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Good morning and welcome to the final full week before the 2012 NFL draft.

This past weekend was a slow one around the NFL, but two stories resonated in the NFC West. Both involved top executives from teams in the division: Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York.

Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times spoke with Schneider and Schneider's wife, Traci, regarding the fund they're establishing to help other families raising autistic children. Their 10-year-old son, Ben, has benefited from extensive treatment. John Schneider: "We never knew if Ben would ever tell us that he loved us back. It's a strange feeling when you say, 'good night' to your son and he doesn't say 'good night' back. But we were blessed to be in a position where we could get the right help. Other families don't have access to the same resources." Noted: According to the Seahawks, a benefit event scheduled for Thursday includes a long list of celebrity waiters featuring Doug Baldwin, Brandon Browner, Tom Cable, Pete Carroll, Kam Chancellor, Chris Clemons, Jacob Green, Brock Huard, Tarvaris Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Russell Okung, Sidney Rice, Brian Russell, Craig Terrell, Earl Thomas, Robbie Tobeck and Manu Tuiasosopo.

Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle explains why he thinks the Seahawks would consider Ryan Tannehill if the Texas A&M quarterback were available to them in the draft.

Mike Rosenberg of the San Jose Mercury News spoke with York recently for a question-and-answer session on the 49ers' next stadium. Diverse dining options and the latest technology will be stadium hallmarks, according to York. Also, fans will be able to visit the Great America amusement park before games. York on differences from Candlestick Park: "Is everything too broad of an answer? You're almost doubling the amount of space for the same amount of people. You don't want to blast Candlestick for being an older building, because there have been a lot of great moments there, but the new building is going to be a completely different experience. Instead of just making a nice hot dog, you can do 20 to 30 different items. It'll probably be a 50 percent quicker exit than what you see at Candlestick. You can't compete with that, being able to park easily and get to your car and out onto the freeway quicker or take public transit."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers plan to bid on a Super Bowl at their new stadium. Barrows: "Teams are required to play two full seasons in their new venues before hosting a Super Bowl. The 49ers are increasingly confident that the yet-to-be-named stadium in Santa Clara will be ready for the start of the 2014 season."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic notes that the Cardinals are opening their offseason conditioning program Monday amid new limits on what teams and coaches can ask of players. Somers: "Teams must film all three phases and keep a copy until 30 days after the start of the regular season. Acting on a complaint, NFL officials can request to look at that film. Coaches are subject to fines of up to $100,000 for the first violation and $250,000 for the second. Those cannot be reimbursed by the club. Teams are subject to fines of $250,000 for the first violation and $500,000 for the second. Half of the fine amounts goes to the Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust and half to the Player Care Foundation. If a team commits a violation, it will lose a week of OTAs. A second violation will cost the club a fourth-round pick in the next draft."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says defensive end Calais Campbell will not attend the voluntary program while remaining unsigned as the team's franchise player.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers this on the Rams' search for a backup quarterback: "The Rams remain interested in free-agent quarterback Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh), who worked out for the team last week, but probably won't make a decision until after the draft. Baltimore and Denver are also showing interest."

NFLDraftScout.com looks at five players the Rams could consider in the draft. On running back Doug Martin: "Steven Jackson will be 29 this summer, and at some point the Rams have to add in a significant way a player that can be his backup and potentially take over the position. Martin is gaining a lot of traction in the run-up to the draft, with some predicting he could be selected in the first round. If that doesn't happen, the Rams could be tempted to spend one of their second-round picks on a runner."

NFL teams strive for continuity along their offensive lines.

Seattle Seahawks fans remember the five players largely responsible for their team's Super Bowl appearance following the 2005 season. Left tackle Walter Jones, left guard Steve Hutchinson, center Robbie Tobeck, right guard Chris Gray and right tackle Sean Locklear started every game.

When the Arizona Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl a few years later, the same five linemen started all season: left tackle Mike Gandy, left guard Reggie Wells, center Lyle Sendlein, right guard Deuce Lutui and right tackle Levi Brown.

Teams shuffling their lines during a season usually do so for negative reasons such as injuries or poor performance.

The chart ranks NFC West teams by percentage of offensive snaps played by the most frequently used combination of five offensive linemen this season. The Seahawks' leading five has played 26.2 percent, third-lowest in the NFL behind those for Indianapolis (19.6 percent) and Buffalo (24.1). Download full NFL rankings here.

The most frequently used five for Seattle featured left tackle Russell Okung, left guard Robert Gallery, center Max Unger, right guard John Moffitt and right tackle James Carpenter. They have played 183 snaps together. That is two more than than a group featuring the same five, but with Paul McQuistan instead of Gallery at left guard. The current group, this one featuring Gallery at left guard, McQuistan and right guard and Breno Giacomini at right tackle, has 130 snaps. Three others line combinations have at least 50 snaps.

The Houston Texans (98.9) and Denver Broncos (95.8) are the only teams to use the same five linemen on more than 85 percent of snaps, according to ESPN Stats & Information. They rank among the NFL's top three teams in rushing yardage, with Denver's totals including 455 yards from quarterback Tim Tebow.

The 49ers' most frequently used fivesome ranks 13th at 62.8 percent. The Cardinals' primary five ranks 16th at 53.1 percent. The Rams' five ranks 29th at 34.5 percent.

San Francisco has averaged 5.1 yards per carry with Adam Snyder at right guard (418 total plays) and 3.1 per carry with Chilo Rachal in that spot (201 plays). No other frequently used combinations in the division feature such disparities. Seattle has averaged 3.6 yards per carry with its current line, down from the 4.2 and 4.3 range with the lines it used most frequently earlier in the year. Sack percentage is also up slightly.

