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One of the big questions heading into Seattle Seahawks training camp was how well 34-year-old Matt Hasselbeck would fit into a new offensive system demanding mobility from its quarterback. I asked offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates about this following Seahawks practice Sunday. Bates could have given a noncommittal answer, but his enthusiasm for what he has seen from Hasselbeck -- on the mobility front in particular -- buoyed his answer.

"That has been such a great surprise," Bates said. "I have watched him for many years, but just watching him run the keeper game, he looks like a 23-year-old. He is extremely athletic, he is in shape and he is getting out on the edge as good as we can ask. A lot of the keeper game is selling the fake and having poise and having patience and not just running. Getting the backside to commit. He is doing all that. He has no limitations as far as getting out on the edge."

Bates' answer stood as the latest sign Hasselbeck, despite his age, is the quarterback for the Seahawks heading into the 2010 season.

This provides a good opportunity to address a mailbag question.

Jeffrey from Renton, Wash., writes: "I have a question about Charlie Whitehurst. Do you think he will beat out Hasselbeck for the starting job? Do you think he will start as the second string and become the starter later? Or is he a year or two away from starting? What is his future in Seattle?

Mike Sando: The move Seattle made to acquire Whitehurst suggested he was a player they wanted to make the starter eventually. That has not changed. The team gave up a 2011 third-round choice, moved back 20 spots in the second round this year and paid Whitehurst a little more than a backup typically would receive. The price didn't mean Whitehurst had to start right away or even this season, but it said he was in their plans.

So far, though, I've seen zero evidence Whitehurst is going to win the job on merit this season. I've seen zero evidence suggesting the Seahawks are leaning toward making Whitehurst the starter. Coach Pete Carroll says the idea is to have Whitehurst push Hasselbeck and compete with him, but if Carroll had not said those things, I'm not sure anyone would consider Whitehurst a factor in the short term.

The Seahawks' new coaching staff wanted a quarterback with the mobility and arm strength the system demands. The staff saw Whitehurst as a better value than any of the quarterbacks it would have a chance to draft this year. Seattle knew Hasselbeck would be 35 years old this season and it wasn't sure whether he would fit with what the team wanted to do. As it got to know Hasselbeck, the staff came to like him more. Hasselbeck is smart, he works extremely hard and he just knows football. His experience gives him a tremendous advantage over Whitehurst.

In the meantime, Whitehurst's play on the practice field hasn't made much of a statement. Hasselbeck, healthy after an offseason of recuperation, is moving well and in command. He just looks like a starting quarterback.

I wouldn't expect anything to change until the regular season. At that time, injuries could become a factor for Hasselbeck. Or, if the team is struggling, Carroll might decide to give Whitehurst a look just to see how he fares in game situations.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wonders if Jason Smith has moved closer to the Rams' starting lineup. With right guard Richie Incognito resting a sprained knee, coaches moved right tackle Adam Goldberg into Incognito's spot, clearing the way for Smith to play right tackle with the first-team unit in practice. Coats also provides injury updates.

Also from Coats: Rams receiver Laurent Robinson keeps making strides. Also, cornerback Jonathan Wade is getting some first-team reps at Tye Hill's expense.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams guard Jacob Bell is trying to make up lost ground following a concussion. Bell never saw what hit him against the Jets two weeks ago. He stayed in the game one more play, but teammates had to tell him which player to block. Bell: "And I'm practically blocking him with my eyes closed. They probably should've left me in there and seen what happened."

Jim Corbett of USA Today revisits Larry Fitzgerald's ambitions offseason. Corbett: "The only thing more impressive than Fitzgerald's remarkable postseason ascent was his ambitious offseason agenda. There's little concern about a post-Super Bowl letdown for the sixth-year wideout, who reinvented himself as a respected league-wide leader."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals can clear two roster spots by placing Cody Brown and Pago Togafau on injured reserve. The team would then need to clear three roster spots to comply with the 75-man limit.

