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Joey Porter played his final game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2006 season. Clark Haggans was gone from the team a year later.

The veteran outside linebackers, now 34 years old, are scheduled to start for Arizona against their former team Sunday, a reflection of how the teams have drafted for defense recently.

In 2007, the year coaches Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm left Pittsburgh's staff for the Cardinals, the Steelers drafted mainstay linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. Much of the Steelers' defense is aging, but Timmons and Woodley are ascending young players approaching their primes. Woodley represents the type of outside linebacker the Cardinals have coveted, but have yet to land.

Arizona takes criticism for drafting tackle Levi Brown over running back Adrian Peterson in 2007, but decisions made in addressing the defense stand out with Timmons and Woodley coming to town. That was the year Arizona used a second-round choice for defensive lineman Alan Branch, now reborn in Seattle after falling short of expectations in Arizona. The Cardinals used their third-round pick in 2007 on linebacker Buster Davis, who was cut as a rookie.

The Cardinals bounced back in 2008 by drafting defensive end Calais Campbell in the second round. Two other early defensive choices that year -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for Arizona and Bruce Davis for Pittsburgh -- have changed teams. Rodgers-Cromartie went to a Pro Bowl with the Cardinals before the team traded him to Philadelphia. Davis, a third-round choice, was released after one season.

In 2009, the Steelers landed defensive lineman Ziggy Hood, who has played more than 70 percent of the defensive snaps this season. Arizona drafted Cody Brown, a second-round choice who never contributed, before selecting defensive backs Rashad Johnson (starting for the injured Kerry Rhodes) and Greg Toler (incumbent starter now on injured reserve).

The Cardinals have initially fared better than the Steelers in drafting for defense in 2010. They got nose tackle Dan Williams, ascending inside linebacker Daryl Washington and pass-rushing project O'Brien Schofield. The Steelers drafted linebacker Jason Worilds, who has made a positive contribution on special teams without factoring into the defense yet.

The chart shows defensive players the teams drafted in the first three rounds from 2007-09.

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The Arizona Cardinals' efforts to develop young players and integrate new ones on defense continues to stagnate.

The reasons are simple to understand.
First-year coordinator Ray Horton is installing a complex new system that would be tough for young players to absorb even with a full offseason. And the team's highest-priced defensive addition in free agency, inside linebacker Stewart Bradley, came from a vastly different system, so he was going to face a transition period as well.

Finally, the Cardinals haven't done a great job drafting young personnel to fit their new system.

I found useful comments New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick made recently in explaining why his team has leaned less heavily on a pure 3-4 defense:

"We've played a mixture of odd fronts and even fronts, but I just felt like from a starting point -- given the lack of spring opportunities to practice and meet, and the shortened training camp in terms of actual number of practices -- that from a teaching standpoint, we felt like there would be more carryover teaching our base defense and nickel defense really as one front.

"We wanted a lot of carryover between our run responsibilities and run fits, and some of our pressure defenses and things like that. We'll transition and build into some of our odds fronts, but we felt like in trying to evaluate young players, asking them to learn one system in a 3-4 and then learn another system in nickel [was too much].

"As you know, we were in nickel defense just as much as we were 3-4 defense because of teams using multiple receivers on early downs and two-minute and all those kind of things. So, we felt like it would be a better opportunity to evaluate our players and not try to over-install and put in a ton of defense.

"There are so many intricacies to a 3-4 defense that I just didn't know if we'd be ready to handle them this year."

The Cardinals have scaled back. And, unlike the Patriots, they have not had Belichick teaching and overseeing their defense since 2000. Horton is finding his way as a coordinator and still getting a feel for the personnel he inherited. He also doesn't benefit from a Tom Brady-led offense putting points on the board and pulling out victories even when the defense falters.

What the Cardinals do have in their favor, at least this week, is great familiarity with the upcoming opponent, Pittsburgh. Horton coached the Steelers' secondary, so he should know how to scheme for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Arizona coaches Ken Whisehunt and Russ Grimm, among others, also have roots with the Steelers. And Arizona is coming off a bye week, which gave coaches needed time to reassess.

The first chart shows snap counts and percentages for the Cardinals' defensive players, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Younger players such as O'Brien Schofield and Sam Acho will presumably get more playing time as the season progresses. Bradley's snap counts are also much lower than I would have anticipated coming into the season.

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One day after Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill gave his assessment of the team, former quarterback Kurt Warner weighed in Thursday with Arizona Sports 620 radio.

Warner's basic take: The Cardinals are lacking in the playmaking department. He's right. Injuries and personnel changes have hurt Arizona in an area where the team was once quite strong, the ability to score touchdowns from just about anywhere on the field.

