brad, oak harbor, wa

Is J. Forsett going to be the next maurice jones-drew. We have to find a way to keep this kid. Right?

Sando

  (11:57 AM)

I do think the Seahawks need to find a way to keep Justin Forsett. Not quite ready to anoint him the next MJD, who strikes me as a little thicker. But you have to like the fact Forsett has shown in the return game as well.

Adis (Seattle WA)

Hey Sando, Do you see the NFC west being wide open, as some other preeminent NFL experts do?

Sando

  (11:57 AM)

Not really. I see Seattle at the top, followed by Arizona. I'm undecided on the order from there. Currently reassessing the Rams and 49ers.

chris (reston, va)

Hey Mike, thanks for answering emails and responding to comments. Quick question on the 49ers: there must be some turmoil within the organization about essentially chucking a number one overall pick and the cost of that player down the tubes in favor of a journeyman (O'Sullivan). Doesn't this move further imperil Mike Nolan's job? Isn't this sort of a big gamble by him?

Sando

  (11:59 AM)

The likely decision to go with O'Sullivan is a pretty easy one at this point. The hard part for the organization came earlier, when the team did not give Smith a running start heading into this season.

Matt, Bellingham, WA

Have you heard anything about the Seahawks putting Deion Branch on the PUP list?

Sando

  (12:00 PM)

It's an option because Branch has not passed a physical and practiced. But no decision has been made. They'll wait to see how Branch feels.

Paul (Santa Barbara)

Is it easier or harder to ask tough questions of coaches and GM's now that you aren't a beat reporter and cover many teams?

Sando

  (12:01 PM)

In theory it's easier to ask tougher questions when a little distance separates reporter from subject. In reality, I have no trouble asking tough questions. The key is being fair and honest. That makes asking just about any question easy.

Steiny (NYC)

What are your thoughts on the death of NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw? What do you think he meant to the game of football?

Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Wow. Upshaw's death was another unwelcome reminder that none of us is entitled to anything, that any of us could go at any time, that we do not live life on our terms. I think Upshaw's impact on the game has been dramatic in his role with the NFLPA. John Clayton said it well when he credited free agency for helping the NFL offseason become an event in itself, fueling the growth of the game. Upshaw was instrumental in making that happen.

benjamin, Plattsburgh

if the rumors are true that mike nolan still holds a grudge against smith for his injury last year nolan needs to be fired RIGHT NOW.... how dare a coach put his personal feelings in front of the owners 24 million investment and how dare a coach sabotage his most physically gifted qb

Sando

  (12:04 PM)

I doubt Mike Nolan is making quarterback decisions based on personal grudges. He is desperate to win and he's going to make decisions with the short term in mind. He no longer has the luxury to worry about the long term. It's unfortunate for Smith and arguably unfortunate for the organization, but I think it's understandable too.

Paul (Santa Barbara)

OK Sando I'm a Hawk fan but I want you to say what you see as the most critical (yet honest) problem with the Seahawks is.

Sando

  (12:06 PM)

The durability of Chris Spencer and Patrick Kerney could be key variables for this team. Chris Gray is no longer there as a security blanket for the interior of the offensive line. And Kerney wore down last eason. Drafting Lawrence Jackson was a smart move. Kerney was such a dynamic rusher last season, though, and I think he makes a big difference for them.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Chances are Anquan Boldin isn't going to be traded before the start of the season, how will his unhappiness alter the chemistry of the Cardinals if at all?

Sando

  (12:07 PM)

I was a little surprised Boldin took this to the next level with his personal shots on Ken Whisenhunt. Based on what I think I know about Boldin, and based on what his teammates have told me and others, we should not expect Boldin to become a cancer in the Cardinals' locker room.

benjamin, Plattsburgh

BUT if the rumors of Nolans personal feelings towards Smith are true..... shouldn't he be fired on the spot?

Sando

  (12:10 PM)

Nolan's mishandling of the QB situation last season nearly cost him his job. His decision not to install Smith as the starter from early in camp might also cost him his job. We might think of it this way: If Nolan is going to go down, he's going to do it his way. He's not going to be beholden to any notions about what might be fair to Smith if he thinks another QB gives him a better shot.

John (Spokane, WA)

How concerned should Hawks fans be about Matt Hasselbeck's back? He played through injury last season and he did very well. Especially since he probably won't be throwing the ball as much this year, your thoughts?

Sando

  (12:11 PM)

I don't think it's a big concern as far as his availability for the first game. The concern would be what happens when he inevitably gets hit this season. This looks like the type of thing that could bother sporadically but probably not sideline him for long stretches. That is the thing about back injuries, though. They are unpredictable.