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle sees little value in exhibition results, counter to 49ers coach Mike Singletary's stated position.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle breaks out positive aspects of the 49ers' performances while posting a 3-0 record during the exhibition season. The team has succeeded in forcing turnovers.

Also from Crumpacker: 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan says he expects first-round choice Michael Crabtree to sign at some point.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Josh Morgan's hold on a starting job at receiver could be tenuous. Singletary: "He's still learning how to be a pro. At some point, the light's going to go on and he's going to take off." The 49ers' passing game hasn't made anyone but Arnaz Battle look good recently. Remember Jason Hill?

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Andre Smith's signing in Cincinnati doesn't necessarily mean the 49ers are closer to signing Crabtree, the last unsigned draft choice. Maiocco: "The sides are no closer in principle, but ... it is another day closer to the beginning of the regular season. That's significant because a player without a contract starts to feel the pinch on his wallet once the regular season begins. Players get 1/17th of their base salaries every week during the regular season. So, Crabtree will only begin losing money when he's not collecting game checks."

Dan Brown of the San Jose Mercury News lists players who helped and hurt their standing in the 49ers' game against the Cowboys.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times takes a closer look at the Seahawks following their exhibition game at Kansas City. He notes: "Fullback Justin Griffith plays like the bushwhacking trailblazer the running game needs. Through one quarter Saturday, Julius Jones had carried five times for 15 yards behind starting fullback Owen Schmitt. Griffith entered in the second quarter, and Jones popped consecutive 8-yard runs, which isn't mind-blowing but certainly constituted improvement."

John Morgan of Field Gulls examines the interception Matt Hasselbeck threw early in the game against the Chiefs. Morgan: "Hasselbeck either didn't see (Mike) Vrabel or underestimated him."

Brian McIntyre of NorthwestFootball.net provides updated snap counts and information on personnel groupings for the Seahawks during the exhibition season.

Mike Salk of 710ESPN Seattle wants to see more from the Seahawks' Lofa Tatupu and Patrick Kerney. It's tough to know how to analyze these exhibition games. Some veteran players seem to pick their spots. I've noticed it when watching other teams in the NFC West as well. Singletary said he thought Nate Clements lost focus at times. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Among the things I'll watch when the Seahawks face the Chiefs in their exhibition game Saturday night:

• Deion Branch. The coaching staff wants to feature him this week. Branch needs to carve out a role and prove he belongs in the receiving rotation. Adding T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deon Butler this offseason put Branch on notice.
  
• Julius Jones and the run game. Coordinator Greg Knapp says the Seahawks might need five, six or seven regular-season games to grasp zone-blocking concepts. Seattle doesn't need to see machine-like efficiency. The team does need to see signs of improvement. Let's see how Jones responds to Edgerrin James' signing.
• Overall defensive desire. The Seattle defense wasn't particularly active in its last exhibition game. The coaching staff will want to see Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry hit people. It's the third exhibition game and time to show a little swagger.
  
• Sean Locklear. His transition to left tackle is important for the Seahawks as they prepare to possibly play without Walter Jones. Locklear had some problems against the Broncos last week. A little more consistency in pass protection would help.
• Bobby Engram. Seeing him in a Chiefs jersey -- against the Seahawks -- will seem strange. Engram brought so much to Seattle during the team's finest seasons.
  
• Patrick Kerney and pass rush. The former Pro Bowl defensive end hasn't opened it up this summer. I don't know how he'll approach this game, but a sack or two would certainly leave a favorable impression heading toward the regular season. The team's other pass-rushers are also in focus. Curry figures to get more chances in that role, while some younger defensive linemen are fighting for roster spots.