A hand injury and new rules governing kickoffs have largely silenced LaRod Stephens-Howling. Kerry Rhodes, who scored twice on returns last season, wasn't making plays before suffering a foot injury that will sideline him at least a month. Adrian Wilson has let a couple chances at interceptions get past him. Linebacker Daryl Washington, who scored on a return last season, has battled a calf injury.

Two other big-play threats in the past, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Steve Breaston, are gone. Others, such as Anquan Boldin and Antrel Rolle, are long gone. Andre Roberts, who flashed big-play ability last season, hasn't factored at all this season.

When new quarterback Kevin Kolb missed wide-open tight end Rob Housler for what should have been a touchdown at Minnesota in Week 5, the Cardinals had found a signature play for their dearth of playmaking during a 1-4 start.

"I've watched every play of every game and there are plays out there to be made that are not being made," Warner said. "Flat out, there are guys wide open. Last week, I know Kevin would love to have the one back down the middle of the field that he just overthrew. Just a little more touch on the football, that is a touchdown. It can change the complexion of the game."

Warner rode to coach Ken Whisenhunt's defense, blaming players for failing to capitalize on opportunities. His comment regarding the play Kolb missed wasn't part of a broader criticism of the quarterback. Warner did say he thought Kolb wasn't yet comfortable enough in the offense to trust his options and stay in the pocket longer. That will presumably change over time.

"What is going to define this team is, down the road, when they feel comfortable, are they going to make those plays then that they are not making now?" Warner said.

Asked about Kolb's comments regarding players' approach to their jobs, Warner said teams around the league experience the same issues. The winning culture Arizona established in its locker room a few years ago doesn't necessarily carry over given all the personnel changes.

This team must find its own way.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Thoughts and observations after watching Kevin Kolb's first practice with the Arizona Cardinals:

• Kolb appeared comfortable. He looked like an NFL quarterback. His passes tended to be accurate. Nothing jumped out as negative. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds and has a lean look. He threw the screen pass on time and accurately at one point, producing a big gain for Beanie Wells. The Cardinals will find out during games whether Kolb can play. Off the field, Kolb appears to have a relaxed demeanor, according to teammates and based upon limited interviews. He handled himself comfortably when addressing a large media contingent after practice. That is part of the job, too. Kolb: "It feels great. I also know we have a lot of work to do. But it's a starting point."
• Larry Fitzgerald made Kolb look good. His one-handed grab near the sideline stood out. Fitzgerald on Kolb: "He looked good for his first day and threw the ball with some good zip, got the ball to his playmakers. I was excited with the progress."
• Kolb was one of 24 newly signed Cardinals players practicing for the first time this season. Ratification of the new labor agreement allowed them to get on the field. The focus was on Kolb, but there's only so much to see from a quarterback in one practice. This session was notable for extremely physical play as Arizona held live drills in pads, punctuated by a spirited goal-line session.
• It's tough to believe the exhibition season begins in one week. Kolb and the offensive line are still sorting through basic cadence issues. Kolb noticed the difference between a coach calling out plays and Kolb reading them off a sheet. This is remedial stuff and Kolb knows it, but there was nothing anyone could do. It's August and teams are basically where they might normally be coming out of the draft. Teams with new quarterbacks and lots of new pieces -- the Cardinals among them -- have it rougher.
• Newly signed guard Daryn Colledge stood out on his first day. He was blocking far down the field on that screen to Wells, ultimately tangling with strong safety Adrian Wilson. There was no fight, just some jersey tugging. Colledge also blasted linebacker Paris Lenon while the offense scored a touchdown during those live goal-line drills. Colledge's outgoing personality should provide something positive to the locker room and to the line. I also thought Colledge fared well in one-on-one pass-rush drills, which favor defensive linemen as a rule.
• Wells fumbled on the first play in goal-line drills, producing the sort of "ugh" moment he needs to avoid. Wells later scored when Rex Hadnot took out safety Kerry Rhodes at the goal line. Rookie Ryan Williams scored twice on goal-line runs. Williams is an obvious threat to Wells. His quickness and ability to change directions without slowing much stand out.
• Tight end Jeff King, signed from Carolina, has brought his signature leaping through-the-legs touchdown spike to Cardinals training camp. He showed it off after catching a touchdown pass in goal-line drills.
• Rookie fullback Anthony Sherman, a fifth-round pick, produces loud sounds when he hits people. A collision with safety Rashad Johnson reverberated. Keep an eye on him in exhibition games.
• Defensive coordinator Ray Horton should know by now he's not in Pittsburgh any longer. The offense dominated those goal-line sessions.
• Daryl Washington and Lenon were the first-team inside linebackers, with Joey Porter and Clark Haggans outside. A.J. Jefferson was with the first unit at left cornerback, where rookie Patrick Peterson will play eventually. Coach Ken Whisenhunt generally doesn't throw rookies into the starting lineup right away.
• O'Brien Schofield and rookie Sam Acho were the second-team outside linebackers. Reggie Walker and Stewart Bradley were the inside linebackers with the second team. Bradley is expected to move into the starting group at some point.
• Colledge and Hadnot were the first-team guards. Floyd Womack and Deuce Lutui were the second-team guards. I'd expect Lutui to take over for Hadnot at right guard once he's in better shape.
• That's enough depth-chart gazing. It's early in camp and the lineups will evolve.

