NFC West: stock watch
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FALLING
1. John Skelton, Arizona Cardinals QB. Skelton started slowly again, and this time there wasn't enough time for the Cardinals to come back and win. The scoring passes Skelton threw came after his three interceptions and repeated inaccurate passes helped Cincinnati run out to a 23-0 lead. Skelton finished the game with a 6.3 score out of 100 in Total QBR, lowest among 32 starting quarterbacks in Week 16. Teams with lower QBR scores than their opponents are 1-47 (.021) over the past three weeks (the Bengals' Andy Dalton was at 70.9 in this game). Receiver Early Doucet was a candidate to represent the Cardinals in the "falling" category after missing a chance to make the tying reception against the Bengals, but he became a sympathetic figure, in my view, when Larry Fitzgerald's father criticized him.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. Jackson has been a good fit for the Seahawks this season, but his performance in defeat against the 49ers served as a reminder that the team could outgrow his limitations before long. Jackson held the ball too long and seemed indecisive when the 49ers' Larry Grant struck him from behind to force a fumble with the game on the line. Holding the ball too long has been a problem frequently this season. Jackson finished the game with decent passing stats, but he didn't do enough to help his team win the game. This was a step backward for him as the Seahawks' playoff hopes evaporated.
3. Josh Brown, St. Louis Rams kicker. The Rams have enough problems without missing relatively short field goals on those few times when the offense moves into scoring position. Brown missed from 33 yards (and also from 52) against the Steelers when the Rams badly needed points. They trailed only 13-0 after three quarters before allowing two touchdowns to lose 27-0. Brown has made 73.1 percent of his attempts this season, which would be a career low. He has missed five times from inside 50 yards and twice from longer distances. Brown has made at least one attempt from 50-plus yards in each of his eight previous seasons, but none in 2011.
RISING
1. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers WR. The 49ers faced a second-and-18 situation while trailing the Seahawks by a point with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Crabtree's leaping reception along the left sideline for a 41-yard gain bailed out the 49ers and moved them into position for the winning field goal. Crabtree finished the game with five receptions for 85 yards. Both figures were game highs. Crabtree also provided a 27-yard reception to open the second half. That play jump-started an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive as the 49ers tied the game following a rough first half.
2. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks RB. Lynch's stock had already soared over the second half of this season, but he hasn't gotten enough recognition in this space. What Lynch accomplished against the 49ers takes his stock up a few more notches, anyway. You know the particulars by now. With 107 yards and a touchdown, Lynch ended the 49ers' streaks for not allowing a 100-yard rusher (36 games) or a rushing touchdown (15 games). Teams tend to think of running backs as easier to replace than players at other positions. Lynch is an exception in Seattle. The way he runs makes him irreplaceable at this time. He is the Seahawks' MVP, easily.
3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers QB. Poor passing stats in the first half (6-of-15) obscured a strong overall performance from Smith, his second in a row and third in four games. Smith made clutch scrambles, protected the football and came through with that deep pass to Crabtree for the 41-yard gain. He upped his starting record to 12-3 this season. Though Smith did not throw a scoring pass Saturday, he has 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in his last 20 starts. The 49ers have a 15-5 record in those games. Yes, the team has often won with defense, special teams and ball control, but Smith has occasionally been the difference in victory, as he was Sunday. He has also avoided the mistakes that doomed the 49ers to defeat in the past.
FALLING
1. John Skelton, Arizona Cardinals QB. Skelton started slowly again, and this time there wasn't enough time for the Cardinals to come back and win. The scoring passes Skelton threw came after his three interceptions and repeated inaccurate passes helped Cincinnati run out to a 23-0 lead. Skelton finished the game with a 6.3 score out of 100 in Total QBR, lowest among 32 starting quarterbacks in Week 16. Teams with lower QBR scores than their opponents are 1-47 (.021) over the past three weeks (the Bengals' Andy Dalton was at 70.9 in this game). Receiver Early Doucet was a candidate to represent the Cardinals in the "falling" category after missing a chance to make the tying reception against the Bengals, but he became a sympathetic figure, in my view, when Larry Fitzgerald's father criticized him.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. Jackson has been a good fit for the Seahawks this season, but his performance in defeat against the 49ers served as a reminder that the team could outgrow his limitations before long. Jackson held the ball too long and seemed indecisive when the 49ers' Larry Grant struck him from behind to force a fumble with the game on the line. Holding the ball too long has been a problem frequently this season. Jackson finished the game with decent passing stats, but he didn't do enough to help his team win the game. This was a step backward for him as the Seahawks' playoff hopes evaporated.
3. Josh Brown, St. Louis Rams kicker. The Rams have enough problems without missing relatively short field goals on those few times when the offense moves into scoring position. Brown missed from 33 yards (and also from 52) against the Steelers when the Rams badly needed points. They trailed only 13-0 after three quarters before allowing two touchdowns to lose 27-0. Brown has made 73.1 percent of his attempts this season, which would be a career low. He has missed five times from inside 50 yards and twice from longer distances. Brown has made at least one attempt from 50-plus yards in each of his eight previous seasons, but none in 2011.
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Jay Drowns/Getty ImagesThis Michael Crabtree reception helped put the 49ers in position to beat the Seahawks this past Saturday.
Jay Drowns/Getty ImagesThis Michael Crabtree reception helped put the 49ers in position to beat the Seahawks this past Saturday.1. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers WR. The 49ers faced a second-and-18 situation while trailing the Seahawks by a point with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Crabtree's leaping reception along the left sideline for a 41-yard gain bailed out the 49ers and moved them into position for the winning field goal. Crabtree finished the game with five receptions for 85 yards. Both figures were game highs. Crabtree also provided a 27-yard reception to open the second half. That play jump-started an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive as the 49ers tied the game following a rough first half.
2. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks RB. Lynch's stock had already soared over the second half of this season, but he hasn't gotten enough recognition in this space. What Lynch accomplished against the 49ers takes his stock up a few more notches, anyway. You know the particulars by now. With 107 yards and a touchdown, Lynch ended the 49ers' streaks for not allowing a 100-yard rusher (36 games) or a rushing touchdown (15 games). Teams tend to think of running backs as easier to replace than players at other positions. Lynch is an exception in Seattle. The way he runs makes him irreplaceable at this time. He is the Seahawks' MVP, easily.
3. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers QB. Poor passing stats in the first half (6-of-15) obscured a strong overall performance from Smith, his second in a row and third in four games. Smith made clutch scrambles, protected the football and came through with that deep pass to Crabtree for the 41-yard gain. He upped his starting record to 12-3 this season. Though Smith did not throw a scoring pass Saturday, he has 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in his last 20 starts. The 49ers have a 15-5 record in those games. Yes, the team has often won with defense, special teams and ball control, but Smith has occasionally been the difference in victory, as he was Sunday. He has also avoided the mistakes that doomed the 49ers to defeat in the past.
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FALLING
1. Josh McDaniels, St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator. The Rams were more than a few play calls away from beating the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Still, it was tough to justify the Rams' play selection near the goal line. Sending injured quarterback Sam Bradford on a naked bootleg made no sense. Running five consecutive plays from the 1 before finally handing off to Steven Jackson was also a head-scratcher. The joke will be on the rest of us, however, if McDaniels becomes a candidate to succeed Todd Haley as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach.
2. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Smith suffered through arguably his worst game of the season during a 21-19 defeat at Arizona. He completed less than half his passes, averaged less than five yards per attempt and took five sacks. Smith finished the game with a 9.4 Total QBR score, his lowest of the season. He was not the only one to blame, of course. Pass protection was shaky. The running game was inconsistent. Play calling was questionable at times.
3. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals quarterback. It's tough ranking any Cardinals player on the falling list after the team ended a five-game losing streak to the 49ers. This was a rough one for Kolb on a personal level, however. He took a sack, lost a fumble and absorbed a concussion on the Cardinals' third offensive play. Kolb left the game and missed a chance to build on his performance against Dallas the previous week. He has now missed four full games and most of a fifth.
RISING
1. Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals head coach. The Cardinals have won five of their last six games to claw their way back from a 1-6 start to the season. This was the sort of reversal Cardinals ownership needed to see after the team had gone 3-15 over an 18-game period. Whisenhunt preached patience. He was right about the defense needing time under a first-year coordinator. He was right about the team developing younger talent on defense. He was right about the season turning eventually. Whisenhunt could not catch a break previously, but he caught a big one Sunday. His attempt to challenge a 49ers reception prevented San Francisco from running a successful fake field goal. The turnabout produced at least a 10-point swing for Arizona.
2. Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks receiver. The undrafted rookie opened the game with a 37-yard kickoff return. He blocked one punt, downed another at the St. Louis 6-yard line and added a 29-yard touchdown reception. Baldwin was one of several young Seattle players making a positive impact. Rookie linebacker K.J. Wright finished the game with eight total tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack and one pass defensed.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals receiver. Yes, Fitzgerald's stock is already through the roof. He gets special mention here following a performance that was extraordinary even by his standards. Seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown told only part of the story. Fitzgerald threw the key block on Early Doucet's 60-yard touchdown. He helped limit the 49ers to a field goal by tackling Dashon Goldson during an interception return. He turned a potential Goldson interception into a spectacular leaping grab and 46-yard touchdown for Arizona. Fitzgerald set up another Cardinals score with a 53-yard catch-and-run.