There are other things to watch, including the kicking battle, but those are a few of the things on which I'll focus.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Marvel Smith's expected retirement leaves the 49ers' offensive line worse off than it was when last season ended. Maiocco: "It is believed that the 49ers are holding out hope Smith will reconsider his decision and still be able to fill a role as a backup at both offensive tackle positions." The 49ers should be OK if Adam Snyder plays a full season. They would be in trouble if Barry Sims opened the regular season as a starter. With Sims starting Saturday night, the 49ers might need Vernon Davis to help protect.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis grew up a Cowboys fan in a big way.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the first half was an "embarrassment" for the Cardinals against Green Bay. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "Guys came in here and didn't really care about the game. Green Bay came in here on a mission, and that was to prove they were a good football team. They said publicly they thought this would be a good mark for them, because they thought we were a good football team, but we weren't a very good football team tonight."

Also from Somers: Beanie Wells' performance provided a rare bright spot for the Cardinals.

More from Somers: While Whisenhunt was close to seething, the Packers felt great about their performance. Somers: "After getting four sacks last week, the starting defense failed to get to Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He had too much time to throw, completing 14 of 19 for 258 yards and three touchdowns. In one half."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Whisenhunt was "extremely disappointed" in his team's performance. Urban: "The Cards' starting defense, which hadn't allowed a point, was run over in the first half, allowing a stunning 357 yards."

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune offers keys for the Seahawks heading into their game against the Chiefs. A little more from the running game would help.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times profiles Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Said Monte Kiffin: "I knew he was going to be a coordinator, and someday a head coach. With some people, you can just feel it. He's outstanding."

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com says the team expects its zone-blocking scheme to hit stride after six or seven games. Offensive cooridnator Greg Knapp: "It's the same transition I went through in Atlanta and the same transition I went through in Oakland. It's not going to happen as fast and as much as it was talked about. It will take -- I don't know -- five, six, seven games into the season before the guys finally get comfortable with it."

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com sizes up Michael Bennett's chances for earning a roster spot on the Seahawks' defensive line.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Kyle Boller's gritty play has earned respect from Rams teammates. The quarterback bounced up quickly following a crushing hit against the Bengals, then assured teammates the team was about to score. He was right. Guard Richie Incognito: "Oh, he's a tough kid. He popped right up. He got right back in the huddle and he kept going. It didn't even faze him. I would've taken a second to shake that bad boy off; he took it right on the chin."

Also from Thomas: a look at which players might earn spots on the Rams' 53-man roster. He places defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on the bubble.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Jason Smith is taking small steps toward the Rams' starting lineup. Smith: "I never look at my draft status or what (outside) people think. I feel that I'm progressing at a steady pace."

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Seahawks should have an interesting day when they reconvene for practice Tuesday.

Julius Jones can expect company in Edgerrin James. That means someone has to go, and that someone will likely be the No. 2 running back, T.J. Duckett. Expect Jones to remain the starter, at least for the immediate future, but you can bet James did not accept a No. 3 role.

I expect the Seahawks to introduce James as the No. 2 back once this deal goes through. The team is not going to pay Duckett his $2.5 million salary to be the No. 3 guy, particularly when second-year back Justin Forsett has shined in that role through camp. That would make no sense financially or philosophically.

The Duckett situation has been a strange one from the beginning. Seattle signed him even though then-coach Mike Holmgren didn't have a role for him. Holmgren eventually made Duckett his short-yardage man. Seattle seemed to have signed Duckett with an eye toward Jim Mora's tenure as head coach. Duckett and Mora had been together in Atlanta, after all.

Seattle paid a $2 million signing bonus to Duckett in March 2008. The team guaranteed another $2 million to him in 2009. Duckett's contract counts about $3.3 million against the 2009 cap if he's on the roster and $3.2 million if he is not.

The $4 million in bonus money, which seemed excessive given that Duckett did not appear to be in high demand, is what makes the gap in salary-cap charges negligible. The team would not have to pay Duckett's 2009 salary of $2.5 million upon releasing him, but bonus money scheduled to count against future caps would come due at once.