OK, there we go. Some first impressions.

NFL teams are digesting new rules associated with the pending labor agreement, including provisions affecting workout bonuses that players receive for participating in set percentages of a team's conditioning program during a typical offseason.

Those rules include protections for teams and players, according to a list of "transition rules" produced for distribution to teams.

Free agency begins Friday at 6 p.m. ET. Teams can begin cutting players Thursday after 4 p.m. ET Thursday. Any player remaining with his current team after 4 p.m. ET Friday will receive his workout bonus in full, according to the transition rules.

Players released before then will receive partial payments of these bonuses. Players set to receive bonuses worth less than $50,000 would receive the full amount. Players due bonuses valued from $50,000 to $100,000 would receive $50,000. Players with bonuses larger than $100,000 would receive 50 percent of the total amount, not to exceed $100,000.

The chart below shows NFC West players with workout bonuses of $200,000 or more. Stacy Andrews, Nate Clements and Joey Porter stand out as players with less certain roster statuses heading toward the 2011 season.

Ninety percent of the first 3,200 respondents to the Kevin Kolb poll posted Wednesday afternoon said the Arizona Cardinals or Seattle Seahawks should invest heavily in the Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback.

That is higher than I would have anticipated based on the anti-Kolb feedback I've heard regularly from those skeptical of his abilities.

"When looking over Kolb's record as a starter, one would be shocked that he gets so much hype," Zibrastripsftw wrote. "The guy has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and holds a career passer rating almost equal to Alex Smith's, and he has had more stability around him and has not changed coordinators every single year, like Smith has. He is the poster boy for overrated. Throw Kolb and Smith into a hat and pull a name. You will have as much success with one as you do with the other."

The stats tend to agree, but more than 60 percent of respondents thought Kolb would warrant one or two second-round selections in a trade. Another 29 percent thought Kolb would warrant even more, with nine percent predicting stardom for the player Philadelphia relegated to backup status once Michael Vick seized the job.

Perhaps we've got some hopeful Eagles fans skewing the numbers.

"As an Eagles fan, Kolb is better to me than any unproven quarterback or football player," NathanielTisdale wrote. "That's why he is projected to go for a first or two seconds. He has all the tools to be a NFL starter. He has games where he has thrown three touchdowns and had a 130-plus rating, and then there are games where he has thrown three interceptions and had a sub-50 rating. But the fact is, he has proven he can win in the NFL."

Fans of the St. Louis Rams and San Francisco 49ers would also have reason to encourage overspending.

Arizona does appear to be in prime position to make the move. The Cardinals' problems at quarterback were severe enough last season to make even an average quarterback appealing. Kolb might be better than average. He might be below average. Either way, Arizona would be upgrading the position.

The Cardinals, unlike the Seahawks, view themselves as closer to contending.

Larry Fitzgerald, Darnell Dockett, Adrian Wilson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have been to Pro Bowls recently. Steve Breaston, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Kerry Rhodes have been playmakers. The team expects big things in the return game and on defense from first-round pick Patrick Peterson. Running backs Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams were early draft choices recently.

Kolb would give Arizona a soon-to-be 27-year-old quarterback to build around, allowing second-year pro John Skelton to fall back into developmental mode.

I'd be inclined to give up less than a first-round choice for Kolb on the suspicion that the market might not be as strong as the Eagles would like other teams to believe, and amid questions about whether Kolb qualifies as a franchise quarterback. But if the Cardinals feel more strongly about Kolb's abilities, price isn't much of a concern. Franchise quarterbacks are too valuable to pass up.

Usually I'm one to dive into the comments sections on blog entries to engage in conversations or at least monitor them.

I recommend you do the same for James Walker's piece ranking the 10 best safeties in the NFL. I've been putting it off to this point because I didn't feel good about the ballot I submitted.