FALLING
1. Josh McDaniels, St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator. The Rams were more than a few play calls away from beating the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Still, it was tough to justify the Rams' play selection near the goal line. Sending injured quarterback Sam Bradford on a naked bootleg made no sense. Running five consecutive plays from the 1 before finally handing off to Steven Jackson was also a head-scratcher. The joke will be on the rest of us, however, if McDaniels becomes a candidate to succeed Todd Haley as the Kansas City Chiefs' head coach.
2. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Smith suffered through arguably his worst game of the season during a 21-19 defeat at Arizona. He completed less than half his passes, averaged less than five yards per attempt and took five sacks. Smith finished the game with a 9.4 Total QBR score, his lowest of the season. He was not the only one to blame, of course. Pass protection was shaky. The running game was inconsistent. Play calling was questionable at times.
3. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals quarterback. It's tough ranking any Cardinals player on the falling list after the team ended a five-game losing streak to the 49ers. This was a rough one for Kolb on a personal level, however. He took a sack, lost a fumble and absorbed a concussion on the Cardinals' third offensive play. Kolb left the game and missed a chance to build on his performance against Dallas the previous week. He has now missed four full games and most of a fifth.
RISING
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Mark J. Rebilas/US PRESSWIREThe pressure let up on Ken Whisenhunt following Arizona's win against the 49ers in Week 14.
Mark J. Rebilas/US PRESSWIREThe pressure let up on Ken Whisenhunt following Arizona's win against the 49ers in Week 14.2. Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks receiver. The undrafted rookie opened the game with a 37-yard kickoff return. He blocked one punt, downed another at the St. Louis 6-yard line and added a 29-yard touchdown reception. Baldwin was one of several young Seattle players making a positive impact. Rookie linebacker K.J. Wright finished the game with eight total tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one sack and one pass defensed.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals receiver. Yes, Fitzgerald's stock is already through the roof. He gets special mention here following a performance that was extraordinary even by his standards. Seven receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown told only part of the story. Fitzgerald threw the key block on Early Doucet's 60-yard touchdown. He helped limit the 49ers to a field goal by tackling Dashon Goldson during an interception return. He turned a potential Goldson interception into a spectacular leaping grab and 46-yard touchdown for Arizona. Fitzgerald set up another Cardinals score with a 53-yard catch-and-run.
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FALLING
1. Free-agent wide receivers. Sidney Rice, the Seattle Seahawks' marquee addition in free agency, landed on injured reserve following his second concussion of the season. Shoulder, knee and foot injuries bothered him earlier. Another free-agent receiver in the division, Braylon Edwards, was inactive for the 49ers while recovering from knee and shoulder injuries. The 49ers invested far less in Edwards than Seattle invested in Rice. Still, these big-name receivers have seen their stock fall. Cheaper, younger alternatives stepped up Sunday, notably the 49ers' Kyle Williams and the Arizona Cardinals' Andre Roberts. Seattle has gotten strong play from undrafted rookie Doug Baldwin all season.
2. Job security in St. Louis. The Rams have lost twice to John Skelton over the past month. They failed to score against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. They are trending in the wrong direction and appear unable to do anything about it. Consider this your weekly "falling" item on the Rams. Not much more to say.
AP Photo/Paul SancyaSeattle fans seem likely to remind ref Bill Leavy about their opinion of his work in Super Bowl XL. 3. Bill Leavy's self-esteem. What's this about the league assigning the Super Bowl XL referee to work a game in Seattle for the first time since the Seahawks complained about multiple controversial calls in the big game six years ago? It's scheduled to happen Monday night. Fans have long memories and loud voices. This could be a rough night for Leavy.
RISING
1. Jed York, San Francisco 49ers president. The week would have been a success for York and the 49ers even if the team did not clinch the NFC West title. That is because the 49ers secured $850 million in financing for their proposed stadium. Throwing in a 26-0 home victory over St. Louis for a 10-2 record, division title and team's first playoff berth since the 2002 season was certainly nice, of course. Stocks are rising for quite a few other 49ers, including Williams, new franchise career rushing leader Frank Gore, quarterback Alex Smith, receiver Michael Crabtree, rookie outside linebacker Aldon Smith and others. There wasn't space to honor them all.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. Jackson appeared to be winding down for the season until he completed 13 of 16 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns during a 31-14 victory over Philadelphia. Marshawn Lynch certainly could have represented Seattle in this spot as well. He was phenomenal against the Eagles. Lynch's stock was already quite high, however. Jackson's enjoyed a higher percentage gain, for sure. This was probably his best game of the season even though the team lost Rice to injured reserve a few days before the game.
3. Ray Horton, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator. The Cardinals have won four of their last five games, allowing 63 points in those victories. They held Dallas to 13 points, the Cowboys' second-lowest total of the season. They collected five sacks, a high against Dallas this season. Young outside linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield are improving. Arizona has allowed only five touchdowns in its past five games after allowing 20 in its first seven.
FALLING
1. Free-agent wide receivers. Sidney Rice, the Seattle Seahawks' marquee addition in free agency, landed on injured reserve following his second concussion of the season. Shoulder, knee and foot injuries bothered him earlier. Another free-agent receiver in the division, Braylon Edwards, was inactive for the 49ers while recovering from knee and shoulder injuries. The 49ers invested far less in Edwards than Seattle invested in Rice. Still, these big-name receivers have seen their stock fall. Cheaper, younger alternatives stepped up Sunday, notably the 49ers' Kyle Williams and the Arizona Cardinals' Andre Roberts. Seattle has gotten strong play from undrafted rookie Doug Baldwin all season.
2. Job security in St. Louis. The Rams have lost twice to John Skelton over the past month. They failed to score against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. They are trending in the wrong direction and appear unable to do anything about it. Consider this your weekly "falling" item on the Rams. Not much more to say.
AP Photo/Paul SancyaSeattle fans seem likely to remind ref Bill Leavy about their opinion of his work in Super Bowl XL.RISING
1. Jed York, San Francisco 49ers president. The week would have been a success for York and the 49ers even if the team did not clinch the NFC West title. That is because the 49ers secured $850 million in financing for their proposed stadium. Throwing in a 26-0 home victory over St. Louis for a 10-2 record, division title and team's first playoff berth since the 2002 season was certainly nice, of course. Stocks are rising for quite a few other 49ers, including Williams, new franchise career rushing leader Frank Gore, quarterback Alex Smith, receiver Michael Crabtree, rookie outside linebacker Aldon Smith and others. There wasn't space to honor them all.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. Jackson appeared to be winding down for the season until he completed 13 of 16 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns during a 31-14 victory over Philadelphia. Marshawn Lynch certainly could have represented Seattle in this spot as well. He was phenomenal against the Eagles. Lynch's stock was already quite high, however. Jackson's enjoyed a higher percentage gain, for sure. This was probably his best game of the season even though the team lost Rice to injured reserve a few days before the game.
3. Ray Horton, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator. The Cardinals have won four of their last five games, allowing 63 points in those victories. They held Dallas to 13 points, the Cowboys' second-lowest total of the season. They collected five sacks, a high against Dallas this season. Young outside linebackers Sam Acho and O'Brien Schofield are improving. Arizona has allowed only five touchdowns in its past five games after allowing 20 in its first seven.
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FALLING
1. Steve Spagnuolo, St. Louis Rams coach. The Rams went 0-2 against Seattle and Arizona during their recently completed two-game homestand, likely the Rams' best remaining chance to get something going under their embattled coach. The Rams created turnovers and built early leads in both games, but they were too fragile to withstand any challenges from their opponents. Allowing 268 yards rushing against the Cardinals left the Rams appearing helplessly overmatched at home against a previously 3-7 team with John Skelton at quarterback. The team now must play 9-2 San Francisco (twice), 8-3 Pittsburgh, 7-4 Cincinnati and the same Seattle team that dominated the Rams in the Edward Jones Dome.
2. Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks receiver. The team's leading receiver from 2010 dropped passes and did not adjust to his scrambling quarterback during a 23-17 home defeat to the Washington Redskins. Williams' career revival made for an appealing storyline last season. Lately, though, Williams is more closely resembling the disappointing player he became earlier in his career. He finished with zero receptions against the Redskins.
3. Braylon Edwards, San Francisco 49ers receiver. Injuries have played a role in Edwards' struggles lately. Still, he's squandered chances to make plays. The 49ers could have used Edwards to fight for position and the ball to prevent Alex Smith's deep pass from being intercepted shortly before halftime during the team's 16-6 defeat at Baltimore. Edwards attributed the play to a misunderstanding with Smith over the best route to run against the Ravens' coverage on the play. Edwards has only 14 catches this season. His yards per reception have fallen from 17.1 with the New York Jets last season to 12.3 in 2011.