If Duckett goes, who becomes the Seahawks' third-down back? That's among the questions Mora and the organization can expect to face.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury updates that, for a change, will not make NFC West fans wince:

• Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals. The first-round choice was back at practice Monday after an ankle injury limited him or sidelined him entirely. Wells even looked "explosive and fast" during practice, coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
• Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. The Rams put their No. 1 receiver through individual drills at practice, an indication Avery is making progress in his recovery from a broken fourth metatarsal in his left foot. The bone has apparently healed enough for Avery to do some running and light cutting. The next step: How will Avery feel Tuesday?
  
• Ray McDonald, DE, 49ers. The team activated McDonald from the physically unable to perform list, adding depth to the defensive line.
• Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks. Coach Jim Mora expressed optimism Monday about Trufant's recovery from a back injury. Mora on KJR radio: "He is coming along pretty well. ... His rehab is ramped up this week." Will Trufant be ready for the opener? Mora: "I wouldn't rule it out."

The Rams are also hopeful Leonard Little's sprained knee was not a serious injury, although additional tests will say for sure.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The latest in our periodic spin around the NFC West radio dials:

49ers

KNBR680: Reporter Matt Barrows

Cardinals

ESPN Radio: Larry Fitzgerald

KTAR620: Reporter Kent Somers (Aug. 21)

Seahawks

710ESPN: Play-by-play man Steve Raible

KJR950: Radio analyst and Hall of Famer Warren Moon

KJR950: Coach Jim Mora

KJR950: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck

Rams

101ESPN: Reporter Jim Thomas.

As always, please leave links to additional audio in the comments section. I try to find it all.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Spencer

Seahawks center Chris Spencer is entering the final year of his rookie contract, a pivotal season for a player who has not yet lived up to his first-round draft selection pedigree.

The injury Spencer suffered Saturday night -- a muscle tear in his left thigh that could sideline him for the first couple regular-season games, coach Jim Mora told KJR radio in Seattle -- comes at a critical time for Spencer. Every game he misses sets up Max Unger or Steve Vallos to step into the lineup and take firm grasp of the job for this season and years to come.

Injuries are the fastest way out of a job in the NFL. Spencer has missed only five games over the last three seasons, but he has battled injuries regularly. A sprained ankle sidelined him through part of this camp. Back and shoulder injuries have sidelined him for long stretches in previous offseasons.

Spencer has generally played well enough to start, but Unger's selection in the second round and his quick development put pressure on Spencer this season. Unger has a good chance to start at center or right guard early in his career, if not right away.

Update: Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times calls the injury a second-degree tear of the left quadriceps, noting that Spencer could miss 4-6 weeks.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Four injury situations to monitor early this week:

• Cody Brown, OLB, Cardinals: Arizona's second-round draft choice suffered a wrist injury in the second exhibition game. Brown's agent, Nate Haber, used his Twitter account to say Brown would miss his entire rookie season. Haber: "It appears to be a devastating, rare injury that will sideline him for his rookie season. He is staying strong in this tough time and will do everything he can to return stronger than before." The Cardinals hoped Brown's presence in the rotation would upgrade their pass rush.
• Adam Snyder, RT, 49ers. Snyder suffered injuries to his right knee and ankle during the second exhibition game. He was reportedly walking without a limp after the game. The 49ers expect to have MRI results Monday. Snyder has exceeded expectations this summer. Losing him for an extended period would set back the offensive line and force Marvel Smith into action.
• Jacob Bell, LG, Rams. Symptoms from a concussion suffered 10 days ago have not cleared, leaving Bell on the sideline until they do. The plan was for Bell to resume running this week, but those plans are on hold. "He still has some symptoms, so we're just going to kind of slow it down with him," coach Steve Spagnuolo said Sunday.
• Chris Spencer, C, Seahawks. The fifth-year center suffered an injury of unknown severity to his left quadriceps Saturday night. Spencer has played a full 16 games in two of the past three seasons, but injuries have periodically sidelined him during offseason practices and training camp. Max Unger or Steve Vallos could move into the lineup.