Joe (AZ)

I'm a big Boldin fan, but don't understand the Cardinals unwillingness to explore a trade. They can't afford to have both WRs making $10 million a year, and Breaston and Doucet are solid prospects. Doucet, in particular, is a Boldin clone, a touch receiver with good hands and route running.

Sando

  (12:13 PM)

Boldin is under contract to the Cardinals for three seasons at a total of $8.25 million. That's a great deal for the team. The Cardinals are trying to set organizational precedent here. They want to prove themselves to be a stable team with a plan in place, not a team that panics or prematurely reworks deals.

Barry(Chicago)

Why all the love for Alex Smith? Just because the organization shove smith down Nolan's throat he should play him? From what I've seen of Alex Smith he is the epitomy of million dollar arm/10 cent head.

Sando

  (12:15 PM)

Mike Nolan was in charge of the 49ers' personnel when the team drafted Alex Smith. I still think Nolan ultimately sinks or swims based on what Smith becomes. That's how these things generally work. Perhaps Nolan can prove otherwise if O'Sullivan becomes the answer at QB. I do think the organization needs to feel good about its QB situation heading into 2009 for the organization to feel good about Nolan.

benjamin, Plattsburgh

the cards would of saved themselves the boldin headache if they had traded Fitz this offseason instead of extending, Fitz is a special player but so is Boldin who is also a team leader..... they bet on the wrong horse..... its why the cards will never win a superbowl

Sando

  (12:17 PM)

The Cards would have saved themselves from the Boldin situation had they not negotiated a rookie deal with Fitzgerald that allowed Fitzgerald's cap number to balloon into the Tom Brady range. That deal held the organization hostage. The way things are set up now, the Cardinals have BOTH players under contract.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Is Scott Linehan on the hot seat in St Louis?

Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Yes indeed.

Kevin from San Diego

Sando - didn't we sign Forsett to a 4 yr deal early in the offseason? What's the difference with Duckett's deal and his? Thanks

Sando

  (12:18 PM)

Guaranteed money is the difference. Duckett got a $2 million signing bonus and a $2 million guaranteed roster bonus in 2009. Forsett received less than $50,000 in guaranteed money. Cutting players with lots of guaranteed money costs more against the cap than cutting players with little guaranteed money.

Jeff (ASU campus)

Didn't the Cards rework Fitz's contract early? What they should say is they don't want to rework deals early unless the current deal hurts them.

Sando

  (12:19 PM)

Yes, and Rod Graves, the GM, told me a variation of that earlier this offseason. He said they might need to adopt a written policy saying they won't re-do deals with "x" amount of years remaining.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

I'd argue the Cardinals have a bigger issue and possible loss of investment on their hands with Matt Leinart. How short is his leash in Arizona?

Sando

  (12:21 PM)

If the leash were any shorter, it might be a collar. Ken Whisenhunt is keeping the pressure on Leinart. Whisenhunt's situation is different from Mike Nolan's situation. Whisenhunt did not draft Leinart. Whisenhunt is only in his second season. Whisenhunt was 8-8 last season. Whisenhunt has Warner as a fallback option. For all those reasons, Whisenhunt has the luxury of installing Leinart as the starter and benching him at the moment it becomes clear Warner provides a significantly better option.

chris (reston, va)

How do you see Arizona's defense shaking out this season? They don't seem to have much depth at all, but it looks like they have some playmakers. The NFC West defenses seem to rank 1. Seattle, 2. San Fran, 3. Zona, 4. St. Louis, right?

Sando

  (12:23 PM)

Depth in the Cardinals' front seven is improved with LaBoy, Haggans, Iwebema, Campbell, Bryan Robinson and possibly Brandon Moore. Your defensive rankings look about right to me.

Jon (Elyria, OH)

Mike, is Julius Jones a good fit in Seattle? Jones looked so good at the end of his rookie year in Dalls, and ever since then, it seems like circumstances (injuries, limited carries, etc...) have kept him from recognizing his full potential. Do you see him possibly having a breakout year, or is he just one of those players who are best suited to be a part-time, role player?

Sando

  (12:25 PM)

I see the Seahawks employing a two-back system this season. Jones is a good fit because he's an asset in the passing game. He picks up blitzes and catches the ball. The fear for Seattle is that neither Jones nor Maurice Morris provides top-shelf pure running ability. Jones is adamant that he can become an elite every-down back, but most of us will believe it when we see it. I don't see a huge breakout year for any Seattle runner as long as they are sharing time.