RISING
1. Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals running back. Wells had rushed for 198 yards over his previous four games before gashing the Rams for a franchise-record 228 yards Sunday. The total was the second highest in the NFL this season, trailing only the 253 yards Dallas' DeMarco Murray racked up against ... yes, the Rams. Wells' 8.44 yards per carry was the most since 1960 for a Cardinals player with at least 25 attempts in a game. Wayne Morris set the previous record (6.56) against Minnesota in 1977.
2. Patrick Peterson, Cardinals return specialist. Peterson's 80-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Rams gave him four of that distance or longer in only 11 games as a professional. Peterson is one of six players in league history with four punt returns for touchdowns covering at least 80 yards apiece. He needed only 31 returns to do it. Devin Hester has five in 197 career returns. Peterson and Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen are the only players with four punt returns for touchdowns during their rookie seasons. Christiansen did it in 1951.
3. Sam Acho, Cardinals outside linebacker. The rookie fourth-round draft choice has five sacks since Week 7 after collecting two against the Rams. Arizona badly needed to develop young outside pass-rushers this season. Acho has made a positive impression during his first five starts. The team should know by season's end whether Acho projects as a starter for years to come. With Acho developing, it's looking like Joey Porter has played his final game for the Cardinals.
FALLING
1. Steve Spagnuolo, St. Louis Rams coach. The Rams went 0-2 against Seattle and Arizona during their recently completed two-game homestand, likely the Rams' best remaining chance to get something going under their embattled coach. The Rams created turnovers and built early leads in both games, but they were too fragile to withstand any challenges from their opponents. Allowing 268 yards rushing against the Cardinals left the Rams appearing helplessly overmatched at home against a previously 3-7 team with John Skelton at quarterback. The team now must play 9-2 San Francisco (twice), 8-3 Pittsburgh, 7-4 Cincinnati and the same Seattle team that dominated the Rams in the Edward Jones Dome.
2. Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks receiver. The team's leading receiver from 2010 dropped passes and did not adjust to his scrambling quarterback during a 23-17 home defeat to the Washington Redskins. Williams' career revival made for an appealing storyline last season. Lately, though, Williams is more closely resembling the disappointing player he became earlier in his career. He finished with zero receptions against the Redskins.
3. Braylon Edwards, San Francisco 49ers receiver. Injuries have played a role in Edwards' struggles lately. Still, he's squandered chances to make plays. The 49ers could have used Edwards to fight for position and the ball to prevent Alex Smith's deep pass from being intercepted shortly before halftime during the team's 16-6 defeat at Baltimore. Edwards attributed the play to a misunderstanding with Smith over the best route to run against the Ravens' coverage on the play. Edwards has only 14 catches this season. His yards per reception have fallen from 17.1 with the New York Jets last season to 12.3 in 2011.
RISING
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Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesBeanie Wells had a career day in Sunday's win over the Rams.
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesBeanie Wells had a career day in Sunday's win over the Rams.2. Patrick Peterson, Cardinals return specialist. Peterson's 80-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Rams gave him four of that distance or longer in only 11 games as a professional. Peterson is one of six players in league history with four punt returns for touchdowns covering at least 80 yards apiece. He needed only 31 returns to do it. Devin Hester has five in 197 career returns. Peterson and Hall of Famer Jack Christiansen are the only players with four punt returns for touchdowns during their rookie seasons. Christiansen did it in 1951.
3. Sam Acho, Cardinals outside linebacker. The rookie fourth-round draft choice has five sacks since Week 7 after collecting two against the Rams. Arizona badly needed to develop young outside pass-rushers this season. Acho has made a positive impression during his first five starts. The team should know by season's end whether Acho projects as a starter for years to come. With Acho developing, it's looking like Joey Porter has played his final game for the Cardinals.
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FALLING
1. John Skelton, Cardinals quarterback. This feels like a late hit -- piling on. Skelton took enough criticism from coach Ken Whisenhunt following the Cardinals' 23-7 defeat at San Francisco. But if we're going to list NFC West players whose stock fell in Week 10, Skelton has to rank at the top. He completed 6 of 19 passes for 99 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions before Whisenhunt benched him to start the fourth quarter. A strong performance from Skelton against the 49ers would have put pressure on Whisenhunt to stick with the second-year passer a while longer.
2. Sam Bradford, Rams quarterback. The Rams' second-year quarterback took five more sacks, lost two fumbles and threw an interception while averaging only 4.5 yards per attempt during a 24-7 home defeat to Seattle. This was Bradford's third game back from injury, but he seems to be getting worse, not better. He has taken 31 sacks in eight starts, nearly double his rate from last season (34 sacks in 16 starts). The Rams appear inept offensively and Bradford, though hardly the No. 1 problem, has shown no ability to lift up the offense.
3. David Akers, 49ers kicker. Akers had two field-goal tries blocked Sunday against Arizona. He missed another attempt. Akers had missed only twice all season, both against Philadelphia in Week 4. There's no reason for alarm at this point. Akers has enjoyed a Pro Bowl-caliber season, even with the misses. But as the 49ers prepare to play what could be a close game against Baltimore on Thanksgiving, they'll need Akers to bounce back from an uncharacteristically rough day. In fairness, Cardinals kicker Jay Feely deserved mention in this space a week earlier. He missed twice against the Eagles. Akers, like Feely, escaped serious scrutiny because his team won.
RISING
1. Michael Crabtree, 49ers WR. Crabtree caught seven passes for 120 yards against the Cardinals. A week earlier, he caught a two-point conversion pass. Crabtree, slowed by injury early in the season, broke tackles and showed better breakaway ability in winning his initial matchup with Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. Crabtree has made his mark as a blocker all season. He hasn't gotten many breaks as a receiver. Officials incorrectly waved off a Crabtree touchdown at Cincinnati. Quarterback Alex Smith has missed an open Crabtree a few other times. This performance Sunday marked a step forward. It was the first time this season Crabtree has reached 100 yards receiving.
2. Chris Clemons, Seahawks DE. A three-sack performance against the Rams left Clemons with eight sacks for the season. He forced two fumbles, giving him three for the season, a career single-season high. Clemons became the first Seahawks player since 2007 to collect three sacks in one game (Patrick Kerney did it three times in a four-game stretch that season). Clemons is an impact player in all areas and arguably the best player on the team. He has recorded seven of his eight sacks on the road this season. A three-game home stand against losing teams should let Clemons reach double-digit sacks for the second consecutive season.
3. Kyle Williams, 49ers WR. This was a tough call. Seattle's Leon Washington also came to mind after his punt returns helped the Seahawks control field position against the Rams. Williams was the choice because he basically came out of nowhere to catch five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers were having issues with consistency in the passing game when Williams came off the bench to spark the team.
FALLING
1. John Skelton, Cardinals quarterback. This feels like a late hit -- piling on. Skelton took enough criticism from coach Ken Whisenhunt following the Cardinals' 23-7 defeat at San Francisco. But if we're going to list NFC West players whose stock fell in Week 10, Skelton has to rank at the top. He completed 6 of 19 passes for 99 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions before Whisenhunt benched him to start the fourth quarter. A strong performance from Skelton against the 49ers would have put pressure on Whisenhunt to stick with the second-year passer a while longer.
2. Sam Bradford, Rams quarterback. The Rams' second-year quarterback took five more sacks, lost two fumbles and threw an interception while averaging only 4.5 yards per attempt during a 24-7 home defeat to Seattle. This was Bradford's third game back from injury, but he seems to be getting worse, not better. He has taken 31 sacks in eight starts, nearly double his rate from last season (34 sacks in 16 starts). The Rams appear inept offensively and Bradford, though hardly the No. 1 problem, has shown no ability to lift up the offense.
3. David Akers, 49ers kicker. Akers had two field-goal tries blocked Sunday against Arizona. He missed another attempt. Akers had missed only twice all season, both against Philadelphia in Week 4. There's no reason for alarm at this point. Akers has enjoyed a Pro Bowl-caliber season, even with the misses. But as the 49ers prepare to play what could be a close game against Baltimore on Thanksgiving, they'll need Akers to bounce back from an uncharacteristically rough day. In fairness, Cardinals kicker Jay Feely deserved mention in this space a week earlier. He missed twice against the Eagles. Akers, like Feely, escaped serious scrutiny because his team won.
RISING
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Jason O. Watson/US PresswireMichael Crabtree is turning it on as the 49ers' go-to receiver.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireMichael Crabtree is turning it on as the 49ers' go-to receiver.2. Chris Clemons, Seahawks DE. A three-sack performance against the Rams left Clemons with eight sacks for the season. He forced two fumbles, giving him three for the season, a career single-season high. Clemons became the first Seahawks player since 2007 to collect three sacks in one game (Patrick Kerney did it three times in a four-game stretch that season). Clemons is an impact player in all areas and arguably the best player on the team. He has recorded seven of his eight sacks on the road this season. A three-game home stand against losing teams should let Clemons reach double-digit sacks for the second consecutive season.