Earlier: Ten injuries to watch in the NFC West.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com thinks it's a good sign for the team that Kurt Warner sounds unconcerned about recent problems in the red zone. Urban: "Warner has never been one to shy away from voicing worries about issues so for him to say he felt as good in the second game as the first is a plus for the offense. You definitely get the sense, as a veteran offense, how much the key players just don't put much stock in these exhibitions."

Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic says Warner is proceeding as though rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling has already locked up a roster spot. Warner: "Obviously, he was very impressive and having a guy like that is something that's really going to help us. I look at him a lot like J.J. [Arrington] was for us last year. He was a game-changer and made a lot of big plays for us in critical situations. He's kind of a scat-back guy and LaRod can be that same guy who can give us a spark and make a big play every time he touches the ball. I think we'll see the same thing once we implement him into our offense a little bit more."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams set aside a couple first-team practice snaps at both tackle spots for rookie Jason Smith. On the injury front: RB Kenneth Darby sat out with what is believed to be a slight knee sprain.

Also from Coats: Leonard Little has fresh legs, while Adam Carriker participated in individual drills for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams players, notably Oshiomogho Atogwe, think the defense will be improved this season, despite struggles in the most recent exhibition game. I was looking at the Rams' schedule Sunday and trying to find five or more victories. They need to win some division games.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says the Rams will adjust their practice schedule now that training camp is over. Wagoner: "Hard work has certainly been the calling card of Camp [Steve] Spagnuolo. Beyond the hitting and tackling drills, the Rams had 14 two-a-day practices with at least 12 of those full padded practices that included live drills."

Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle says Glen Coffee's emergence makes it easier for the 49ers to forget about another rookie, Michael Crabtree. This is what often happens when non-quarterbacks fail to sign in time for camp. After a while, everyone forgets about them.

49ers linebacker Scott McKillop updates his team-sanctioned blog, noting that Joe Staley and David Baas tried to pull a phone prank on tight end Bear Pascoe.

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle quotes 49ers coach Mike Singletary as saying he needs longer than most coaches to make decisions such as the one his team faces at quarterback. Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? Singletary: "Got to look at some more film. It takes me a little longer than other coaches. Attention to detail is key. That's the thing I'm always looking at. That's why it takes me longer."

Kevin Lynch of Niner Insider says the 49ers' receivers are not getting open. Lynch: "Over two games, Smith and Hill have completed one pass to a receiver that traveled over 10 yards in the air and that was Smith to Josh Morgan for a 14-yarder against the Broncos on a ball that should have been intercepted. While the receivers have potential, they're not getting open, and that includes the two days of practices against the Raiders."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the following young players stood out to Singletary against the Raiders: Reggie Smith, Scott McKillop, Carlos Thomas, Glen Coffee, Kory Sheets, Nate Davis and Chilo Rachal. 

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News says neither 49ers quarterback has made much of a case for the starting job. Brown: "After three minicamps, four organized team activities, three weeks of training camp and two exhibition games, the 49ers' quarterback competition remains unsettled."

Also from Brown: He thinks the 49ers need to end the drama by naming Hill their starter.

Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says Seahawks linebacker Will Herring impressed against the Broncos on Saturday night. Herring appears stronger and more decisive than in the past.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the good, bad and ugly from the Seahawks' most recent exhibition game. Three projected starters on the offensive line are out. Chris Spencer became the third. Walter Jones is already out and Mike Wahle had to retire.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com calls the Seahawks' Deon Butler a receiver who is fast, not a fast guy trying to play receiver.

John Morgan of Field Gulls didn't like what he saw from Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu during an encounter with Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Available Veteran Tackle Age 2008 Starts Jon Runyan 35 16 Mark Tauscher 32 13 Kwame Harris 27 11 Levi Jones 29 10 Jonas Jennings 31 2 Jason Whittle 34 2 Fred Miller 36 0 Wayne Gandy 38 0 Chad Slaughter 31 0

Jesse asks via Facebook what the Seahawks can do to improve their situation at offensive tackle. He wants to see a list of available free agents.

Mike Sando: The best way to upgrade this situation is to welcome back Walter Jones from knee surgery and push him into the lineup early in the season.