Five notes before heading out to the Seattle Seahawks' lone practice Sunday:

• Center Chris Spencer's contract agreement with the Chicago Bears puts him in a familiar position: new guy with huge leadership shoes to fill. Spencer has giant feet even by NFL standards -- I cannot recall the exact shoe size -- but he's not a natural leader the way Robbie Tobeck or Olin Kreutz were for their teams. Spencer stepped into Tobeck's spot at center for Seattle following the team's best seasons under Mike Holmgren. He's taking over for the Bears after the team failed to reach agreement with Kreutz. Spencer, a first-round pick for Seattle in 2005, can be a good player. He just won't fill the leadership void.
• Kreutz remains an option for the San Francisco 49ers after the team lost David Baas to the New York Giants. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers are the leading candidate to sign Kruetz. Adding Kreutz to the 49ers would upgrade the position while providing strong leadership for young players such as guard Mike Iupati. I like the idea under the circumstances.
• From Jim Thomas: First-round pick Robert Quinn is practicing with the St. Louis Rams. Former Rams receiver Isaac Bruce plans to work with the team's wide receivers. These should be welcome developments for Rams fans. The Rams' current leadership has taken some heat for cutting ties with or failing to embrace some aspects of the team's history. Take note, critics: Enlisting Bruce runs counter to perception.
• There was no place like home for Arizona native Todd Heap. The Cardinals agreed to terms with the veteran tight end even while the New York Jets were reportedly courting him heavily, with coach Rex Ryan even picking up Heap at the airport in person. Ryan and Heap were together for years in Baltimore. Arizona has scored a few victories in free agency. Finishing 5-11 last season appears to have given them a greater sense of urgency.
• The Seahawks are going young throughout much of their roster. They could still consider adding a more experienced kicker, depending on how Brandon Coutu and Wes Byrum fare. The team plans to meet with veteran Jeff Reed, who spent part of last season with San Francisco, in the next day or so. Reed does not have a contract agreement with the team.

OK, that's it for now. The Seahawks are practicing in pads at the moment. It's off to San Francisco 49ers camp Monday morning.

Just what Seattle Seahawks fans want to read: a piece from NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert analyzing Steve Hutchinson's prospects for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.



I might have to consider a piece asking whether anyone at Renton City Hall near Seahawks headquarters would recognize Hutchinson's many successors at left guard.

If Hutchinson does become a Hall of Famer, however, he'll do so largely for his accomplishments during the best years in Seahawks history, culminating with the 2005 Super Bowl season. Seatte fans stung by Hutchinson's controversial departure through a loophole in the transition tag can take some solace in that if Hutchinson does earn enshrinement -- or even if he does not.

The years Hutchinson spent playing between left tackle Walter Jones and center Robbie Tobeck will surely rank as the most memorable and satisfying of his career. Those Seattle teams won playoff games and developed camaraderie through continuity. Hutchinson has played in three playoff games, winning one, during five seasons with Minnesota. He played in five, winning two, with Seattle. The Seahawks, for all their struggles since losing Hutchinson, own a 3-3 playoff record since his departure.

Hutchinson's seven Pro Bowls and appearance on the all-decade team for the 2000s does put him in the conversation for Hall of Fame status.

As Seifert notes, guards elected to the Hall of Fame often faced extended waits for enshrinement. Larry Allen, who finished his career with the San Francisco 49ers, might rank atop my initial list of the guards listed among Hutchinson's contemporaries. Has there been a more physically dominant guard?

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have options beyond Kevin Kolb and could go after Kyle Orton if they can get him for less. Somers: "If when, or if, there is a settlement, I still expect the Cardinals to immediately pursue a trade for Eagles quarterback Kolb. But I also think the Cardinals will make it clear to the Eagles that they have other options. I'm hearing the Cardinals also think highly of Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who supposedly is available via trade. I believe the Cardinals have Kolb rated slightly ahead of Orton, but maybe not enough to justify paying a bounty to the Eagles for him. In other words, why give up substantially more for Kolb than you would for Orton?" On the flip side, the Eagles do not necessarily have to make a deal. They'll need insurance for Michael Vick, who takes too many hits to stay healthy for a full season. We should expect the Eagles to build value for Kolb while other teams try to suppress that value. There's no consensus that Kolb is a franchise savior. Upgrading is the key for Arizona. Kolb or Orton would upgrade the position from last season and give the Cardinals a chance to contend within the division.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says cornerback Greg Toler's physical approach should serve him well under new defensive coordinator Ray Horton. Also, numbers support the notion that Alan Branch played better last season.

Percy Allen of the Seattle Times notes from Seahawks practice that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been invited to train with Larry Fitzgerald and other Cardinals players this offseason. That would generate some buzz.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com checks in with former center Robbie Tobeck and others for thoughts on some of the best offensive linemen in team history. On Walter Jones: "Walt was your shutdown left tackle who had his way of doing things that you kind of followed as an example."