3. Kyle Williams, 49ers WR. This was a tough call. Seattle's Leon Washington also came to mind after his punt returns helped the Seahawks control field position against the Rams. Williams was the choice because he basically came out of nowhere to catch five passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers were having issues with consistency in the passing game when Williams came off the bench to spark the team.
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FALLING
1. Rams/Seahawks special teams. St. Louis had its game-winning attempt at a field goal blocked as regulation expired against Arizona. The Rams then allowed the second-longest punt return in NFL history. Seattle did a better job on its coverage teams, but Leon Washington muffed a kickoff return, forcing the Seahawks to begin a drive at their own 5-yard line. The Seahawks also had a field goal try blocked. Another attempt barely sailed through after the Cowboys tipped the ball. These teams aren't good enough in other areas to tolerate basic breakdowns on special teams.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks quarterback. This was Jackson's most erratic performance of the season and one that validated the criticisms accompanying him from Minnesota to Seattle during the offseason. The Seahawks did not feel comfortable from a protection standpoint using their no-huddle offense extensively against Dallas. That seemed to hurt Jackson, who had been effective using those tactics. Life doesn't appear to get much easier for Jackson in the short term. He's got a game against Baltimore next.
3. Seahawks linebackers. Seattle's run defense entered Week 9 leading the NFL in yards per carry allowed. That ranking fell to third after the team had no answer for Cowboys rookie DeMarco Murray. Linebackers missed tackles and appeared out of position at times. The Cowboys won quite a few blocking battles. They had success running behind fullback Tony Fiammetta. Linebacker K.J. Wright seemed to learn some rookie lessons in this game.
RISING
1. Arizona Cardinals special teams. Patrick Peterson's winning 99-yard punt return followed Calais Campbell's game-saving blocked field goal during a 19-13 victory over the Rams. Cornerback Richard Marshall made a key block during Peterson's return. Peterson gets most of the credit, though. The Cardinals could very well be 0-8 instead of 2-6 without his touchdown returns against Carolina and St. Louis. Meanwhile, Campbell credited teammates Darnell Dockett, Clark Haggans and David Carter for helping him break through to block the field goal try. The Cardinals had to have those plays to break their six-game losing streak.
2. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks running back. Lynch rushed for 135 yards, his highest total since coming to Seattle, during an otherwise forgettable 23-13 defeat at Dallas. Establishing the ground game in the second half of the season probably stands as the Seahawks' top priority. This was a good first step. Lynch ran hard and found wider running lanes. He has now scored a rushing touchdown in each of his past four games, a first for a Seahawks runner since Shaun Alexander in 2005.
3. Bruce Miller, 49ers fullback. The 49ers converted Miller from defense to offense upon drafting him in the seventh round from Central Florida this year. Miller has gotten extensive playing time with an injury sidelining veteran starter Moran Norris. He has improved significantly and broke through as a skill player Sunday with a 30-yard touchdown reception during a 19-11 victory over the Washington Redskins. Most fullbacks go their entire NFL careers without making a play such as that one. Miller needed only eight games.
FALLING
1. Rams/Seahawks special teams. St. Louis had its game-winning attempt at a field goal blocked as regulation expired against Arizona. The Rams then allowed the second-longest punt return in NFL history. Seattle did a better job on its coverage teams, but Leon Washington muffed a kickoff return, forcing the Seahawks to begin a drive at their own 5-yard line. The Seahawks also had a field goal try blocked. Another attempt barely sailed through after the Cowboys tipped the ball. These teams aren't good enough in other areas to tolerate basic breakdowns on special teams.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks quarterback. This was Jackson's most erratic performance of the season and one that validated the criticisms accompanying him from Minnesota to Seattle during the offseason. The Seahawks did not feel comfortable from a protection standpoint using their no-huddle offense extensively against Dallas. That seemed to hurt Jackson, who had been effective using those tactics. Life doesn't appear to get much easier for Jackson in the short term. He's got a game against Baltimore next.
3. Seahawks linebackers. Seattle's run defense entered Week 9 leading the NFL in yards per carry allowed. That ranking fell to third after the team had no answer for Cowboys rookie DeMarco Murray. Linebackers missed tackles and appeared out of position at times. The Cowboys won quite a few blocking battles. They had success running behind fullback Tony Fiammetta. Linebacker K.J. Wright seemed to learn some rookie lessons in this game.
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AP Photo/Tony GutierrezMarshawn Lynch was a bright spot for the Seahawks on Sunday.
AP Photo/Tony GutierrezMarshawn Lynch was a bright spot for the Seahawks on Sunday.1. Arizona Cardinals special teams. Patrick Peterson's winning 99-yard punt return followed Calais Campbell's game-saving blocked field goal during a 19-13 victory over the Rams. Cornerback Richard Marshall made a key block during Peterson's return. Peterson gets most of the credit, though. The Cardinals could very well be 0-8 instead of 2-6 without his touchdown returns against Carolina and St. Louis. Meanwhile, Campbell credited teammates Darnell Dockett, Clark Haggans and David Carter for helping him break through to block the field goal try. The Cardinals had to have those plays to break their six-game losing streak.
2. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks running back. Lynch rushed for 135 yards, his highest total since coming to Seattle, during an otherwise forgettable 23-13 defeat at Dallas. Establishing the ground game in the second half of the season probably stands as the Seahawks' top priority. This was a good first step. Lynch ran hard and found wider running lanes. He has now scored a rushing touchdown in each of his past four games, a first for a Seahawks runner since Shaun Alexander in 2005.
3. Bruce Miller, 49ers fullback. The 49ers converted Miller from defense to offense upon drafting him in the seventh round from Central Florida this year. Miller has gotten extensive playing time with an injury sidelining veteran starter Moran Norris. He has improved significantly and broke through as a skill player Sunday with a 30-yard touchdown reception during a 19-11 victory over the Washington Redskins. Most fullbacks go their entire NFL careers without making a play such as that one. Miller needed only eight games.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Mike Sims-Walker, ex-Rams WR: That did not take long. Sims-Walker went from key free-agent addition to dropping three passes against Washington to being named inactive to being released in a short period of time. Perhaps now we know why the Jacksonville Jaguars decided against bringing back Sims-Walker even though they lacked proven players at the position. Sims-Walker was the logical Rams receiver to go once the team acquired Brandon Lloyd from Denver. The team expects to welcome back veteran Mark Clayton from the physically unable to perform list at some point, too.
2. Lockout grace periods: It's tough for the San Francisco 49ers' division rivals -- and other teams -- to complain too loudly about the lockout setting them back. The 49ers have gotten to 5-1 despite changing over just about all of their coaching staff and installing new schemes. As Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said following his team's 1-4 start, "A lot of guys are making mistakes. Can you say, 'Well, gee, that is lack of offseason?' We're now into October. We now should be able to clean up those things. These are professional athletes and they have to rise to the occasion. And none of the other 31 teams had an offseason, either. We shouldn't be at that much of a disadvantage where we've only won one game."
3. Shawntae Spencer, 49ers CB: Spencer was a starter last season and arguably the best cornerback on the team. He's not getting on the field at this point because Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and rookie Chris Culliver are ahead of him on the depth chart. The 49ers did a good job addressing the position in the offseason. Had they stood pat, Spencer would probably be starting. Injuries have also set back Spencer this season.
RISING
1. Aldon Smith, 49ers OLB: The player San Francisco drafted in the first round is quickly becoming a candidate for defensive rookie of the year, along with Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Redskins. Smith has 5.5 sacks over the 49ers' last three games. He is playing well and benefiting from the talent around him. Opposing offenses must funnel additional resources toward defensive end Justin Smith in particular.
2. Vic Fangio, 49ers defensive coordinator. The 49ers' defensive performance on the road against the Detroit Lions was mostly dominant. The defense provided a safety and held the Lions to two third-down conversions in 15 opportunities. Fangio and the personnel department deserve much credit for putting together the right mix of players on defense. Drafting Smith seventh overall and Culliver in the third round helped the defense right away. Other moves that have worked out well: adding Rogers to replace Nate Clements, moving NaVorro Bowman into the lineup at the expense of Takeo Spikes, signing and moving into the lineup Ray McDonald and remaking the safety position without losing Dashon Goldson. The 49ers took some heat for not signing Nnamdi Asomugha, but no one is complaining now.
3. Delanie Walker, 49ers TE: Walker now has touchdown receptions in consecutive games. He has three for the season after catching none since 2008. Years ago, when Trent Dilfer was still playing for the 49ers, I remember him saying Walker was one of the most talented players on the team. Year after year, Walker seemed on the verge of becoming a bigger factor, but it would never happen to the extent anticipated. It's looking like the new coaching staff is finding ways to get more key plays from Walker. His game-winning touchdown reception in the final minutes Sunday stands as a career highlight, but perhaps not for long.
FALLING
1. Mike Sims-Walker, ex-Rams WR: That did not take long. Sims-Walker went from key free-agent addition to dropping three passes against Washington to being named inactive to being released in a short period of time. Perhaps now we know why the Jacksonville Jaguars decided against bringing back Sims-Walker even though they lacked proven players at the position. Sims-Walker was the logical Rams receiver to go once the team acquired Brandon Lloyd from Denver. The team expects to welcome back veteran Mark Clayton from the physically unable to perform list at some point, too.