The Seahawks could stand to add a veteran tackle as insurance. They cannot assume Jones will come back and play at a high level. They cannot even assume Ray Willis will make it through a full season at right tackle, in my view. Willis has been dealing with knee pain. It's apparently nothing major, but if he's limping in August -- and he was on the sideline Saturday night -- how will he feel 10 starts into the season? Seems like a reasonable question.

Willis has started 10 games in his career, all last season. The other starting tackle, Sean Locklear, has missed at least four games to injury in two of the last three seasons.

The good, healthy NFL offensive tackles are under contract. The list of available tackles includes Wayne Gandy, Fred Miller, Jon Runyan, Jason Whittle, Mark Tauscher, Jonas Jennings, Levi Jones, Chad Slaughter and Kwame Harris. The chart shows their ages and number of starts last season.

Gandy was with Seahawks coach Jim Mora in Atlanta, but he is also 38 years old. The Seahawks had conversations with Levi Jones' agent earlier in the offseason. Tauscher and Runyan are veteran right tackles. Jennings' injury issues make him a high-risk option. Harris was with Seahawks offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Oakland last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury-News says Glen Coffee's strong running performances this summer will not necessarily affect Frank Gore's playing time. Brown: "[Coach Mike] Singletary, though impressed by the rookie, has no appetite for a running backs controversy. He said that Coffee is not necessarily earning a bigger share of the workload for 2009 and that the kid's role remains the same -- to give Gore a rest on occasion."

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says the 49ers learned little about their quarterback situation Saturday night. On the offensive line, Marvel Smith replaced Adam Snyder at right tackle after Snyder suffered ankle and knee injuries. Maiocco: "Snyder appeared to be walking without any problems after the game, but Singletary said he would undergo an MRI examination."

Also from Maiocco: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half of their game against the Raiders. Micheal Spurlock served as the third receiver early in the game.

More from Maiocco: The 49ers' quarterback debate is a lot nastier than the relationship between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Smith played better than Hill against the Raiders, though his 4.2 passer rating wouldn't say so. Barrows on Smith: "He showed good energy and urgency early on, which hasn't always been the case with Smith. The truth is that he wasn't helped out by his receivers. Both Vernon Davis and Josh Morgan missed catchable balls, and Morgan's miscue led to an interception."

More from Barrows: A play-by-play account of the 49ers in the first half. Anyone seen team president Jed York?

David Fucillo of Niners Nation didn't see much pass rush from the 49ers, one of several points he makes in a position-by-position review of the team.

Scott Kegley of 49ers.com says running back Michael Robinson rushed for 83 yards against Oakland in the third quarter alone.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic offers thoughts and observations following the Cardinals' game against the Chargers. Somers: "Five trips in the red zone. No touchdowns. Coach Ken Whisenhunt wasn't happy about it but he's not going to panic. But it would be nice if the first team scored a touchdown this preseason. The Cardinals have scored only one TD in the preseason, on a pass from Tyler Palko to Onrea Jones at Pittsburgh."

Also from Somers: "It was a rough night for the Cardinals quarterbacks. Starter Kurt Warner wasn't sharp and had a pass intercepted at the Chargers goal line. For the second consecutive game, [Brian] St. Pierre did nothing to threaten Matt Leinart's status as Warner's backup, completing 6 of 15 for 79 yards and no touchdowns."

Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals have become a hot commodity. Bickley: "This reborn franchise has done more than just join the party. These days, the Cardinals are the party."

Somers and Bob McManaman say the Cardinals' red zone offense has struggled.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Arizona's first-team defense played very well against the Chargers. Calais Campbell:  "We have the potential to be great. If we can just keep the team thing going, we will be fine." 

Also from Urban: LaRod Stephens-Howling might have earned a roster spot, but all was not good for the Cardinals against San Diego. Whisenhunt pointed to mitigating factors when asked about St. Pierre's performance at quarterback.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers a few Seahawks notes from their game against the Broncos. Deon Butler made a strong impression early as a receiver, but not as a kickoff returner.