The first few choices were easy. Troy Polamalu was a unanimous pick for the No. 1 spot. Ed Reed was a unanimous choice at No. 2. Most of the other players listed should carry asterisks, disclaimers, qualifiers, etc. Filling out the final five or six spots proved nearly impossible for me. I kept ruling out players for various reasons, only to come back to them when better candidates failed to materialize.

Ranking defensive backs is tricky, anyway. The complex coverages NFL teams use make it tough to know which players were responsible for what. It's one reason I'm careful about blaming cornerbacks for specific lapses without following up.

Brandon Meriweather made the list. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, but questions about consistency have lingered for some time. Should he be in the top 10? Is he even the best safety on the New England Patriots?

In the end, the rankings I put together elicited responses such as this one from an Arizona Cardinals fan named Rick:

Mike, I only write to you because you have a history of being fair and using logic and empirical evidence to back up your (usually sound) arguments. So. Um. Antrel Rolle at No. 7 and no mention of Kerry Rhodes? What gives? Ask anyone who follows the Cardinals and they will tell you that the team UPGRADED by letting Rolle go and trading for Rhodes.

My response: "There is no logic to the safety rankings after 4-5 guys. I didn't feel good about any of them."

That is a slight overstatement. Eric Berry and Earl Thomas project as emerging talents with very bright futures. Adrian Wilson belongs on the list if we accept the premise that his 2010 struggles had more to do with an injury that require surgery than his sharp decline. If we include Wilson, do we include one of his teammates from a defense that was very bad in 2010?

This was a tough one. All criticism is welcome and justified. Time to move on. Seeking closure.

Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Arizona Cardinals a B-minus grade for their efforts in the 2011 NFL draft.

He graded them down for not adequately addressing perceived needs at outside linebacker and offensive tackle. He was less concerned about not drafting a quarterback because the options were fewer once the team decided to draft LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson fifth overall.

In my view, the lower grades on the need front reflect a positive development in the Cardinals' drafting strategy. The team seemed driven more by needs in past drafts. Picking earlier this year made it easier to focus on value. The team went after value and seemed to get it multiple times. That strategy will pay off over the long haul.

Perhaps Larry Fitzgerald was right when he said the Cardinals learned a lesson following their experience in the 2007 draft.

The Cardinals held up three of their choices -- Peterson, second-round running back Ryan Williams and fifth-round fullback Anthony Sherman -- as the highest-rated players at their positions. Coach Ken Whisenhunt called it "unusual" to land three such players in one draft. The Cardinals made that happen by selecting Williams despite greater needs at other positions.

Put it this way: Would you rather have the highest-rated running back or, say, the sixth-rated outside linebacker? Two words: Cody Brown.

The Cardinals hit on a couple themes in this draft. Emphasizing value was one. Targeting players with strong intangible qualities another. Singling out playmakers was also a priority.

Peterson projects as a playmaker in the secondary and in the return game. Williams adds a dimension to the running game. Third-round tight end Rob Housler must work on his blocking, but Whisenhunt thinks the team has finally found a receiving threat at the position. Whisenhunt is a former NFL tight end. He should know the position well.

Arizona already has a long list of players with playmaking ability. LaRod Stephens-Howling, Larry Fitzgerald, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Kerry Rhodes, Adrian Wilson, Darnell Dockett, Daryl Washington, Steve Breaston and Andre Roberts have all made huge plays, many times in critical moments of games.

The Cardinals emerged from this draft with more than just potential playmakers. They also should have a clear vision for what must happen next. They need a veteran quarterback. They need to solidify their offensive line, a position they have not emphasized in the draft for several years. Extending Fitzgerald's contract has to remain a priority.

"This is our first opportunity (of the offseason) to do something," Whisenhunt told reporters. "I think we knocked it out of the park with this opportunity. We said we are going to be aggressive in improving our football team. We are going to have an opportunity to address other areas. Right now, as we sit here, we are ready to go. That is exciting. We have a very clear plan of action for what we want to do."

When I heard Rex Ryan was working on an autobiography, I wondered what he could put on those pages that we didn't already know.

Ryan has been an open, nearly unabridged book his entire life. It's one of the main reasons he's so beloved by his players and fans. Since he became head coach of the New York Jets two years ago, seemingly every aspect of his life has been reported.

But it turns out Ryan's entertaining style makes "Play Like You Mean It" a page-turner with fresh ideas and revelations.

About the only aspect of his life not illuminated was last year's foot-fetish storyline, but he did comment on the Jets' other prominent scandals that drew league investigations: the Ines Sainz sexual harassment claim and the Sal Alosi sideline trip of Miami Dolphins gunner Nolan Carroll.

ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini previewed the book and shared some of the sexier passages.