2. Lockout grace periods: It's tough for the San Francisco 49ers' division rivals -- and other teams -- to complain too loudly about the lockout setting them back. The 49ers have gotten to 5-1 despite changing over just about all of their coaching staff and installing new schemes. As Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said following his team's 1-4 start, "A lot of guys are making mistakes. Can you say, 'Well, gee, that is lack of offseason?' We're now into October. We now should be able to clean up those things. These are professional athletes and they have to rise to the occasion. And none of the other 31 teams had an offseason, either. We shouldn't be at that much of a disadvantage where we've only won one game."
3. Shawntae Spencer, 49ers CB: Spencer was a starter last season and arguably the best cornerback on the team. He's not getting on the field at this point because Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and rookie Chris Culliver are ahead of him on the depth chart. The 49ers did a good job addressing the position in the offseason. Had they stood pat, Spencer would probably be starting. Injuries have also set back Spencer this season.
RISING
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AP Photo/Rick Osentoski49ers linebacker Aldon Smith is making a case to become defensive rookie of the year.
AP Photo/Rick Osentoski49ers linebacker Aldon Smith is making a case to become defensive rookie of the year.2. Vic Fangio, 49ers defensive coordinator. The 49ers' defensive performance on the road against the Detroit Lions was mostly dominant. The defense provided a safety and held the Lions to two third-down conversions in 15 opportunities. Fangio and the personnel department deserve much credit for putting together the right mix of players on defense. Drafting Smith seventh overall and Culliver in the third round helped the defense right away. Other moves that have worked out well: adding Rogers to replace Nate Clements, moving NaVorro Bowman into the lineup at the expense of Takeo Spikes, signing and moving into the lineup Ray McDonald and remaking the safety position without losing Dashon Goldson. The 49ers took some heat for not signing Nnamdi Asomugha, but no one is complaining now.
3. Delanie Walker, 49ers TE: Walker now has touchdown receptions in consecutive games. He has three for the season after catching none since 2008. Years ago, when Trent Dilfer was still playing for the 49ers, I remember him saying Walker was one of the most talented players on the team. Year after year, Walker seemed on the verge of becoming a bigger factor, but it would never happen to the extent anticipated. It's looking like the new coaching staff is finding ways to get more key plays from Walker. His game-winning touchdown reception in the final minutes Sunday stands as a career highlight, but perhaps not for long.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Anything with horns on it. The St. Louis Rams are 0-4 and the most disappointing team in the league. Media coverage in St. Louis is beginning to suggest trouble ahead for coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney if the Rams do not start winning. The Rams appear to have no answers and the schedule isn't getting any easier.
2. Sam Bradford, Rams QB. Opponents have sacked Bradford 18 times in four games. Bradford is on pace to absorb 72 sacks over a 16-game season. That would tie Bradford with Randall Cunningham for the second most since at least 1982, when sacks became an official stat. David Carr set the record with 75 sacks in 2002. Carr never recovered from the beating he took early in his career. The punishment Bradford is taking could threaten his long-term outlook.
3. Coach Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have lost 12 of their last 15 games, including three in a row this season despite making a substantial investment at quarterback. That'll hurt any coach's stock.
RISING
1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers RB. There were too many worthy candidates and too few spaces to honor them all. Gore's stock value improved the most from a week ago, when he struggled against Cincinnati, suffered an ankle injury and then watched Kendall Hunter start ahead of him in Week 4. Gore responded by leading the 49ers past Philadelphia with 127 yards and the winning touchdown. Coach Jim Harbaugh, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, defensive end Justin Smith and the entire 49ers offensive line deserve mention here. All would have been worthy choices.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. There were no indications Jackson was about to pass for 319 yards with three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons. The performance should quiet critics clamoring for the Seahawks to bench Jackson in favor of Charlie Whitehurst. Jackson took no sacks in this game. His offensive line deserves partial credit for that, but Jackson was the one who took advantage. He was the one whose stock jumped the most in Seattle.
3. Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals RB. It's still a mystery how the Cardinals could lose with Wells carrying 27 times for 138 yards and three touchdowns. Wells' physical running played a huge role in Arizona's ability to build a 27-17 fourth-quarter lead over the New York Giants. He's averaging 107 yards rushing per game, second to Darren McFadden among players with at least 20 carries this season. He's also leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with five. Give some credit to the Cardinals' offensive line as well.
FALLING
1. Anything with horns on it. The St. Louis Rams are 0-4 and the most disappointing team in the league. Media coverage in St. Louis is beginning to suggest trouble ahead for coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney if the Rams do not start winning. The Rams appear to have no answers and the schedule isn't getting any easier.
2. Sam Bradford, Rams QB. Opponents have sacked Bradford 18 times in four games. Bradford is on pace to absorb 72 sacks over a 16-game season. That would tie Bradford with Randall Cunningham for the second most since at least 1982, when sacks became an official stat. David Carr set the record with 75 sacks in 2002. Carr never recovered from the beating he took early in his career. The punishment Bradford is taking could threaten his long-term outlook.
3. Coach Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have lost 12 of their last 15 games, including three in a row this season despite making a substantial investment at quarterback. That'll hurt any coach's stock.
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Rich Schultz /Getty ImagesFrank Gore rushed for 127 yards and a score in the 49ers' win over the Eagles.
Rich Schultz /Getty ImagesFrank Gore rushed for 127 yards and a score in the 49ers' win over the Eagles.1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers RB. There were too many worthy candidates and too few spaces to honor them all. Gore's stock value improved the most from a week ago, when he struggled against Cincinnati, suffered an ankle injury and then watched Kendall Hunter start ahead of him in Week 4. Gore responded by leading the 49ers past Philadelphia with 127 yards and the winning touchdown. Coach Jim Harbaugh, linebacker NaVorro Bowman, defensive end Justin Smith and the entire 49ers offensive line deserve mention here. All would have been worthy choices.
2. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks QB. There were no indications Jackson was about to pass for 319 yards with three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons. The performance should quiet critics clamoring for the Seahawks to bench Jackson in favor of Charlie Whitehurst. Jackson took no sacks in this game. His offensive line deserves partial credit for that, but Jackson was the one who took advantage. He was the one whose stock jumped the most in Seattle.
3. Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals RB. It's still a mystery how the Cardinals could lose with Wells carrying 27 times for 138 yards and three touchdowns. Wells' physical running played a huge role in Arizona's ability to build a 27-17 fourth-quarter lead over the New York Giants. He's averaging 107 yards rushing per game, second to Darren McFadden among players with at least 20 carries this season. He's also leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with five. Give some credit to the Cardinals' offensive line as well.
Yes, some Cardinals' stock rising as well
September, 13, 2011
9/13/11
1:26
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
In retrospect, the NFC West Stock Watch exiting Week 1 could have used some Arizona Cardinals representation in the "rising" section.
I'll go one better than that by creating a separate item honoring multiple Cardinals.
Among the candidates worthy of our consideration:
Any other viable candidates from Arizona? I'm going to watch the game more closely later Tuesday.
I'll go one better than that by creating a separate item honoring multiple Cardinals.
Among the candidates worthy of our consideration:
- Kevin Kolb, quarterback: His stock was already pretty high around here, at least in my view. But if someone had told the Cardinals to expect 309 yards passing with two touchdowns and a victory in Kolb's debut, the team would have gladly accepted. Arizona likely would have lost its opener against Carolina if forced to play with its quarterbacks from last season.
- Early Doucet, receiver: Nothing like a 70-yard touchdown reception and a 35-yard average on three catches to open the season. Doucet has had more problems with injuries than opponents to this point in his career. This was a good start for him. His stock rose.
- Beanie Wells, running back: The Cardinals surely would have taken an 18-carry, 90-yard performance from Wells if someone had offered it to them before the game. Wells did not fumble, although he and Kolb failed to connect on a pitch near the goal line. He scored a touchdown. He stayed healthy.
- Daryl Washington, linebacker: One interception, one-half sack and six tackles should count for something even though the Cardinals' defense allowed 477 yards.
- Patrick Peterson, return specialist: Peterson the cornerback appeared as part of the "falling" section in the stock watch. Peterson the returner and overall big-play threat deserves mention for his game-changing punt return for a touchdown.
Any other viable candidates from Arizona? I'm going to watch the game more closely later Tuesday.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. St. Louis Rams' mojo. Rams fans are advised to skip ahead to the third item in the "rising" section below. This item could be too painful for them. The Rams' early schedule was going to be tough enough already without subtracting key players from the lineup. Sure, quarterback Sam Bradford (finger), tackle Jason Smith (ankle) and cornerback Bradley Fletcher (toe) could be healthy enough to play against the New York Giants in Week 2. None figures to be full strength, however, and there's little or no chance the Rams will have running back Steven Jackson (quadriceps), cornerback Ron Bartell (neck) or receiver Danny Amendola (elbow). The Giants are also riddled with injuries, but at least they'll be at home.