John Morgan of Field Gulls singles out the following Seattle players as "winners" Saturday night: Nick Reed, Michael Bennett, Butler, Justin Forsett, Will Herring, Baraka Atkins, David Hawthorne, C.J. Wallace, Brandon Coutu and Jordan Babineaux.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks' first-team defense struggled against the Broncos, getting pushed up and down the field. I had the same feeling, but the Broncos' overall rushing numbers were weak. Coach Jim Mora: "Our second unit came in and did a heck of a job. We just have to be more focused, we just have to play with more enthusiasm, more energy, we have to tackle better, we have to bring our feet when we tackle." I also suspect the Broncos' offense did a little more game-planning than usual in an attempt to get quarterback Kyle Orton on track following a three-interception showing last week.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Matt Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are starting to get in sync.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch profiles Rams left tackle Alex Barron. Says teammate Chris Long: "I got to see some great left tackles last year, and I really do feel like Alex is a rising star in the league at that spot. I feel like this is going to be a breakout year for him, where people start to realize this is a premier left tackle."

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at the unforgiving nature of NFL
preseasons. Said Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis: "In college, I made it a point of learning everyone's name and becoming familiar with all my teammates. I wanted to know where they were from, what their brothers or sisters names were, because in college, you started camp with 100 guys and you ended camp with 100 guys. But here, you look around and you realize that there will be a lot of empty lockers around here in a few weeks."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says falling behind 14-0 right away wasn't what the Rams wanted as they attempted to win back a skeptical fan base.

Seahawks eligible for practice squad Pos. Perceived Status Jamar Adams DB Bubble Marquis Floyd DB Likely cut Courtney Greene DB Likely cut Michael Bennett DL Bubble Nick Reed DL Bubble Derek Walker DL Likely cut Kevin Brown DL Likely cut Red Bryant DL Keeper Aaron Curry LB Keeper Dave Philistin LB Likely cut Shane Simmons LB Likely cut Max Unger OL Keeper Mansfield Wrotto OL Keeper Na'Shan Goddard OL Likely cut Andre Ramsey OL Likely cut William Robinson OL Likely cut Kyle Williams OL Bubble Jeff Rowe QB Likely cut Mike Teel QB Keeper Dan Curran RB Likely cut Devin Moore RB Likely cut Brandon Coutu ST Bubble Cameron Morrah TE Bubble Joe Newton TE Bubble John Tereshinski TE Likely cut Michael Bumpus WR Bubble Deon Butler WR Keeper Mike Hass WR Bubble Logan Payne WR Bubble

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The race among Seahawks receivers for the last couple roster spots features high stakes.

Contenders Jordan Kent, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor are no longer eligible for the practice squad. One or two of them could be finished in Seattle, at least for now, if they fail to earn spots on the initial -- not even close to final -- 53-man roster.

Kent and Taylor each were active for at least nine games last season -- Obomanu was active for 12 in 2007 -- as the Seahawks worked through catastrophic injuries at the position. That made each receiver ineligible for future practice squads.

Deon Butler, Mike Hass, Logan Payne and Michael Bumpus are the current Seattle receivers with eligibility remaining. Butler is expected to emerge from camp as the fourth receiver behind T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson.

The chart shows all 29 current Seahawks players with eligibility, arranged by position.

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.

As the NFL puts it:

After 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s).
A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.

The situation at tight end remains quite competitive, with Joe Newton and Cameron Morrah likely competing for one roster spot behind John Carlson and John Owens.

The Seahawks face tough decisions on the defensive line, with Nick Reed and Michael Bennett fighting for spots on the 53-man roster. Baraka Atkins is not eligible for the practice squad after playing 12 games as a rookie in 2007 and nine more last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Parys Haralson could "easily" finish the season with 10 or more sacks if he could stay healthy. Twelve NFL players reached double-digit sacks last season: Demarcus Ware (20), Joey Porter (17.5), John Abraham (16.5), James Harrison (16), Jared Allen (14.5), Julius Peppers (14.5), Justin Tuck (12), Mario Williams (12), Robert Mathis (11.5), LaMarr Woodley (11.5), Dwight Freeney (10.5) and Darren Howard (10). Note that none of the 12 played in the NFC West.