Also from Farnsworth: a look back at the 1986 team, which won its final five to finish 10-6, but did not qualify for the playoffs. Farnsworth: "It was during that ’86 season that the Seahawks beat both teams that eventually made it to the Super Bowl, yet failed to make the postseason themselves. They closed the season with a 41-16 drubbing of the Denver Broncos at the Kingdome, only to then watch as the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl by beating the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns in the playoffs. In that regular-season finale, Curt Warner ran for 192 yards and three touchdowns, including a 60-yarder; and Steve Largent caught six passes for 101 yards."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch thinks Rams owner Stan Kroenke will decide to stay in St. Louis or leave based on factors outside any labor agreement. Burwell: "Even as Kroenke skillfully floats the idea that an owner-friendly CBA will guarantee professional football in St. Louis, I know that there are no guarantees with the NFL owners. We have enough of a track record in front of us to know that. Their franchises continue to go up in value. Not one of them is worried about shutting down as some pro basketball owners legitimately fear. They do not have to fret about franchise relocation as a means of survival as some NHL owners do. I'm just like everyone else who lives in St. Louis and loves pro football. I want to see the Rams stay here. But don't tell me that a new deal that is pro-owner will keep Kroenke's wandering economic eyes diverted from the glittering pot of gold off on the horizon in Los Angeles, because it won't. Unlike the NHL, pro football owners like Kroenke, Ziggy Wilf and others aren't threatening to abandon their towns for LA because of lack of local support. They're threatening to flee to Los Angeles because it will either get them an even more extravagant deal to stay or a fabulously more extravagant deal to leave." I do not recall Kroenke threatening to relocate the Rams. The threat has long been an implied one based on the Rams' ability to escape their stadium lease eventually.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Alex Smith has pledged to help out rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Barrows: "Kaepernick has been participating fully in the weight-lifting portions of the workouts. (Those who said he was too skinny should see him after a lift. He looks like a defensive end). However, he is still not running after having a surgery on his left leg last month, and he is only doing some light throwing."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says it is "unprecedented" for a No. 1 overall pick to stay with his team this long after all that Alex Smith has gone through with the 49ers. Maiocco: "It's amazing the 49ers have stuck with him. And it's even more improbable that Smith -- despite hearing loud boos last season -- decided to remain. After all, the easy thing for Smith would be to run away and close this chapter of his professional career."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says Smith expects running back Frank Gore to attend player-organized workouts at some point.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has this to say about Sam Bradford from the Rams' player-run practices: "He has grown quickly and confidently into the job, and now is well on his way to the same sort of franchise quarterback/quasi-assistant head coach status that only the elite star QBs like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady hold." Bradford said he has tapped into unnamed players familiar with new coordinator Josh McDaniels' offense. Bradford: "I feel pretty good with it. I spent quite a bit of time (studying) since I got (the playbook). Now it's just a matter of getting (repetitions). You can look at something on paper all day and it will make sense, but until you get on the field and actually run through it a couple of times, you don't actually know how it will play out and you don't know what the timing will be. So the more you work on it, the more you get the timing down."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams rookies Lance Kendricks and Greg Salas are staying at Bradford's house and soaking up as much as they can about the offense while attending practices Monday through Thursday. Salas: "It's great to get out here, get to know the guys, and get to know the offense and everything we're going to have to be learning. You can see the difference with the leadership and the maturity of the men out here. I haven't got to experience a full NFL practice yet, with the coaches and pads and everything. I'm looking forward to that as well."

Also from the Post-Dispatch: a photo gallery featuring shots from practice. The second one shows Bradford holding up a play card for Trips Right 64 Bundle Flare.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch provides an overview from Rams practice. He lists all 30 players in attendance and notes that several others either arrived later Monday or planned to arrive soon. Linemen were not asked to show up because there wouldn't be much for them to do given the non-contact nature of drills. However, five offensive linemen were already working out in the area, so they showed up. Linebacker James Laurinaitis: "We got some good work in. There was a lot of timing stuff for the 'O' (offense). And some refreshers on the calls and stuff for the defense. I was pleased with the turnout."

Tony Softli of 101ESPN St. Louis offers thoughts and details from Rams practice. Softli: "All players were sent through foot quickness drills (a circuit), ropes, short sprints run over and around dummies in individual drill work. While Bradford put his receivers through a fast paced route-tree session and followed that up with a group session, his timing and anticipation was very good, crisp and accurate. Before they ended the last segment because of the storm that rolled in quickly, a 7-on-7 drill with the defense shadowing was running very smoothly."

Howard Balzer of 101ESPN St. Louis says Bradford's work ethic and status as a gym rat give him a chance to excel.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com sees parallels between former Seattle receiver Bobby Engram and current 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. Engram, now on the 49ers' staff as an entry-level assistant, also hopes to advance through the ranks. Engram: "Jim is just a football junkie. The thing that I really appreciate is before I signed up here I talked to him on the phone for about half an hour and he basically walked the exact same path that I’m walking now. He got done playing, went to Oakland for a few years, went to San Diego and coached there, went to Stanford and now he’s back in the league. That gave me a lot of confidence, just kind of confirming what I was thinking. Having him actually go through it, he knows what I’m going through. So I can go talk to him if I have any questions. He’s walked the path, and it’s a good thing."

Also from Farnsworth: a look at differences between the 25th and 35th all-time teams for Seattle. Mack Strong over John L. Williams was a tough one. Strong was so valuable as a blocker for some of the Seahawks' best teams. Williams was so much more productive as a rusher and receiver. Each went to two Pro Bowls.

More from Farnsworth: Former Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck has no regrets after walking away from football when he had nothing left to give. Tobeck: "One thing I really cherish about playing here, when you’ve got to work for something -- and we did -- there are always those challenges in your path. It’s so rewarding when you work so hard and you finally overcome that mountain. Then there’s another one in your way. But it was fun. It was a fun experience."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with Seahawks strength-and-conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, who would be much busier if the lockout wasn't preventing players from stepping foot inside NFL team facilities. Williams: "I hate not being around the athletes and not being able to work with them. But instead, I’ve spent time reading, researching and figuring out how to do it better at this level than it’s been done before. And that kind of carries on what Pete talks about."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers would normally be finishing up 14 weeks of organized team activities in early June, but the lockout has prevented them from practicing at team headquarters all offseason. Maiocco: "The only time the new 49ers' staff has been able to provide on-field coaching was April 20, when 50 NFL hopefuls attended the local pro day for draft-eligible players. Currently, approximately 15 players are meeting four days a week to work out on their own in the South Bay. They get together to lift weights, condition, throw and catch some passes, and socialize. They must be careful not to push themselves too far and risk injury. If a player sustains an injury during these workouts, the team would not be liable to pay his 2011 base salary."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree plans to join teammates, including Alex Smith, for workouts in the near future. Barrows: "Chemistry issues between the two early last season led to a number of critical interceptions and to 49ers losses. Crabtree, the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2009, has never appeared in a preseason game. He missed the exhibition season his rookie year due to a protracted contract dispute that also wiped away the first five games of the regular season."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News quotes 49ers cornerback Nate Clements as saying he plans to return for the 2011 season, but there's no word on how much of a pay reduction Clements would accept to make that happen.