2. Seattle Seahawks special teams. The Seahawks pulled within 19-17 in the final four minutes against the Niners when their coverage units imploded, allowing two quick return touchdowns. Losing fullback Michael Robinson and cornerback Byron Maxwell to injuries weakened Seattle on special teams, no question. But those personnel losses could not excuse allowing a 102-yard kickoff return and a 55-yard punt return to Ted Ginn Jr. Seattle return specialist Leon Washington was already having a tough game when he ran down on the kick coverage team as Ginn gathered momentum for his 102-yarder. Washington tried to get around 49ers linebacker Blake Costanzo, and when he did, there was room. Ginn: "The guy that really gave it away to me was Leon."
3. Arizona Cardinals cornerbacks. Rookie Patrick Peterson and former wide receiver A.J. Jefferson were making their first regular-season starts at cornerback for the Cardinals. By the time their day was done, Cam Newton had passed for 422 yards, a record for a rookie making his first start. Peterson and Jefferson were not solely to blame, of course. Effective coverage requires trust and coordination throughout the secondary. Still, coach Ken Whisenhunt was diplomatic when he said: "I think if we can get these two young guys to keep improving and getting more time in these games, we're going to be OK."
RISING
1. Ginn and the San Francisco 49ers' special teams. The 49ers entered Week 1 as the only team in the league featuring a snapper, kicker and punter with at least one Pro Bowl appearance apiece. Brad Seely, in his first season with the 49ers, is a two-time special-teams coach of the year. Costanzo, Colin Jones and Bruce Miller earned roster spots largely for their strength on special teams. Coach Jim Harbaugh says he thinks the 49ers spend more time than most practicing special teams. Get the idea? Beyond Ginn's returns, the punt that Andy Lee dropped at the Seattle 1-yard line was also pivotal. The 49ers won the field-position game, critical to the outcome. Lee set a franchise record for gross average (59.4) among players with more than one punt. His net average (54.2) was sensational.
2. Ray McDonald, 49ers defensive end. It's tough to believe McDonald hadn't started a game since 2008 before Sunday. The 49ers gave him a $5 million signing bonus as part of a five-year, $20 million contract during the offseason. McDonald was a problem for Seattle from the beginning. He finished the game with six tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage. He had one sack and three total quarterback hits. The 49ers felt as though McDonald had shown signs in the past that a breakthrough could be on the way. This performance showed they might have been right.
3. Cadillac Williams, Rams running back. As promised, Rams fans, there was a reward for you in the end. Williams' 19-carry, 91-yard performance validated the Rams' decision to sign Williams for veteran depth behind Jackson. The team previously did not feel as though its backups could carry a full workload from game to game. It's looking like the Rams will need Williams to fill that role for at least one game, and it's looking like Williams will be ready.
FALLING
1. St. Louis Rams' mojo. Rams fans are advised to skip ahead to the third item in the "rising" section below. This item could be too painful for them. The Rams' early schedule was going to be tough enough already without subtracting key players from the lineup. Sure, quarterback Sam Bradford (finger), tackle Jason Smith (ankle) and cornerback Bradley Fletcher (toe) could be healthy enough to play against the New York Giants in Week 2. None figures to be full strength, however, and there's little or no chance the Rams will have running back Steven Jackson (quadriceps), cornerback Ron Bartell (neck) or receiver Danny Amendola (elbow). The Giants are also riddled with injuries, but at least they'll be at home.
2. Seattle Seahawks special teams. The Seahawks pulled within 19-17 in the final four minutes against the Niners when their coverage units imploded, allowing two quick return touchdowns. Losing fullback Michael Robinson and cornerback Byron Maxwell to injuries weakened Seattle on special teams, no question. But those personnel losses could not excuse allowing a 102-yard kickoff return and a 55-yard punt return to Ted Ginn Jr. Seattle return specialist Leon Washington was already having a tough game when he ran down on the kick coverage team as Ginn gathered momentum for his 102-yarder. Washington tried to get around 49ers linebacker Blake Costanzo, and when he did, there was room. Ginn: "The guy that really gave it away to me was Leon."
3. Arizona Cardinals cornerbacks. Rookie Patrick Peterson and former wide receiver A.J. Jefferson were making their first regular-season starts at cornerback for the Cardinals. By the time their day was done, Cam Newton had passed for 422 yards, a record for a rookie making his first start. Peterson and Jefferson were not solely to blame, of course. Effective coverage requires trust and coordination throughout the secondary. Still, coach Ken Whisenhunt was diplomatic when he said: "I think if we can get these two young guys to keep improving and getting more time in these games, we're going to be OK."
RISING
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Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesTed Ginn Jr.'s two touchdowns were the difference in San Francisco's win over Seattle.
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesTed Ginn Jr.'s two touchdowns were the difference in San Francisco's win over Seattle.2. Ray McDonald, 49ers defensive end. It's tough to believe McDonald hadn't started a game since 2008 before Sunday. The 49ers gave him a $5 million signing bonus as part of a five-year, $20 million contract during the offseason. McDonald was a problem for Seattle from the beginning. He finished the game with six tackles, including three behind the line of scrimmage. He had one sack and three total quarterback hits. The 49ers felt as though McDonald had shown signs in the past that a breakthrough could be on the way. This performance showed they might have been right.
3. Cadillac Williams, Rams running back. As promised, Rams fans, there was a reward for you in the end. Williams' 19-carry, 91-yard performance validated the Rams' decision to sign Williams for veteran depth behind Jackson. The team previously did not feel as though its backups could carry a full workload from game to game. It's looking like the Rams will need Williams to fill that role for at least one game, and it's looking like Williams will be ready.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Derek Anderson, Cardinals QB. Cue the video. Briefly laughing on the sideline during a blowout defeat wasn't nearly as bad as Anderson's reaction to questioning on the matter. Now there's a guy you'd better not cut off in traffic.
2. Pete Carroll, Seahawks coach. The team has rebuilt its roster before without losing consecutive home games by a combined 52 points (41-7 to the New York Giants and 42-24 to Kansas City). Only Carolina has lost consecutive home games by more points this season (65). Carroll's philosophy to "always compete" seemed to take a hit when the team knelt on the ball to run out the clock during its 18-point surrender to Kansas City. Before this season, the team had allowed 40-plus points at home only once during the regular season since Qwest Field opened in 2002.
3. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals coach. Losing at home by double-digit margins to average or below-average division rivals will drag down any coach's stock. Seattle and San Francisco have beaten the Cardinals by a combined 39 points in Arizona's past two home games. Arizona has lost six in a row overall. Four of the six defeats came against teams that currently have losing records. There are no indications the Cardinals have hit bottom. If Whisenhunt had the ability to stop this free-fall, he would have done it by now.
RISING
1. Brian Westbrook, 49ers RB. The 49ers did not view Westbrook as an every-down injury replacement for Frank Gore when they signed him. Westbrook ran effectively enough during a 27-6 victory at Arizona to command a full workload. Twenty-three carries for 136 yards showed Westbrook was ready when called upon. That one performance justified the decision to sign Westbrook.
2. Sam Bradford, Rams QB. Bradford's stock was already high, but its value shot up outside the St. Louis market when the Rams' rookie quarterback led the team to its first road victory of the season. Rams fans won't tire of reading about how Bradford became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in a road victory.
3. Chris Long, Rams DE. Long came through with two pivotal plays when the Rams needed them most in Denver. A double-digit lead was down to three points when Denver took over possession with one last shot to force overtime or win the game. Long's first-down sack and fourth-down quarterback hit helped St. Louis take a significant step.
FALLING
1. Derek Anderson, Cardinals QB. Cue the video. Briefly laughing on the sideline during a blowout defeat wasn't nearly as bad as Anderson's reaction to questioning on the matter. Now there's a guy you'd better not cut off in traffic.
2. Pete Carroll, Seahawks coach. The team has rebuilt its roster before without losing consecutive home games by a combined 52 points (41-7 to the New York Giants and 42-24 to Kansas City). Only Carolina has lost consecutive home games by more points this season (65). Carroll's philosophy to "always compete" seemed to take a hit when the team knelt on the ball to run out the clock during its 18-point surrender to Kansas City. Before this season, the team had allowed 40-plus points at home only once during the regular season since Qwest Field opened in 2002.
3. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals coach. Losing at home by double-digit margins to average or below-average division rivals will drag down any coach's stock. Seattle and San Francisco have beaten the Cardinals by a combined 39 points in Arizona's past two home games. Arizona has lost six in a row overall. Four of the six defeats came against teams that currently have losing records. There are no indications the Cardinals have hit bottom. If Whisenhunt had the ability to stop this free-fall, he would have done it by now.
RISING
1. Brian Westbrook, 49ers RB. The 49ers did not view Westbrook as an every-down injury replacement for Frank Gore when they signed him. Westbrook ran effectively enough during a 27-6 victory at Arizona to command a full workload. Twenty-three carries for 136 yards showed Westbrook was ready when called upon. That one performance justified the decision to sign Westbrook.
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Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesSam Bradford threw for 308 yards and three scores in the Rams' win over the Broncos.
Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesSam Bradford threw for 308 yards and three scores in the Rams' win over the Broncos.3. Chris Long, Rams DE. Long came through with two pivotal plays when the Rams needed them most in Denver. A double-digit lead was down to three points when Denver took over possession with one last shot to force overtime or win the game. Long's first-down sack and fourth-down quarterback hit helped St. Louis take a significant step.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks RB. Two lost fumbles and two dropped passes (one of them on a pass that was tough to handle) prevented Seattle's offense from exploiting the New Orleans Saints' defense any further. The Seahawks passed the ball almost at will, particularly when Mike Williams was in the game, and Lynch averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The turnovers and dropped passes hurt. Lynch was fighting for extra yardage at the expense of ball security. The team replaced him after the second fumble.
2. Troy Smith, 49ers QB. Smith took too many sacks and struggled when Tampa Bay forced him to remain in the pocket. The game plan was arguably too conservative, but Smith did not maximize opportunities. He could have used better protection and more from the running game, too. Smith threw an interception for the first time since replacing Alex Smith as a starter.
3. Ben Patrick, Cardinals TE. The Cardinals have always wanted Patrick to emerge. Instead, Patrick has faded. Arizona replaced Patrick in the starting lineup Sunday even though the Cardinals opened the game with two tight ends (former Cardinal Leonard Pope even started for Kansas City). When Arizona took over possession near midfield late in the third quarter, a holding penalty against Patrick contributed to the drive stalling. Arizona trailed 21-6 at the time. A touchdown drive would have gotten the Cardinals back into the game. Patrick previously committed a holding penalty on the Cardinals' first drive at Minnesota.
RISING
1. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks QB. The quarterback's second consecutive prolific passing performance suggests he could be positioned to finish strong this season. Hasselbeck has 699 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions over his last two games, helping to establish Seattle as the division favorite. No player's stock has risen so sharply in recent weeks.
2. Brandon Gibson, Rams WR. The second-year pro has 19 receptions and one touchdown over the Rams' last three games. The team needed someone to emerge after losing Mark Clayton to a season-ending knee injury. Gibson has helped fill some of the void. His leaping 13-yard touchdown grab against the Atlanta Falcons gave the Rams a 17-16 lead in the third quarter.
3. Ben Obomanu, Seahawks WR. Something has clicked between Obomanu and Hasselbeck. It's easy to forget that the two have been on the same team since 2006. Obomanu has nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown over the last two games. He ranks tied for the team lead with three touchdowns this season. He averages 15.4 yards per reception and made a nice adjustment to grab a 42-yarder against the Saints.
FALLING
1. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks RB. Two lost fumbles and two dropped passes (one of them on a pass that was tough to handle) prevented Seattle's offense from exploiting the New Orleans Saints' defense any further. The Seahawks passed the ball almost at will, particularly when Mike Williams was in the game, and Lynch averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The turnovers and dropped passes hurt. Lynch was fighting for extra yardage at the expense of ball security. The team replaced him after the second fumble.
2. Troy Smith, 49ers QB. Smith took too many sacks and struggled when Tampa Bay forced him to remain in the pocket. The game plan was arguably too conservative, but Smith did not maximize opportunities. He could have used better protection and more from the running game, too. Smith threw an interception for the first time since replacing Alex Smith as a starter.
3. Ben Patrick, Cardinals TE. The Cardinals have always wanted Patrick to emerge. Instead, Patrick has faded. Arizona replaced Patrick in the starting lineup Sunday even though the Cardinals opened the game with two tight ends (former Cardinal Leonard Pope even started for Kansas City). When Arizona took over possession near midfield late in the third quarter, a holding penalty against Patrick contributed to the drive stalling. Arizona trailed 21-6 at the time. A touchdown drive would have gotten the Cardinals back into the game. Patrick previously committed a holding penalty on the Cardinals' first drive at Minnesota.
RISING
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AP Photo/Bill NicholsMatt Hasselbeck's stock is soaring following back-to-back games of over 300 yards passing.
AP Photo/Bill NicholsMatt Hasselbeck's stock is soaring following back-to-back games of over 300 yards passing.2. Brandon Gibson, Rams WR. The second-year pro has 19 receptions and one touchdown over the Rams' last three games. The team needed someone to emerge after losing Mark Clayton to a season-ending knee injury. Gibson has helped fill some of the void. His leaping 13-yard touchdown grab against the Atlanta Falcons gave the Rams a 17-16 lead in the third quarter.
3. Ben Obomanu, Seahawks WR. Something has clicked between Obomanu and Hasselbeck. It's easy to forget that the two have been on the same team since 2006. Obomanu has nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown over the last two games. He ranks tied for the team lead with three touchdowns this season. He averages 15.4 yards per reception and made a nice adjustment to grab a 42-yarder against the Saints.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals coach. The Cardinals' handling of the quarterback situation appears questionable, at best, now that Derek Anderson and Max Hall are racking up interceptions. Whisenhunt probably bet too much on both of them in the big picture when he benched and released Matt Leinart. He bet too much on Anderson in Week 8 when he called a fourth-and-2 pass play from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line while trailing by a touchdown late in the first half. Arizona got no points and lost by three. It's tough to blame Anderson or Hall for meeting outside expectations.
2. Mike Williams, Seahawks WR. Williams' stock was surging in recent weeks even though he ranked among the league leaders in dropped passes. The one Williams dropped inside the Oakland 5-yard line Sunday was particularly costly. Seattle trailed 13-0 at the time and the team would get no points from the drive. Williams took responsibility for the drop, another sign he's on the right track overall. He played through a bruised knee and did make a 27-yard grab late in the game, but it was his only reception after making 21 over the previous two games.
3. Olindo Mare, Seahawks K. Mare had made 30 consecutive field-goal tries before missing from 51 and 29 yards against the Raiders. Seattle normally might have gone for it on fourth-and-1 from the Oakland 33, but only 20 seconds remained in the first half and Seattle, down 10-0, needed points. The score was still relatively close (13-0) when Mare's attempt from 29 yards missed wide left.
RISING
1. Manny Lawson, 49ers OLB. Lawson wanted a new contract before the season. He's playing like a guy who deserves one. Lawson had three tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one forced fumble during the 49ers' 24-16 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 8. Coach Mike Singletary: "There’s a light that has gone on for him." Lawson appears to be playing more instinctively, allowing his considerable athletic skills to shine through.
2. Steve Spagnuolo, Rams coach. Getting to the bye with a 4-4 record stands as no small achievement after the Rams won three games in their previous two seasons. This team has taken on Spagnuolo's personality: tough, resolute, resilient. The consistency isn't quite there and the Rams haven't learned to finish games on the road, a potential problem given the remaining schedule. But the arrow is pointing up.
3. Steve Breaston, Cardinals WR. Inside linebacker Gerald Hayes deserved some consideration here after scoring on a fumble return in his first game off the physically unable to perform list, but Arizona allowed 154 yards rushing. Breaston, playing in his first game following knee surgery, caught eight passes for a career-high 147 yards. He proved he could make big plays even when the Cardinals have quarterback issues.
FALLING
1. Ken Whisenhunt, Cardinals coach. The Cardinals' handling of the quarterback situation appears questionable, at best, now that Derek Anderson and Max Hall are racking up interceptions. Whisenhunt probably bet too much on both of them in the big picture when he benched and released Matt Leinart. He bet too much on Anderson in Week 8 when he called a fourth-and-2 pass play from the Tampa Bay 3-yard line while trailing by a touchdown late in the first half. Arizona got no points and lost by three. It's tough to blame Anderson or Hall for meeting outside expectations.
2. Mike Williams, Seahawks WR. Williams' stock was surging in recent weeks even though he ranked among the league leaders in dropped passes. The one Williams dropped inside the Oakland 5-yard line Sunday was particularly costly. Seattle trailed 13-0 at the time and the team would get no points from the drive. Williams took responsibility for the drop, another sign he's on the right track overall. He played through a bruised knee and did make a 27-yard grab late in the game, but it was his only reception after making 21 over the previous two games.
3. Olindo Mare, Seahawks K. Mare had made 30 consecutive field-goal tries before missing from 51 and 29 yards against the Raiders. Seattle normally might have gone for it on fourth-and-1 from the Oakland 33, but only 20 seconds remained in the first half and Seattle, down 10-0, needed points. The score was still relatively close (13-0) when Mare's attempt from 29 yards missed wide left.
RISING
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Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesManny Lawson has collected an interception and two sacks and has forced a fumble this season.
Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesManny Lawson has collected an interception and two sacks and has forced a fumble this season.2. Steve Spagnuolo, Rams coach. Getting to the bye with a 4-4 record stands as no small achievement after the Rams won three games in their previous two seasons. This team has taken on Spagnuolo's personality: tough, resolute, resilient. The consistency isn't quite there and the Rams haven't learned to finish games on the road, a potential problem given the remaining schedule. But the arrow is pointing up.