Also from Maiocco: Rookie Glen Coffee has stepped up in earning the No. 2 job behind Frank Gore.

The 49ers' Web site runs a fan question-and-answer transcript involving Parys Haralson. Haralson: "Basically we simplified our scheme and he let us do what we do best. He let guys go after the quarterback and let us play football."

John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle profiles 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman. Crumpacker: "Although he loves his job, Rathman said he's no NFL lifer in the making. He said he'd like to put in 15 years as an assistant coach, get his pension, and retire to enjoy life sans air horns, blocking sleds and film study."

Also from Crumpacker: Rathman's recollections about lining up incorrectly on the winning play against the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with 49ers fullback Brit Miller, who has caught the 49ers' attention as a converted linebacker.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says it's unclear why Larry Fitzgerald restructured his contract with the Cardinals. The usual reason -- to clear cap space in the short term -- does not appear to be the motivation.

Also from Somers: Anquan Boldin thinks the Cardinals' approach to training camp helped cut down on injuries.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Early Doucet made a spectacular one-handed reception upon returning from a shoulder injury.

Also from Urban: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt would have liked a longer training camp. Urban: "The NFL calendar began later and NAU begins at the same time, forcing the Cards to leave after just 3.5 weeks."

Art Thiel of seattlepi,com says Seahawks rookie Max Unger impressed during the team's exhibition opener.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawk's offensive linemen are sporting mohawks.

Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times considers whether Walter Jones' latest knee surgery marks the beginning of the end for Seattle's best offensive lineman.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune thinks Julius Jones and Aaron Curry will be questionable for the Seahawks' second exhibition game.

Also from Williams: Sean Locklear will get extended work at left tackle for the Seahawks against Denver. The team needs him in that capacity while Jones recovers. This line would be in trouble if something happened to Locklear.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the Seahawks found their first training camp under Jim Mora to be a grind. Farnsworth: "This camp was shorter, even if it didn't seem that way to the players. The Seahawks have traditionally broken camp before the third preseason game. This year, with Mora contorting tradition at seemingly every turn, camp broke before the second preseason game. But the gap was bridged by rapidly paced, high-tempo practices, and that lone day off for the players."

Also from Farnsworth: Matt Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are getting in sync.

More from Farnsworth: Red Bryant stood out at the Seahawks' morning practice Thursday.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams can take their cue from the crosstown Cardinals. Burwell: "Watch very carefully as the Rams get closer to the end of the preseason, because there will probably be a lot of changing faces. This is the new reality at Rams Park, and it is another sign of a franchise moving in the right direction. There are only a handful of players on this Rams team who should rest easy. When you've won only five games in two seasons, nearly everyone is replaceable."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo established a fast tempo during training camp, according to safety James Butler. Thomas: "If you include the Aug. 7 scrimmage at Lindenwood, nine of the first 11 full-squad days of camp featured live tackling."

Also from Thomas: Five things to watch when the Rams face the Falcons in their second exhibition game. Rookie Jason Smith could win the starting job at right tackle with a strong performance, Thomas suggests.

More from Thomas: The Rams put veteran running back Ahman Green on their "ready list" after working him out this week.

Turf S
how Times' VanRam says Falcons injuries could help the Rams.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Initial reports from Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones' surgery sound like a best-case scenario for what they did not include: surprises.

Dr. Ed Khalfayan removed "loose bodies" and "scar tissue" left over from a previous surgery. The team will reassess Jones' condition in a couple of weeks.

Some players have returned from arthroscopic surgery after about two weeks. That suggests Jones has at least a chance to return in time for the regular-season opener Sept. 13.