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers' Colin Kaepernick will try to buck a trend of underwhelming second-round quarterbacks. More here.

Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal says the Cardinals and other Phoenix-area sports franchises are redoubling efforts to retain season-ticket holders. Sunnucks: "Part of that Cardinals effort is to have sales representatives reach out to ticket holders to answer questions about the lockout and the Arizona team’s prospects next season. The latest effort in that strategy was Cards ticket reps calling season-ticket holders and prospective buyers after the NFL draft in late April. The Cardinals missed the playoffs last season after two straight post-season appearances. Season-ticket holders have until June 1 to renew their seats with the Cards, though the team may allow some flexibility. The team is promising refunds with interest if the lockout results in missed games." The Cardinals have sold out every game at University of Phoenix Stadium, but their 5-11 record last season could conspire with the lockout to put that streak in jeopardy. Making an aggressive move for a quarterback would help.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com asks whether the team has had a free-agent signing better than the one that landed linebacker Chad Brown, who went to two Pro Bowls over an eight-season span with the organization. Brown was an outstanding linebacker. But the franchise often struggled during his tenure, never winning a playoff game. Other players the team signed through free agency weren't as physically talented, but they played key roles for teams that enjoyed postseason success. Center Robbie Tobeck and receiver Bobby Engram would have to rank high on the list. Brown was, at his best, a better player. But Tobeck and Engram made significant impacts as well, helping the team enjoy sustained success that included a Super Bowl appearance.

Also from Farnsworth: a look back at the Seahawks' 1984 season. The team went 12-4 despite losing running back Curt Warner to injury.

Michael Kanellos of greentechmedia.com says the solar panels Seahawks owner Paul Allen has approved for facilities associated with his sports franchises have stirred controversy within the industry. Kanellos: "Solyndra is easily the most controversial company in solar and rivals Better Place and Bloom Energy for the overall title in green technology. Critics contend that its CIGS solar panels will never economically compete with crystalline panels and that the DOE loan guarantee and over $1 billion in equity investments will go swirling down the S-bend. Solyndra, on the other hand, says its products will dramatically decrease in price over the next few years. ... To top it off, the IRS has ruled that companies that install Solyndra solar systems can also get a tax credit for a new roof. Maybe Paul Allen's tax lawyer is sharper than yours."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says it's fair to question whether Michael Crabtree could be doing more to prepare this offseason. Crabtree has not been participating in player-organized practices sessions. Maiocco: "There are about a dozen players who are taking part regularly in the workouts. How much benefit are the players getting from meeting four days a week? It's difficult to gauge. But I understand the fans' concerns about Crabtree. After all, he has yet to play in an exhibition game with the 49ers. With it now apparent that Alex Smith will be back at quarterback, both Crabtree and Smith have a lot to gain from spending more time together and talking about the new playbook." Would this be yet another item leading with or featuring the 49ers? Yes, it would. This makes it eight blog entries in a row. Look, I tried to break the streak and mix it up a little, but at this precise point in the NFL lockout, we're reduced to stories about solar panels and clothing lines. On Crabtree, he's become an enigmatic figure. Smith's expected return adds another layer to the story.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee checks in with former 49ers running back Glen Coffee. Coffee on the gun that was discovered in his car: "In Tuscaloosa, I had two instances where pretty much -- in one instance, a guy pretended he had a gun and in another instance, a guy attempted to rob me. That happened my sophomore year in college. So I purchased a gun. I put it in my car for safety reasons. So then we go ahead on the timeline: I find Christ, but it's almost like, I already had the gun in my car. I'm already riding around with a gun in my car. And just because I found Christ, I didn't think in my head, 'Ok, I don't need to have a gun in my car anymore.' You know what I'm saying? It's almost it wasn't as a big of a deal. It didn't cross my mind to say, 'I need to take the gun out of my car.' If I had it in my car, I didn't feel I needed to take it out of my car."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman worked extensively with quarterback David Carr in Houston under then-coach Dom Capers. This profile is more about Roman than about Carr, who is not expected back with the team. Barrows: "In two seasons with Roman as his quarterbacks coach, Carr had 30 touchdowns, 25 interceptions and an 80.5 passer rating. In his three other seasons as Houston’s starter, Carr had 29 touchdowns, 40 interceptions and a 71.7 rating." Capers: "He understood the total concept so well that I ended up making him the quarterbacks coach. That was just because I felt he was the best guy for the job and he understood defense. He understood how to attack things. He not only knew the protections in the pass game, but he knew the route concepts."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com profiles team administrator Justin Casey. Urban: "He helps negotiate contracts. He’s the go-to man in the organization when it comes to rules – be it about the collective bargaining agreement, player personnel or salary cap. He’s the liaison for rookies when they first come to the Cardinals, lining up their new NFL lives. During the draft, he’s one of the few who stays in the war room, organizing all the information flowing around the league. On game days, the 35-year-old Casey helps out in the coaches’ booth in the press box. And in his spare time -- infrequent as it is -- he watches video, of both pro players and potential college draftees."