Ryan gave details about the transition away from Brett Favre, revealed his disgust over Tony Dungy's criticism of his language and knocked former players such as safety Kerry Rhodes and defensive draft bust Vernon Gholston.

Ryan called Rhodes "a selfish-ass guy. He wouldn't work and he was a Hollywood type, flashing and needing attention."

While still defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Ryan said he warned then-Jets head coach Eric Mangini not to draft Gholston.

"Truth be told, I didn't like the kid coming out of college," Ryan said. "He's a good athlete and a smart guy, but I thought he was a phony."

Ryan also took a dig at New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who last year spat how much he hated the Jets.

"I really don't know Tom Brady, but who wouldn't hate him?" Ryan said. "Look at his life. Actually, look at his wife. Every man in America hates Tom Brady, and he should be proud of that."

Among the new developments at NFC West facilities since the earlier item:

• St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis showed up, but details were sketchy, Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes.
• Running back Justin Forsett and defensive back Roy Lewis showed up at Seattle Seahawks headquarters, but they reported being unable to enter the building, Liz Mathews of 710ESPN Seattle reports.
• Add safety Kerry Rhodes to the list of players showing up at Arizona Cardinals headquarters, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says. Rhodes was hoping to qualify for a $500,000 workout bonus this offseason.

Bring on the draft, please.

The NFL has no plans to open for business immediately following a court ruling against the lockout, but that should not stop players from reporting to work as a matter of strategy.

As noted in March, numerous NFC West players stood to collect significant sums for their participation in offseason workout programs. Those players have every reason to report for work Tuesday, just in case it helps them collect on those bonuses.

This is a fluid situation, obviously, and no one knows for certain what will happen next. It's an upset, however, if players do not show up for work following the ruling Monday.

The chart shows NFC West players with workout bonuses of at least $200,000, plus a column showing what percentage of workouts players must attend to realize the bonus. A few players on the list project as candidates for release this offseason.

The Seattle Seahawks acquired their leading sacker for 2010, Chris Clemons, from the Philadelphia Eagles one year ago Tuesday.

They acquired their backup quarterback and potential future starter, Charlie Whitehurst, from San Diego one year ago Wednesday.

By this time in 2010, the Arizona Cardinals had traded receiver Anquan Boldin, lost Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby in free agency, acquired safety Kerry Rhodes from the New York Jets and signed linebacker Paris Lenon, among other moves.

This March, we hear only crickets as the NFL lockout prevents teams from making roster transactions of any kind. The quiet period has shifted our football-related energies to the draft, which the league intends to operate pretty much as normal.

While draft classes can take multiple years to fully assess, free-agent crops tend to produce more immediate results, for better or worse. Let's take a look back at what NFC West teams got -- and still might get -- from their wheeling and dealing last offseason.

2010 unrestricted free agency

Best UFA signing: Fred Robbins, defensive tackle, St. Louis Rams.

Coach Steve Spagnuolo reached into his past with the New York Giants in seeking a needed upgrade to the Rams' defensive interior. Robbins outplayed the three-year deal he signed averaging $3.75 million per season.

Robbins started 16 games and collected a career-high six sacks for a defense that outperformed expectations. His presence on the line helped defensive ends Chris Long and James Hall produce at a higher level.

Worst UFA signing: David Carr, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers signed Carr and traded backup Shaun Hill in an effort to upgrade the position, but when they needed Carr to play, coach Mike Singletary gave him virtually no chance. Carr finished up the Carolina game before Singletary turned to third-stringer Troy Smith to start while Alex Smith recovered from injury.

It's tough to fault Carr much for what was, by all accounts, a messed-up situation. The 49ers' general manager, Scot McCloughan, left the organization shortly after the team acquired Carr. The team changed offensive coordinators early in the season. Singletary didn't know how to handle quarterbacks.

Conclusion: NFC West teams signed relatively few UFAs last offseason, in part because new rules prevented players with fewer than six accrued seasons from hitting the market. Jay Feely, Paris Lenon and Rex Hadnot signed with Arizona. Robbins and A.J. Feeley signed with the Rams. Ben Hamilton and Sean Morey signed with Seattle. Carr and William James signed with the 49ers.

2010 additions by trade


Best acquisition: Chris Clemons, defensive end, Seahawks

Seattle and Philadelphia seemed to be swapping spare parts when the Seahawks sent Darryl Tapp to the Eagles for Clemons.

Neither player had reached his potential previously.

Clemons set career highs with 11 sacks and 16 starts while filling the "Leo" position in coach Pete Carroll's defense. Tapp had three sacks and one start for the Eagles, making this deal a clear "win" for Seattle.

The Seahawks also received a fifth-round choice in return from the Eagles, but the player they selected with the choice, defensive end E.J. Wilson, was released during the season.

