chris Gray started all but one game on the Seahawks' line from 2000 through 2007. Robbie Tobeck started every game from 2001 through 2005. Steve Hutchinson started every game from 2003 through 2005. Walter Jones started just about every game from 1998 through 2007.

Also from Farnsworth: The Seahawks want to take a longer look at running back Louis Rankin, whose speed intrigues the coaching staff. Farnsworth: "Pressed a bit, Rankin said he ran the 40 in 4.4 seconds -- in the rain -- during his workout with the Seahawks."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Locklear probably will not start on the Seahawks' offensive line in Week 9. Also, Deion Branch had this to say about his post-touchdown comments telling the world where he could be found: "I've been accepting my role. If I wanted to start something, I would have done it in minicamp. That's not me. I wouldn't say those type of things. Me and management, we talked about it. We both understood what was what. They told me what was going on in preseason. I understood that going into this season."

Also from O'Neil: At least the Seahawks aren't the Lions. Has it come to this?

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com checks in with Rankin, who opened the University of Washington's 2007 game against Washington State with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp: "He has very good speed and hits the hole very fast. He does have some background in the zone run game that shows us some chances to hit that hole fast and get a big run for us."

Ryan Divish of the Tacoma News Tribune says Sims worked some at left tackle in case Locklear isn't ready to play even as a backup.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic quotes Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett this way: "You usually don't win a game on Sunday. You usually win the games Wednesday, Thursday, Friday in practice. I'm just trying to get my guys to understand that you can't just turn it on on Sunday."

Also from Somers: a look at issues facing the Cardinals in the passing game. Larry Fitzgerald: "I've seen my fair share of coverages, but we're not using any excuses; we've got to find solutions. I haven't played great, by any stretch of the imagination. The teams that we play against ... they watch tape like everybody else does. They want to make us go on long drives, and when you make long drives you have to make tough third-down catches. We understand that and we have to deal with it."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com found one guy who doesn't have a problem with Tim Hightower leading NFL running backs in receptions. "You can control the ball, it’s a high-percentage pass, and as long as it keeps the offense going, I don’t think anyone should complain," Larry Centers said.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo plans to hang out locally over the weekend as the team observes its bye week. Spagnuolo: "My wife and I would like to stay here and enjoy St. Louis. You don’t get to do that during the season. So we’ll be in town. I’m sure we’ll find some places to eat and just relax a little bit."

Also from Coats: The Rams' tight ends are carrying more of the receiving load than expected.

More from Coats: "I like the Rams’ future, because I think they’re going about things the right way. That is, they’re not pulling off desperate moves now to try to win a relatively meaningless game or two but hamstringing themselves down the road. They’re being patient and prudent, and I believe that approach will pay off in the long run."

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says Spagnuolo's consistency is a strength.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams quarterback Marc Bulger has come under fire for sliding short of a first down on a third-and-6 play against the Lions. Bulger is an undersized quarterback with durability concerns.

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says the Rams' progress isn't obvious from afar. Spagnuolo on the first half of his first season as an NFL head coach: "There were some struggles, there were some good things, but we have built something. We talked this morning on the foundation we wanted to build. There is some trust, there is mutual respect, there is unity in the team. I think more than anything, we take that away."

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says Steven Jackson has become a leader on the Rams. I agree. Jackson has set a standard for teammates. He has bought into what Spagnuolo is teaching. Without Jackson onboard, Spagnuolo's job would be much tougher.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the newly added Chris Patrick will back up both tackle spots for the 49ers. Barrows: "Patrick said he played on both the left and right sides at Nebraska and also has played both positions in preseason. He has not played in a regular-season game."

Also from Barrows: Titans coach Jeff Fisher thinks the 49ers are on the right track philosophically.

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers expect Parys Haralson's production to pick up as the 49ers face fewer teams that favor max-protection schemes. Coach Mike Singletary: "Max protection is one of the main things that's happened for all of our guys. But we'll still find a way to get there."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says the 49ers' run defense faces a tough challenge against the Titans' Chris Johnson. Fisher: "To have played teams like Atlanta and St. Louis and Minnesota and be where they are against the run is impressive. "That's not a misleading statistic. They're very sound, and they play well." What, no mention of the Seattle or Arizona ground games?

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The facts: The Cardinals fell to 4-3 after a 34-21 home defeat to the Panthers in Week 8.

The upside: Even the worst defeats tend to feature a bright spot or two.

• Rookie running back LaRod Stephens-Howling scored a touchdown on offense and averaged 31.5 yards per kickoff return.
• The Cardinals maintained their first-place lead in the NFC West.
• Arizona ran the ball effectively, rushing 17 times for 94 yards, a 5.5-yard average.
• The Cardinals scored touchdowns on all three red-zone possessions.
• Arizona immediately answered the Panthers' opening drive to a touchdown with a touchdown drive of their own. Beanie Wells carried three times for 21 yards on the drive.
• Anquan Boldin overtook Larry Centers to become the Cardinals' all-time leader in receptions.
• The Cardinals trimmed a 21-point deficit to 10 points with a pair of 1-yard touchdowns in the second half.

Looking ahead: The Cardinals face the Bears on the road in Week 9.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic says there's something not quite right about the Cardinals' offense. Boivin: "Let's not start addressing (Kurt) Warner's age against just yet. It was only six weeks ago that he completed 24 of 26 passes against Jacksonville. It was only three weeks ago when he put up his second of back-to-back 300-yard games. He still has it. But for his offense to regain its big-play threat, the deep passing game needs to return."