Mark Clayton of the St. Louis Rams is promoting his faith-based clothing line during the lockout. Says the promotional release: "Clayton's perseverance and faith have played a large role in his career and in his life. While this talented wide receiver has set and broken records time after time, his focus has always been on a higher purpose: his relationship with God. Now, Clayton is using his entrepreneurial skills to bring spirituality into the fashion world, creating a place where faith meets fashion in the form of T-shirts and a complementary online community that fosters acceptance and brings a spiritual message to a new audience."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo remains determined to focus only on the next game -- despite all the possible scenarios for the postseason. Spagnuolo: "I just know that until they tell us that we cannot make it to the playoffs, that's what we're still shooting for. They haven't said we're out of it yet, and right now we have to win this next game, and that's all I'm focused on. I'm not trying to avoid any questions. That's just how I am, and to me, that's where you have to put it for your football team to move forward. Can't do scenarios, can't worry about who they scheduled. You've got to go out and win a football game."

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams' third-down offense has deteriorated over the last several games. Miklasz: "I'm not suggesting that the Rams should go full-time with the no-huddle attack. But I'm astounded that they don't utilize it more frequently. The Rams had some success mixing in a few no-huddle plays early against KC. Then the offense really bogged down; the energy drain was obvious during one of the most frustrating stretches after the season. After taking a 6-0 lead with field goals on their first two possessions, the Rams went to sleep for eight consecutive series. (I'm not counting the one-play series at the end of the first half.)"

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are closer to getting tight end Mike Hoomanawanui back from injury. Coats: "Should Hoomanawanui be cleared for game action, he could solve another problem for Spagnuolo and his staff. Brit Miller, a key special-teams contributor, had taken over the fullback duties from Mike Karney, who was among the team's inactives the last four Sundays. But Miller tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Sunday's 27-13 loss to Kansas City and will have surgery in about a month. Before Hoomanawanui was hurt, he was lining up at times at fullback, giving the Rams increased options with their play-calling."

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says the Rams' most recent performance has raised several questions.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com passes along a few Rams notes, including this one: "Sam Bradford completed 21-of-43 passes for 181 yards to give him 3,065 on the season. Bradford is just the third rookie in NFL history to pass for 3,000 yards and he now has the third most passing yards by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Peyton Manning (3,739) and Matt Ryan (3,440)."

Also from Wagoner: The Rams feel as though they are in a must-win situation.

Brian Stull of 101ESPN St. Louis offers a Rams injury update. Chris Long has a thigh bruise.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com offers his player-by-player review on the 49ers from their game against San Diego. On Travis LaBoy: "Entered at right outside linebacker on the Chargers' second drive. He got pressure on Rivers to disrupt play, resulting in pass to Hester for 8-yard loss. . . . Got past Chargers tight end Kory Sperry to stop Tolbert for no gain. But Sperry rolled up on LaBoy from behind on the play. . . . LaBoy sustained a left knee sprain that will not require surgery. But because the 49ers determined the ligament tear will take 6 to 8 weeks to recover, the 49ers placed him on injured reserve, thus ending his season."

Also from Maiocco: The 49ers think Troy Smith would be less effective without Frank Gore providing a threat in the running game. I agree completely. Smith's success came when opponents loaded up to stop Gore. Once teams paid more attention to Smith, the quarterback's production diminished.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offers thoughts on the 49ers' playoff prospects. Barrows: "The 49ers have finished the last two seasons with a 3-1 record, which they would achieve again should they win their remaining games. They went 5-1 in the division last year with their lone loss coming in Seattle. They also would duplicate that feat by winning out. To win the division, however, the 49ers also would have to break two ugly trends -- losing on the road and dropping games that begin before noon on the West Coast. The team has just one win away from home -- Nov. 29 against Arizona -- and they've lost four of their five 10 a.m. (PST) starts. Their only a.m. victory came in London, a game in which the team had six days to acclimate to the new time zone."

Taylor Price of 49ers.com says there's no game bigger for the 49ers than their matchup with St. Louis.

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News expects the 49ers to stick with Alex Smith at quarterback. Also: "If the 49ers get to 7-9 and win the West, they’d get home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs, possibly against the defending champion New Orleans Saints, who very well could be 12-4 at that point and are currently Sagarin’s No. 8 team. This eventuality does not seem fair, as you probably have heard on TV, radio and in bar rooms across the nation. There may be rules changes on this in the future–maybe to erase the automatic home-field edge to division winners. But this season, it’s locked in. It will be strange, but whoever wins the NFC West will host a playoff game against a very good wild-card team."

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News sizes up the 49ers' playoff prospects.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle updates where the 49ers stand heading into Week 16. On the team's game against San Diego: "The 49ers dropped to 0-7 against teams with winning records, which is the main reason they won't finish as one of those teams with winning records this season. This time, they got whacked in San Diego, 34-7, lowlighted by a failed 4th-and-goal from the 6-inch line."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Mike Singletary's struggles as a head coach are overshadowing his great playing career. Branch relates a story about the time Singletary kept playing despite losing part of a finger. Branch: "On Dec. 11, 1983, Singletary lost the tip of the middle finger on his left hand, had it stitched back on and demanded to return to Chicago’s game at Minnesota. Adding to the legend, a half-crazed Singletary returned with a wrapped-up hand and began screaming at Vikings offensive lineman Dave Huffman, telling him the Vikings wouldn’t score. Minnesota didn’t score. The Bears won, 19-13."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says special-teams captain Roy Lewis is headed for injured reserve with a knee injury. Also, Chester Pitts and Mike Gibson will remain the starting guards.

Also from Farnsworth: Seattle is sticking with Matt Hasselbeck even after the quarterback committed eight turnovers leading to 37 points for the team's last two opponents.