Worst acquisition: Stacy Andrews, guard, Seahawks.

The Seahawks could still come out OK on this one. The team had Andrews in mind as a candidate to play tackle in 2011, and that could still happen. But Andrews wasn't effective enough as a starting guard to stay in the lineup even though Seattle had serious manpower problems on its offensive line.

Perhaps Seattle can put Andrews to better use in 2011.

Conclusion: Charlie Whitehurst could have made the "worst" list for Seattle because he hardly played even though quarterback was a trouble spot, but his performance in Week 17 carried Seattle into the playoffs. He could still validate the trade. Ted Ginn Jr. was a disappointment as a wide receiver for the 49ers, but injuries and quarterback instability contributed. Ginn upgraded the return game. NFC West teams fared well in acquiring Leon Washington, Kerry Rhodes and Mark Clayton. Marshawn Lynch's memorable run against New Orleans in the playoffs made that deal look better.

2010 subtractions by trade

Best subtraction: Alex Barron, tackle, from the Rams.

St. Louis got nothing of lasting value in return for Barron, but the penalty-prone tackle was not missed. Rookie Rodger Saffold stepped in at left tackle and outperformed reasonable expectations for a rookie. Barron's time in St. Louis had run its course. The team was taking a risk with its depth by dumping Barron for linebacker Bobby Carpenter, who did not stick on the roster, but the move worked out well from the Rams' perspective.

Worst subtraction: Rob Sims, guard, from the Seahawks.

Seattle's thinking on the offensive line seemed disjointed.

Line coach Alex Gibbs retired a week before the season, changing the qualities Seattle valued in its linemen. Gibbs preferred smaller linemen, particularly guards. Sims was a solid starter, but he didn't fit the Gibbs profile. Seattle sent Sims and a seventh-round choice to Detroit for Robert Henderson, who did not earn a roster spot. The Seahawks also landed a fifth-round choice, used for strong safety Kam Chancellor.

The Seahawks used 11 starting combinations on their offensive line last season, and every one of them would have been better with Sims at left guard. Sims started 16 games for the Lions and played well, by all accounts. His presence in Seattle would have allowed the team to get more from Lynch in the ground game.

Conclusion: The trade that subtracted Boldin from the Cardinals might have qualified under different circumstances, but the time had come for Arizona to part with the exceptional wideout. The team picked up a third-round choice as partial compensation, a pick used for promising receiver Andre Roberts. The 49ers get mention here for the deal that sent Hill to Detroit and cleared the way for Carr's signing. Hill had a 10-6 record as a starter for San Francisco. Even if he wasn't the answer long term, he would have give the team better options in 2010. NFC West teams also parted with Deion Branch, Lawrence Jackson, Josh Wilson, Adam Carriker and Kentwan Balmer, among others, by trade last offseason.

Looking to the future

NFL teams remain unsettled from a roster standpoint while they wait for a labor resolution of some kind.

The Rams are the only NFC West team without serious question marks at quarterback. Lingering questions at that position will hang over the 49ers, Cardinals and Seahawks while the lockout continues.

Getting a new collective bargaining agreement in place before the draft would help those teams more than others by clearing the way for them to pursue veteran passers. Otherwise, these teams could feel extra pressure to address the position in the draft -- a difficult predicament given the hit-and-miss nature of quarterback evaluation in general.

» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 15:

Taking aim at Cassel. Matt Cassel appears likely to start for Kansas City against St. Louis in a game with playoff implications for both teams. Cassel has 13 touchdowns and three interceptions on the road this season. The Rams have generally fared well at home against "name" quarterbacks, including MVP candidate Philip Rivers (77.4 rating in the Chargers' 27-20 defeat at St. Louis). Visiting quarterbacks have six touchdowns, six interceptions and a 76.0 rating against the Rams. The Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan (101.8) and the Arizona Cardinals' Derek Anderson (85.1) were the only ones with ratings of 80 or higher.

Bradford's fourth-quarter push. Cassel has seven touchdowns and no interceptions in fourth quarters this season. The Rams' Sam Bradford, though impressive during a fourth-quarter push against San Francisco, needs to finish stronger more consistently. He has two touchdowns and seven picks in fourth quarters, same as Carolina's Matt Moore. A little better luck would help Bradford. The intercepted shovel pass he threw near the goal line while leading a rally against the Falcons comes to mind. Still, Bradford's fourth-quarter rating ranks 38th among the 47 quarterbacks with at least 15 attempts.