Also from Boivin: Julius Peppers' interception return for a touchdown was the key play Sunday.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals proved how quickly things can change in the NFL. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett: "I don't think we got exposed. I think they just outplayed us, offense and defense. I'm just shocked that we lost, period. I don't care about no rushing yards. They could have had 1,000 rushing yards and we won. That would have been better for me." Carolina was much, much better than advertised.

Also from Somers: Anquan Boldin moved past Larry Centers for the Cardinals' all-time receptions lead. Also, rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling provided one of the few bright spots for Arizona.

More from Somers: The Cardinals' inability to strike downfield is forcing them to settle for longer drives, which are tougher to sustain.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Arizona allowed 270 yards rushing even though the Cardinals had to know what was coming.

Also from Urban: There seemed to be no panic in the Cardinals' locker room. Urban: "While it may be frustrating for (coach Ken) Whisenhunt and his players that they couldn’t avoid a stumble after the previous week, it’s also true this team has dealt with -- many times -- rebounding from a scenario just like this."

More from Urban: The Cardinals' previously tough third-down defense gave up five consecutive third-down conversions on the Panthers' opening drive.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Jay Cutler would have been "all wrong" for the 49ers. Cohn: "He is not a winner, has a losing career record: 17-20. Did you know that? You don't build a winner around a loser. He has a big mouth and he sulks. He has a reputation for being undisciplined and for coming unglued precisely when a quarterback is supposed to stay glued. Say what you will about [Shaun] Hill's limitations, he is supremely poised -- poise is his main virtue. The Broncos gave up on Cutler precisely because he's immature bordering on goofy and unstable."

David Fucillo of Niners Nation wonders if Dashon Goldson will stay healthy long enough to realize his potential as the 49ers' free safety.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com checks in with the Cardinals' cheerleading tryouts because, hey, someone has to do it. This handy photo gallery is probably setting an NFC West offseason record for page views.

Revenge of the Birds' Andrew602 looks at some of the greatest fullbacks in Cardinals history. Ernie Nevers, Ollie Matson, Jim Otis and Larry Centers are part of the conversation.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams made a smart move in signing Kyle Boller as a backup quarterback. Looking ahead to the draft, Miklasz sees evidence the Rams will select an offensive tackle with the No. 2 overall choice. At the same time, can they really go into the season with Keenan Burton as a starting receiver?

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Boller's deal with the Rams, initially reported as a two-year contract, is really for one season.

Turf Show Times' Tackle Box examines the Rams' running backs while looking at available free agents and potential late-round draft prospects. The conclusion? "So, at this point, I really want the Rams to take a strong and long look at Warrick Dunn. I think with him in the fold, the Rams' offense becomes absolutely powerful. Plus, adding him takes away from our lack of experience at the WR position since you'd have the possibility of Steven Jackson, Warrick Dunn, and Randy McMichael running routes which would definitely keep defenses honest and should free up Donnie Avery deep."

Dan Arkush of Pro Football Weekly says Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn is "very excited" about the team's versatility at defensive tackle. Arkush echoes the general feeling that Seattle will not seriously consider a defensive tackle with the fourth overall choice in the draft. The Seahawks have not drafted a defensive tackle among the top 20 overall choices since selecting Sam Adams eighth in 1994. The team has drafted five defensive linemen in the top 10: Steve Niehaus (1976), Jacob Green (1980), Jeff Bryant (1982), Cortez Kennedy (1990) and Adams. All but Niehaus played in at least 167 regular-season NFL games.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

	Andy Lyons/ALLSPORT
	Ricky Watters rushed for 10,643 yards and caught 467 passes.

Former 49ers and Seahawks running back Ricky Watters made NFL Network's list of the 10 best players not enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The list includes only players who have been retired long enough to become eligible. Roger Craig didn't make the cut. Would you rank him ahead of Watters among all-time backs?

Watters was a terrific every-down player. He played and practiced with emotion and energy. He was exceptionally durable, at one point starting 116 consecutive games -- the longest streak for any running back who was active at the time (LaDainian Tomlinson leads current running backs with 48 consecutive regular-season starts).

Watters rushed for 10,643 yards and caught 467 passes. He ranks 14th in NFL history for yards from scrimmage. He respected the players who came before him and earned the respect of his peers. In 2000, his Seattle teammates named Watters the Steve Largent Award winner, presented to the Seattle player who best illustrates the spirit, dedication and integrity of the team.

NFL Network's list also includes Ken Anderson, Cris Carter, Bob Hayes, Alex Karras, Jerry Kramer, Jim Marshall, Ken Stabler, Steve Tasker and Derrick Thomas. Carter will almost surely enter the Hall of Fame in the near future. Hayes' supporters point to how he forced defenses to change their approach entirely to account for his speed.

I can think of a few Hall-eligible players from NFC West teams -- Craig among them -- who deserve strong consideration for enshrinement:

Seahawks: Cortez Kennedy was defensive player of the year on a 2-14 team that featured one of the worst offenses in NFL history. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl player. At his best, Kennedy could not be blocked.

Rams: Henry Ellard averaged nearly 17 yards per reception on 814 catches. He averaged 19.5 yards per catch while putting up more than 1,000 yards with Washington at age 35.

49ers: Craig topped 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. He caught more than 566 passes and topped 8,000 yards rushing. The numbers only begin to explain how he played. The high-kneed running style helped him bull over defenders.

Cardinals: Help me out here. Larry Centers caught all those passes out of the backfield. Roy Green? There has to be someone I'm missing. Perhaps on defense.