More from Farnsworth: a look at the Seahawks' opening drive to a touchdown against Atlanta.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers thoughts on Hasselbeck's recent struggles. O'Neil: "For eight years Hasselbeck played for one coach in Seattle, and he knew Mike Holmgren's offense as well as any quarterback ever has. Now, he's using his second different playbook in two seasons. He was intercepted 17 times last season, the most of any year in his career. He has been picked off 17 times this season, making it he simply doesn't have that governor that kept him from going overboard in terms of his risks. It's unrealistic to expect offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates and Hasselbeck to have the relationship Holmgren forged with the quarterback over eight years, but something has got to change." The biggest change, I think, is the obvious deterioration in the supporting cast around Hasselbeck. He's no longer working behind an offensive line featuring Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson, Robbie Tobeck and Chris Gray. He's no longer watching Shaun Alexander run behind fullback Mack Strong and that line.

Also from O'Neil: A Seahawks fan is suing Jets player Shaun Ellis for allegedly throwing a piece of ice into the Qwest Field stands two seasons ago.

More from O'Neil: Coach Pete Carroll is asking Hasselbeck to change his ways, but not his role.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune passes along Brian McIntyre's personnel breakdown from Seattle's game against Atlanta. Aaron Curry played more than 93 percent of the defensive snaps. Seattle was in its base defense nearly 70 percent of the time.

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune offers pros and cons behind the Seahawks' decision to stick with Hasselbeck. Boling: "Hasselbeck said after the game that he’s learning some lessons. We might note that he’s 35, and has started here most of the last 10 seasons, which generally is not considered learning-curve territory. Carroll and Hasselbeck both theorized that he presses too hard and makes shaky decisions when the team is behind. But the team has lost 31 games in the last three seasons, so he should have experience in these matters."

Doug Farrar of Sportspress Northwest looks at Michael Robinson's varied roles on the Seahawks.

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals could be without Joey Porter, Early Doucet and LaRod Stephens-Howling after all three suffered injuries Sunday. Porter might have suffered a serious triceps injury.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic offers thoughts on the Cardinals' performance against Carolina. Somers: "Most of the offensive problems Sunday (and this season) can be traced to poor quarterback play. Rookie John Skelton, making his second start, made poor decisions, bad reads and missed open receivers. When the offense struggles, people first want to blame the play-calling. But that's hard to justify when receivers are running open without getting the ball, or dropping it when they do get it."

Also from Somers: Whisenhunt has ceded some of the offensive play-calling duties, something he has done periodically over the years.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Skelton will remain the Cardinals' starting quarterback. Also, Whisenhunt saw some mitigating factors regarding Tim Hightower's latest fumble. Whisenhunt: "That was a tough play. He was scrambling to get something and it was a big hit … it wasn’t a strip, the helmet hit the ball and it came out and fortunately Steve (Breaston) was there to pick it up. There wasn’t much you could say about it."

Also from Urban: Whisenhunt uses the word "painful" to describe the Cardinals' season.

The Seattle Seahawks' decision to unveil Walter Jones' already retired jersey number (71) during their game against Carolina in Week 13 seems fitting.

Jones, whose number was retired when he announced his retirement April 29, turned in one of his more memorable performances against Carolina the last time the Panthers visited Qwest Field.

Check out this video at the 3:01 mark to see what I'm talking about. The sequence shows Jones at his dominant best during the Seahawks' victory over the Panthers in the NFC title game following the 2005 season.

Seattle took the best offensive line in the league -- and in its history -- into the playoffs that season. Center Robbie Tobeck and right guard Chris Gray had started 80 consecutive games together at that point. Jones had started 78 of those games, missing two during a contract dispute. Left guard Steve Hutchinson had started 68 of the 80, missing 12 after suffering a broken leg during his second NFL season. Right tackle Sean Locklear was a newcomer to the line that season; I remember him matching up well against the St. Louis Rams' Leonard Little.

The Seahawks finished that season with 361 first downs. They are on pace for 249 this season. That 2005 line helped Shaun Alexander convert all 16 chances on third-and-1. That season ended a five-year run during which time Alexander averaged 1,501 yards rushing and 17 rushing touchdowns per season.

The team announced Wednesday that it would unveil Jones' No. 71 for display at Qwest Field during the two-minute warning before halftime Sunday.

Earlier: Walter Jones appreciation.

Thoughts after Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told his offensive linemen to end their media boycott:

Offensive linemen generally do not seek the spotlight, and vice versa, but their perspectives enrich our understanding of the game.

Anyone covering the St. Louis Rams can count on veterans Jason Brown, Adam Goldberg and Jacob Bell for insights on quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Steven Jackson or just about anything else.

Without Brown, for instance, we never would have known the story about Bradford's memorable first practice of training camp. Without Bell, we might not have known how Bradford compared to Vince Young in on-field demeanor. Goldberg can usually be counted upon for a grasp of the big picture.

Several years ago, when the Seattle Seahawks fielded the NFL's best line, no media session would have been complete without a stop at center Robbie Tobeck's locker. Perennial Pro Bowlers Steve Hutchinson and Walter Jones usually weren't as expansive, but anything coming from two of the all-time greats carried weight.

I remember speaking with Hutchinson after the 2001 season for a story about an emerging quarterback he knew from their days at the University of Michigan. Few gave New England's Tom Brady much of a chance against the Rams in the Super Bowl that year. Hutchinson knew better.

"My first year starting was '97 and I'd played with Brian Griese, and Tom really didn’t have much playing experience," Hutchinson said. "From the moment he got in the huddle (in '98), it was like he’d been there four years. He takes control of the huddle, he's always in control, a great leader -- one of the best on-field leaders I've been around."

OK, I thought. Maybe this Brady guy is better than people think. But let's have some examples.

Hutchinson recounted Brady's gritty performance against Ohio State during the 1999 season. Nothing was going right for Michigan. The Buckeyes built a lead and were coming after Brady with blitzes.

"At some point in the game, Tom comes back to huddle and his mouth is just pouring blood and it didn’t even phase him," Hutchinson said. "He just called the play. 'Damn, this kid is a cool kid from California. Some little surfer kid from California is playing with the big boys and holding his own.' Just there, I respected him. Not only is he cool, but he's tough, too. A lot of guys are either/or. He's got both."