Playoff picture not yet in focus. The Rams and Seattle Seahawks, both 6-7, will earn playoff spots if they win their final three games. They play one another in Week 17, making it impossible for both to finish 9-7. Arizona could win the division at 7-9 if the Rams and Seahawks tied one another to finish 6-9-1 apiece. San Francisco could win the division at 7-9 if the Rams and Seahawks lost their next two (the 49ers visit St. Louis in Week 16). The 49ers would be 5-1 in the division under that scenario.

Seattle's defense on the run. The matchup with Michael Turner and the Falcons' running game appears problematic for Seattle. The Falcons have finished with more than 30 rushing attempts six times this season, including four times on the road (topped by a 50-carry game at New Orleans). They are averaging 152.3 yards rushing per game against the NFC West this season (221 vs. Arizona, 98 vs. San Francisco and 138 vs. St. Louis). Turner has seven 100-yard rushing games overall. The Seahawks have allowed 155 yards rushing per game over their last seven games.

Returning to Carolina. The Arizona Cardinals have set a franchise record with nine return touchdowns. The Carolina Panthers have allowed five return touchdowns this season. Only Cincinnati (eight), San Diego (six) and Minnesota (six) have allowed more. The Cardinals' Adrian Wilson might be due for one. He has watched teammate and fellow safety Kerry Rhodes score two return touchdowns this season. If Wilson is going to get one, where better than in his native North Carolina?

Fifteen little things I noticed while watching NFC West teams play in Week 13:

• Rams defensive end James Hall pushing Cardinals tackle Levi Brown back far enough to affect Arizona quarterback Derek Anderson. Anderson's hurried pass bounced off Beanie Wells' shoulder, setting up third-and-11.
• Sam Bradford having plenty of time to complete a 15-yard pass to Brandon Gibson. Left tackle Rodger Saffold handled Joey Porter. Right tackle Jason Smith scrapped with someone on the Cardinals after the play. That's what the Rams want from their tackles: solid pass protection on the left side and a nasty attitude on the right side. Later, Smith ran over to Steven Jackson when it appeared the running back might be in danger following a play.
• Cardinals tight end Ben Patrick making a couple key blocks on successful running plays. He moved out Rams linebacker Na'il Diggs on Wells' 16-yard run. He did enough to turn Rams defensive end Chris Long inside during Tim Hightower's 23-yard run.
• Porter celebrating Kerry Rhodes' sack on Bradford. Rams center Jason Brown had decked Porter with a left jab moments earlier. Porter flopped as if trying to draw a penalty. Are players trying to take advantage of heightened awareness over personal fouls? The Packers' Desmond Bishop raised my suspicions when he went cartwheeling after 49ers guard Chilo Rachal shoved him as a play was winding down.
• Dockett practically taking the snap from Bradford after knifing into the backfield past Rams right guard Adam Goldberg on second-and-goal from the 2. A similar breakdown led to an intercepted shovel pass against Atlanta.
• Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and Marshawn Lynch colliding in the backfield. Tight end Cameron Morrah couldn't hold his block, creating a logjam in the backfield.
• Carolina defensive end Charles Johnson giving another NFC West right tackle problems. Johnson was the one who knocked out 49ers quarterback Alex Smith this season. He threatened Hasselbeck a few times Sunday.
• Hasselbeck getting hit before throwing an interception on a deep pass intended for Ben Obomanu. This play might have resulted in a touchdown if the Panthers hadn't hit Hasselbeck. Left guard Mike Gibson had problems on this play.
• Hasselbeck completing a 36-yard pass to Morrah right after the team honored retired left tackle Walter Jones. Inspiration?
• Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung blasting the Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn following an interception. Okung likes hitting people. A week earlier, against Kansas City, Okung had nothing to do as a play neared its end. He turned and decked Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel with a violent shove.
• The 49ers failing to fool the Packers with a pass play on third-and-1. San Francisco and Alex Smith in particular have made big plays by throwing in these situations, often to a tight end. Troy Smith could not connect with Michael Crabtree. Will these plays work as well without Frank Gore in the backfield?
• Troy Smith making a play Alex Smith would never make, in my view, when he threw to Vernon Davis for a 25-yard gain while two defenders were about to sack him. Davis made an acrobatic catch. There was nothing textbook about this play. It was a sandlot play.
• Troy Smith holding the ball too long and taking sacks in the red zone on consecutive plays soon after the strike to Davis. Alex Smith has been better in the red zone. Might the 49ers have gotten a touchdown here instead of a field goal? Troy Smith missed a red-zone throw to Crabtree late rin the game.
• 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis forcing and incomplete pass with pressure up the middle. Willis could be a concern for Seattle in this manner Sunday.
• 49ers safety Reggie Smith missing a tackle on Packers receiver Donald Driver at the San Francisco 27, then coasting while Driver eluded another tackle and ran to the end zone. Ahmad Brooks and Nate Clements hustled their way into the play. Smith never factored after his initial whiff.