3. Steve Breaston, Cardinals WR. Inside linebacker Gerald Hayes deserved some consideration here after scoring on a fumble return in his first game off the physically unable to perform list, but Arizona allowed 154 yards rushing. Breaston, playing in his first game following knee surgery, caught eight passes for a career-high 147 yards. He proved he could make big plays even when the Cardinals have quarterback issues.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Max Hall, Cardinals QB. Completing 4 of 16 passes before suffering a concussion knocked down Hall's stock considerably even though this was only his second NFL start. Hall struggled in the wet, windy conditions at Qwest Field. He looked better against New Orleans two weeks earlier and he'll need to look better against Tampa Bay in Week 8. At least he won't have to worry about wrapping his small hands around a cold, wet football.
2. David Carr, 49ers QB. The 49ers have given Alex Smith five-plus seasons to prove himself as a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. They gave Carr six games on the bench and 13 pass attempts against Carolina before deciding he wasn't the answer against Denver in Week 8. Carr is earning more than $3 million per season from the 49ers. One question: Why?
3. Tim Hightower, Cardinals RB. Hightower ran hard and ran effectively against Seattle, but he lost a fumble for the third time this season and the seventh time in his last 20 games. The Cardinals' margin for error is too slim to tolerate regular turnovers. Hightower could lose his starting job as a result.
RISING
1. Mike Williams, Seahawks WR. Twenty-one receptions over two games would pump up the stock for just about any wide receiver. Williams has become a force on third down. He has nine third-down receptions, eight for first downs, during the Seahawks' recent victories over Arizona and Chicago.
2. Troy Smith, 49ers QB. Smith figured to get playing time at some point once the 49ers knew Alex Smith would miss games. But right away? The 49ers like what Smith offers in the leadership department and they've got nothing to lose at this point. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson worked with Smith in Baltimore. Will the rapport help on game days?
3. Beanie Wells, Cardinals RB. The Cardinals haven't named Wells their starter for Week 8, but he stands to benefit from lost playing time for Hightower. Wells did not find much running room against the Seahawks, but the Cardinals know he can run the ball. They need to see him make strides in other areas. Wells did make an exceptional catch on a pass out of the backfield.
FALLING
1. Max Hall, Cardinals QB. Completing 4 of 16 passes before suffering a concussion knocked down Hall's stock considerably even though this was only his second NFL start. Hall struggled in the wet, windy conditions at Qwest Field. He looked better against New Orleans two weeks earlier and he'll need to look better against Tampa Bay in Week 8. At least he won't have to worry about wrapping his small hands around a cold, wet football.
2. David Carr, 49ers QB. The 49ers have given Alex Smith five-plus seasons to prove himself as a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. They gave Carr six games on the bench and 13 pass attempts against Carolina before deciding he wasn't the answer against Denver in Week 8. Carr is earning more than $3 million per season from the 49ers. One question: Why?
3. Tim Hightower, Cardinals RB. Hightower ran hard and ran effectively against Seattle, but he lost a fumble for the third time this season and the seventh time in his last 20 games. The Cardinals' margin for error is too slim to tolerate regular turnovers. Hightower could lose his starting job as a result.
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AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastRunning back Beanie Wells should see increased playing time in Arizona.
AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastRunning back Beanie Wells should see increased playing time in Arizona.1. Mike Williams, Seahawks WR. Twenty-one receptions over two games would pump up the stock for just about any wide receiver. Williams has become a force on third down. He has nine third-down receptions, eight for first downs, during the Seahawks' recent victories over Arizona and Chicago.
2. Troy Smith, 49ers QB. Smith figured to get playing time at some point once the 49ers knew Alex Smith would miss games. But right away? The 49ers like what Smith offers in the leadership department and they've got nothing to lose at this point. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson worked with Smith in Baltimore. Will the rapport help on game days?
3. Beanie Wells, Cardinals RB. The Cardinals haven't named Wells their starter for Week 8, but he stands to benefit from lost playing time for Hightower. Wells did not find much running room against the Seahawks, but the Cardinals know he can run the ball. They need to see him make strides in other areas. Wells did make an exceptional catch on a pass out of the backfield.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Jed York, 49ers president. Let's go right to the top. It's not Mike Singletary's fault the 49ers hired an inexperienced, apparently one-dimensional head coach. It's not Singletary's fault expectations surged when York promised a playoff appearance last season. It's not Singletary's fault that York came out this week saying the 49ers would win the division despite their 0-5 start. It's not Alex Smith's fault the 49ers committed to an unproven quarterback when Donovan McNabb was available during the offseason. York is the one who enthusiastically hired Singletary, then watched as the organization moved forward without viable fallback options at head coach and quarterback. York appears to have the right intentions, but to say the organization has fallen short on the execution front would be an understatement.
2. Steve Spagnuolo, Rams coach. That failed onside kick to open the Detroit game put the spotlight on Spagnuolo following one of the more discouraging performances of this young NFC West season. The Rams had won two games in a row, beating the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks with strong defensive efforts. They should have been competitive, at least, against a 0-4 Lions team. Losing 44-6 to one of the worst teams in the league will drag down the stock of any head coach.
3. Sam Bradford, Rams QB. Losing top receiver Mark Clayton for the season accounts for Bradford's inclusion on this list. Bradford has played more like a veteran than a rookie for significant stretches this season. That was not the case Sunday and Clayton's early departure from the game obviously hurt. On a side note, I could have named in this spot any number of 49ers players, from Smith to the uncharacteristically fumble-prone Frank Gore, but York served as 49ers catch-all this week. As for Bradford? His long-term stock forecast remains decidedly positive. It's the short-term outlook that took a hit when Clayton's patella tendon gave out.
RISING
1. John Schneider, Seahawks GM. The Seahawks didn't even play in Week 5, but they scored a significant victory by landing a 2011 fourth-round draft choice from New England in the Deion Branch trade. The Patriots hold two fourth-rounders, their own and one from Denver. Seattle gets the highest of those two choices. I wondered whether Seattle could get even a fifth-round choice for the 31-year-old Branch. Getting the better of two fourths allowed Seattle to recoup most of the value lost when Seattle sent its own fourth-rounder to Buffalo for Marshawn Lynch.
2. Kerry Rhodes, Cardinals S. Two fumble recoveries for touchdowns in a two-week period will get any safety noticed. Rhodes made other significant plays during the Arizona Cardinals' 30-20 victory over New Orleans. The Arizona defense played its best game of the season and Rhodes played a key role.
3. Michael Crabtree, 49ers WR. Nine catches for 105 yards against Philadelphia showed the 49ers are more committed to getting the ball in Crabtree's hands. Crabtree has 14 receptions for 163 yards in the two games since Mike Johnson replaced Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator. He had six catches for 81 yards in the 49ers' previous three games.
FALLING
1. Jed York, 49ers president. Let's go right to the top. It's not Mike Singletary's fault the 49ers hired an inexperienced, apparently one-dimensional head coach. It's not Singletary's fault expectations surged when York promised a playoff appearance last season. It's not Singletary's fault that York came out this week saying the 49ers would win the division despite their 0-5 start. It's not Alex Smith's fault the 49ers committed to an unproven quarterback when Donovan McNabb was available during the offseason. York is the one who enthusiastically hired Singletary, then watched as the organization moved forward without viable fallback options at head coach and quarterback. York appears to have the right intentions, but to say the organization has fallen short on the execution front would be an understatement.
2. Steve Spagnuolo, Rams coach. That failed onside kick to open the Detroit game put the spotlight on Spagnuolo following one of the more discouraging performances of this young NFC West season. The Rams had won two games in a row, beating the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks with strong defensive efforts. They should have been competitive, at least, against a 0-4 Lions team. Losing 44-6 to one of the worst teams in the league will drag down the stock of any head coach.
3. Sam Bradford, Rams QB. Losing top receiver Mark Clayton for the season accounts for Bradford's inclusion on this list. Bradford has played more like a veteran than a rookie for significant stretches this season. That was not the case Sunday and Clayton's early departure from the game obviously hurt. On a side note, I could have named in this spot any number of 49ers players, from Smith to the uncharacteristically fumble-prone Frank Gore, but York served as 49ers catch-all this week. As for Bradford? His long-term stock forecast remains decidedly positive. It's the short-term outlook that took a hit when Clayton's patella tendon gave out.
RISING
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AP Photo/ Bill NicholsMichael Crabtree had his most productive game of the season Sunday against the Eagles.
AP Photo/ Bill NicholsMichael Crabtree had his most productive game of the season Sunday against the Eagles.2. Kerry Rhodes, Cardinals S. Two fumble recoveries for touchdowns in a two-week period will get any safety noticed. Rhodes made other significant plays during the Arizona Cardinals' 30-20 victory over New Orleans. The Arizona defense played its best game of the season and Rhodes played a key role.
3. Michael Crabtree, 49ers WR. Nine catches for 105 yards against Philadelphia showed the 49ers are more committed to getting the ball in Crabtree's hands. Crabtree has 14 receptions for 163 yards in the two games since Mike Johnson replaced Jimmy Raye as offensive coordinator. He had six catches for 81 yards in the 49ers' previous three games.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