These and other stories came to mind Thursday when Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told his media-boycotting offensive linemen they would have to follow NFL rules designed to promote public access to its product. There was never any doubt how this one would end. The only question was whether Carroll would have to intervene. When he did, the issue largely went away.

Most of the Seahawks' linemen seemed conflicted on the matter. Their former line coach, Alex Gibbs, had encouraged their silence in developing camaraderie and an us-against-the-world mentality. Players naturally wanted to please their coach.

When Gibbs quit before the season, two of his longtime understudies, Ben Hamilton and Chester Pitts, enforced the old code. Both reportedly conveyed their displeasure Thursday while the Seahawks made available center Chris Spencer and tackle Sean Locklear for their first interviews of the season. Hamilton declined to answer questions. Pitts kept his distance.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Pitts and Hamilton rank first and second, respectively, for the most holding calls against NFL offensive linemen since the 2002 season.

Pitts has 32. Hamilton has 29.

Hutchinson has five.

Following the rules is tougher for some than for others.

Notable players: LT Walter Jones, LG Steve Hutchinson, C Robbie Tobeck, RB Shaun Alexander, QB Matt Hasselbeck, FB Mack Strong, MLB Lofa Tatupu, RCB Marcus Trufant, WR Bobby Engram, WR Darrell Jackson, WR Joe Jurevicius

Analysis: The 2005 Seattle Seahawks were the only team in franchise history to win more than 12 regular-season games. They were the only Seahawks team to appear in a Super Bowl, the only one to lead the NFL in points per game or to place more than two offensive linemen in a Pro Bowl.

This was the best team in franchise history by the critical measures. It had a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, the best offensive line in the NFL, the league MVP at running back and a defense that played its best where it mattered -- in the red zone. Rookie middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu brought direction to a defense lacking leadership.

Coach Mike Holmgren always said he needed his best players to be at their best for a team to approach its potential. This team had that, but clutch contributions from role players sent the 2005 squad on its way.

Receiver Joe Jurevicius added toughness at receiver while catching 10 touchdown passes, offsetting injuries to Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram.

On defense, backup cornerback Jordan Babineaux made a season-altering play by picking off Drew Bledsoe with 14 seconds remaining during a 13-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Seattle had lost two of its first four games that season. Beating the Cowboys heading into the bye was important, but the matter in which Seattle won the game proved transforming.

"My hope is that every time you can win a game like this where it looked a little grim for a while but they you pull it out, it really helps you down the road," Holmgren said afterward. "It really helps your confidence. Organizations need to win games like this at some point."

The Seahawks had tied the score with 46 seconds remaining on Hasselbeck's 1-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end Ryan Hannam (after another backup, receiver Jerheme Urban, made a 22-yard reception at the 2-minute warning). Babineaux returned Bledsoe's pass 25 yards, getting out of bounds in time for Josh Brown to kick the winning field goal as time expired.

Most impressive win: The 2005 team was at its dominant best during a 34-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC title game.

Advanced chemistry: Teams release injured backups regularly without repercussions, but veteran players protested when management released Urban instead of placing him on injured reserve following a foot injury in November. Urban had made an impression on teammates while catching seven passes for 151 yards. Management gave in to Seattle's veteran leadership, rescinding Urban's release and placing him on IR. The unusual move reflected the strength of the Seattle locker room during a special season.

Honorable mention

1984: This was the only team in franchise history to rank among the NFL's top five in points scored and points allowed. Kenny Easley was the NFL's defensive player of the year. Steve Largent and Daryl Turner combined for 22 touchdown receptions. Defensive ends Jeff Bryant and Jacob Green combined for 27.5 sacks.

1983: Other Seattle teams had better regular-season records, but the 1983 team recorded two playoff wins, including an upset shocker in Miami. The 2005 Seahawks were the only other Seattle team with more than one victory in the same postseason.

2007: Losing Hutchinson during the previous offseason hurt, but Hasselbeck set a career high with 28 touchdown passes.

RENTON, Wash. -- Walter Jones kept together his emotions during his retirement news conference Friday.

It appeared tougher for him than blocking Pro Bowl defensive ends.

Jones, 36, said he'll miss the things players tend to miss in retirement, namely the time they spend together. He was clearly emotional, but his sense of humor came through to save him from tears more than once. He had the Seahawks' auditorium laughing repeatedly. A few highlights:

• Teammates used to joke that the often quiet and understated Jones didn't even know many of his teammates. I remember this being a running joke in the locker room. Jones didn't deny it, either. "I knew the guys I needed to know," he quipped.
• Jones wasn't one to trash talk with opponents, but with loquacious former center Robbie Tobeck watching from the back of the room, Jones said it used to kill him when Tobeck would be "running his mouth off" on guys he wasn't even lining up against -- namely guys who were lining up against Jones.
• In thanking former teammates and team officials, especially former coach Mike Holmgren, Jones named some of the team's contract negotiators and thanked them for "all the contract battles" over the years (Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl choice and three-time franchise player).
• Asked about stats associated with his career -- nine assessed holding penalties and 23 sacks allowed, according to the team -- Jones brought down the house. "I don't think I could go back and watch all the films and try to find out what I did do and what I didn't do," he said, "but I think on those sacks, I think it was more of the quarterback's fault." Even Jones had to laugh at that one.

Jones sat by himself at a table in the Seahawks' large auditorium. That seemed fitting. He was the team's last player remaining from the 1990s. Jones said he wanted to keep playing, but injuries prevented him from performing at a high enough level. He'll keep living in the Seattle area for the time being. His kids are in school there. He maintains a house in Alabama and plans to move back there eventually. The Seahawks, who have retired his No. 71, will not be the same without him.

The Seahawks' have put together a video highlight package commemorating Walter Jones' career as part of his official retirement announcement.