I also watched (and charted) the San Francisco 49ers' game against Green Bay, but my notes weren't as good (had some time constraints).

"Monday Night Football" showcases NFL royalty when the New England Patriots and New York Jets put their 9-2 records on the line in Week 13.

The Week 12 undercard between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals looks more like an unsanctioned alley fight. Both teams are 3-7 and suitably desperate. The loser of this matchup between one-time NFC West favorites could be finished.

Alas, viewers might need a six-pack to get them through this motley Monday night matchup at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Six potential points of interest:

1. Mike Singletary could implode at any time.

The last time the 49ers played in prime time (against Philadelphia in Week 5), their head coach ripped into Alex Smith on the sideline after the quarterback served up a crushing turnover.

Singletary sent backup David Carr onto the field. Tight end Vernon Davis implored Smith to fight back. Smith argued his case to Singletary with unexpected passion. Singletary backed down, sending Smith back into the huddle. The 49ers rallied and nearly won the game.

The sideline spectacle made for compelling theater, even if the on-field product wasn't particularly satisfying. The 49ers are 3-2 since that defeat, but the pressure on Singletary grew considerably after a 21-0 home defeat to Tampa Bay last week.

2. Big plays will happen one way or another.

The Cardinals have eight return touchdowns this season: two by kick returner LaRod Stephens-Howling, two by free safety Kerry Rhodes and one apiece by linebacker Gerald Hayes, cornerback Michael Adams, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and even tackle Levi Brown (on a recovery in the end zone).

Arizona also emerged from Week 11 having allowed more points per game than any team in the league. The Cardinals had allowed 19 pass plays of at least 30 yards, tied for the NFL high. They had allowed 12 rushing plays of at least 20 yards, the second-highest total in the league (Frank Gore, anyone?).

The 49ers flashed big-play ability through the air with Troy Smith at quarterback until the Tampa Bay game. But their offensive line has been struggling, and Troy Smith was fortunate to finish the Bucs game with only one interception.

The Cardinals' aggressive, hit-or-miss defense could confuse Smith or free him to feed a steady stream of downfield throws to Davis, Delanie Walker, Michael Crabtree, etc. It could do both, actually.

3. Where else can one see Shaun Hill and Matt Leinart highlights?

The 49ers traded Hill to Detroit because they thought Alex Smith was on his way and Carr would provide a talent upgrade in the No. 2 role.

Oops.

Hill has eight touchdowns and four interceptions in his last five starts.

ESPN's producers will presumably have the highlights ready if/when Troy Smith falters. They'll have to dig deeper into the archives to find Leinart's finest NFL moments, but we could see those, too, if current Cardinals starter Derek Anderson wilts under the prime-time spotlight.

Hill wasn't the long-term answer in San Francisco. Leinart, who signed with Houston after Arizona released him, probably wasn't the solution, either.

But it's not as though their former teams have necessarily upgraded, either.

4. If nothing else, watch Patrick Willis and Justin Smith.

The 49ers' best defensive players appear to be gaining momentum as the season progresses.

Watch Willis and you'll find the football soon enough. He's a brutally efficient tackler with pass-rush ability (two sacks in Week 11) and a mean streak. Receivers catching short passes over the middle are at risk.

Smith is making his 150th consecutive start. He leads the 49ers with five sacks and has often given the Cardinals serious problems. Arizona has new personnel on the left side of its offensive line, affecting the matchups. Keep an eye on Smith early to see whether it matters.

5. The Larry Fitzgerald matchup.

The Cardinals' Pro Bowl receiver had 457 yards in four games against the 49ers over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He has 346 yards in six subsequent games against San Francisco.

The difference?

It's hard to say definitively. Fitzgerald seemingly should have become a bigger threat once Kurt Warner took over as quarterback for two-plus seasons beginning in 2007.

The statistical nosedive coincided with cornerback Nate Clements' signing in San Francisco before the 2007 season. Clements' strength and physical style can make him a tough draw for Fitzgerald. He has generally held up well in their matchups.

Fitzgerald has 20 catches for 288 yards over the Cardinals' last three games.

6. Marquess of Queensberry rules might not apply.

These teams do not get along. It would not be a surprise if the NFL hands down a couple of fines afterward.

Fierce on-field battles between the 49ers' Davis and Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson have spilled over into the media, with Arizona defensive lineman Darnell Dockett egging them on. The Cardinals have added another brash persona in outside linebacker Joey Porter.

It's a potentially volatile mix, particularly with both teams perched on the brink.

At least Singletary is there to keep everyone on an even keel.