Some of the best highlights are near the end, including one featuring Jones driving his man 10-plus yards down the field, then driving him into the turf at Qwest Field.

The Seahawks have produced another video (updated link) with comments from former teammates Mack Strong, Steve Hutchinson, Robbie Tobeck and others. Strong recalls the play against Carolina shown on the video.

"It was a sight to behold," Strong said.

The team is retiring Jones' No. 71 jersey. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire will declare Friday as "Walter Jones Day" in the state.

Earlier: An appreciation.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee offers a projected 49ers depth chart on defense. Barrows: "Yes, Nate Clements' salary jumps to $6 million in base this year. But the 49ers did not spend a high draft pick on a cornerback, and because of that it's difficult to see Clements leaving. My guess is that all the negative talk about Clements will serve as fuel for a very strong 2010 season. (Karl) Paymah is similar to former 49er Donald Strickland and likely will be in on a lot nickel packages. (Phillip) Adams and (Patrick) Stoudamire are projects. Stoudamire could play safety."

Also from Barrows: says 49ers director of player personnel Trent Baalke will walk reporters through film sessions featuring the team's new draft choices.

Art Spander of the San Francisco Examiner looks back on the career of late 49ers minority owner Frank Mieuli. Spander: "He put chandeliers in the Cow Palace and Rick Barry’s jersey behind an office door, delivered bags of fruit to sports writers and delivered a championship to the Bay Area. You could call Franklin Mieuli eccentric. I preferred to call him passionate. He had a beard, a deerstalker hat and a love of life. A character, that’s what Mieuli was: delightful and charming, if manipulative. He was the last of the mom-and-pop team owners, and the team he owned, the Golden State Warriors, did him proud."

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune pays tribute to retiring Seahawks tackle Walter Jones. Former teammate Robbie Tobeck: "He's more of a competitor than people realize. He’s so good and has such great ability, it almost looks effortless when he's putting somebody on his back. And the reason for it is how hard he works. He wasn’t some superstar who took days off. He’s also one of toughest human beings I’ve ever been around … the man laughs at pain."

Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times quotes former Seahawks line coach Howard Mudd this way on Jones: "He had this phenomenal athleticism. Walt is the kind of guy who does things so easily, it almost looks like he's playing at 75 or 80 percent. Like Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods, he never really struggles to get his job done, even when he's playing against the top NFL players. I don't think he ever lined up in a game where he thought he was closely matched, athletically, to the guy across from him."

Brian McIntyre of scout.com offers positional thoughts on the Seahawks' offense. He lists Deon Butler among the "locks" at receiver, a bit of a surprise.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times shoots down reports suggesting Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke could leave to run the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nothing against hockey, but why would someone cede control of three professional sports franchises -- the Seahawks, Trail Blazers and Sounders -- to run an NHL team? Doesn't made sense.

Also from O'Neil: The Seahawks have made a couple roster moves. DeAngelo Willingham and Tom Malone are out. Matt Overton and Quinton Teal are in.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says new Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons has high expectations.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says during a chat that he was surprised Golden Tate remained available to Seattle at No. 60. Williams: "I thought he would be a late first round, early second round pick. He's a playmaker that will help them immediately. I like getting Kam Chancellor when they did. I think he gives them a different dimension in the back end of the defense that they have not had in a while."

Ben Malcolmson of seahawks.com provides a photo of LenDale White and Pete Carroll chatting in Carroll's office at team headquarters.



Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says two Cardinals rookies -- Jim Dray and John Skelton -- come from families accomplished in business.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com checks in with Cardinals offensive line coach Russ Grimm, who offers thoughts on how the team might proceed after adding Alan Faneca. Left guard Reggie Wells could move to right tackle, competing with Brandon Keith and Jeremy Bridges for the starting job.

Also from Urban: Quarterback Matt Leinart has switched lockers so he can be closer to the Cardinals' offensive linemen. Does he know what he's getting into from a pranks standpoint? Leinart: "I just wanted to be with my linemen -- simple as that. Now it’s all business. I’m not trying to do it to make a statement or anything, I’m just doing it because these are my guys. I just want them to know I’ll be a leader and I’ll have their back too. We can’t be an offense without them."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams will have about 30 players at their postdraft camp on a tryout basis. That is a high number. Coats: "Two practices are planned for both Friday and Saturday, with a final session scheduled for Sunday morning. All are closed to the public. The mandatory full-squad minicamp is June 10-12 and will be surrounded by four weeks of OTAs -- organized team activities, or light practices. Training camp begins in late July, also at Rams Park."

Also from Coats: Acquiring safety Kevin Payne from the Bears could be a hedge against losing Oshiomogho Atogwe.

Jeff Gordon of stltoday.com says the Rams need to keep Alex Barron as insurance this season.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Barron told the team before the draft that he would sign his one-year tender and report to postdraft camp, according to Barron's agent. Thomas: "Barron has been an enigma since being drafted No. 19 overall out of Florida State in 2005. He has been one of the league's most penalized players over that span and occasionally has struggled blocking lesser players. But he frequently plays well against top tier defensive ends and has been durable. He has missed only two games because of injury in his career -- both late in his rookie season -- playing in 67 consecutive games, including 66 starts."

The Seahawks' Walter Jones was probably the best offensive lineman in the NFL during the first decade of the 2000s.

That made him an easy choice as the best in the NFC West during that time.

Jones was an eight-time Pro Bowl choice and four-time first-team All-Pro selection while making 136 starts for Seattle from 2000 through this season.

The chart, put together with information from Pro Football Reference, lists every NFC West offensive lineman named to a Pro Bowl since 2000. None of the nine players listed appeared in a game for an NFC West team this season.

The 49ers had four, more than any team in the division. Seattle had three. The Rams had two. The Cardinals had none.