Eric (Sioux City)

The drafting of Lawrence Jackson suggests that 2nd year DE, Baraka Atkins, is a career backup; which surprises me. I saw college games where he played rush lb, dt, and both de spots all on the same drive.

Sando

  (12:26 PM)

Seattle has done a very nice job building its defense. Jason Babin is the player who could keep Atkins off the roster. Atkins has shown some good things this summer, but Babin is very intriguing as a first-round pick who didn't seem to fit well in the Texans' scheme.

Matt, Raleigh

The niners offensive line has looked much improved so far in the pre-season. No way they are as bad as last year right?

Sando

  (12:29 PM)

The question is really whether the 49ers can turn guys with measurables into guys who fit together well and know how to play the position. GM Scot McCloughan has been on the record saying he thought the line has underachieved. In other words, he thinks the talent is there. I do think the line should be improved but it'll be interesting to see if the sacks increase (as has happened previously when Martz has run offenses).

Jim (NH)

Can someone tell me why we care about the Niners and the Cardinals? The both are 4 win teams.

Sando

  (12:29 PM)

I cover the NFC West. Those teams are in the division.

Deric (Twin Falls, ID)

Do you think Red Bryant can have the same impact at Defensive Tackle that Tubbs did for the Seahawks?

Sando

  (12:30 PM)

Somewhere, Tim Ruskell just cringed. Of course you mean a HEALTHY Tubbs. Bryant isn't as dynamic a talent. Tubbs could dominate when healthy. I think they hope Bryant becomes a solid member of the rotation.

Mike (St. Louis)

How badly will the holdout affect Steven Jackson this season?

Sando

  (12:32 PM)

The holdout should be the least of Jackson's worries. His offensive line is the key issue there. Orlando Pace has missed most of the last two seasons. Backup guards Mark Setterstrom and Brandon Gorin are already out for the season. Center Brett Romberg is resting a broken hand. Alex Barron has been streaky at right tackle. The line hasn't had time to jell, and Jackson hasn't run behind this line in pads.

Eric (Sioux City)

Why didn't the Cards cut Edge early this offseason? He's in the final year of his deal, so there wouldn't be much unprorated bonus. Net savings $5+ million? They then could have drafted one of the ten starting caliber rookie RBs.

Sando

  (12:34 PM)

James has been money in the bank. Not a dynamic runner by any means, but a dependable one. The Cards couldn't be sure they would find the RB they wanted in the first round. Sure enough, they didn't see the value at that position, so they went with Rodgers-Cromartie. Tim Hightower has impressed so far, enough for them to cut backup Marcel Shipp.

Tom (CA)

Any word on the development of the 49ers 1st round DE? I read good things about him after the draft, but haven't heard anything since.

Sando

  (12:35 PM)

I know Mike Nolan is happy with Balmer. They expect Balmer to be part of the rotation this season. Not sure how many 3-4 DE types become household names, though. That's one reason Bryant Young seemed to disappear in recent seasons even though he still had ability.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Everyone knows that Trufant is an excellent corner, so can Kelly Jennings and the rest of the secondary handle being thrown at while Trufant is likely avoided by opposing offenses?

Sando

  (12:36 PM)

The pass rush dictates that. The pass rush helped Trufant play with confidence and realize his potential. I do think Seattle will be able to rush the passer. Rocky Bernard, Patrick Kerney, Julian Peterson, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill ... that's a long list of guys with rush ability. Darryl Tapp, too.

Matt (CT)

No talk about the Champs? Are people overlooking the Giants a bit?

Sando

  (12:38 PM)

People are definitely overlooking the Giants in this chat session, but that is likely because I cover the NFC West. Seriously, though, prevailing opinion seems to be that the Giants got hot and won big, but it was a one-year deal.

Guest49er, Bay Area

Sando, if the 49ers have another below .500 season, will MIke Nolan finally be fired as the HC?

Sando

  (12:39 PM)

The word "finally" seems to suggest you would not organize formal protests if Nolan were fired? Yes, I do think less than .500 might be tough to overcome.

Eric (Sioux City)

You have to feel bad for Setterstrom. He was their best olineman the last six games of the 2005 season. Opens the next two preseasons as a starter, suffers season ending injuries both years, and, now, is cut.

Sando

  (12:40 PM)

Yes. To clarify, this was a waived/injured move. That means Setterstrom's rights revert to the Rams once he clears waivers. Teams generally do not exercise waiver claims on injured backups. Look for Setterstrom to land on IR with the Rams if and when he clears waivers.

Kevin from San Diego

Sando - Do you see a possible Holmgren and Ruskell disagreement with Forsett and Duckett? Or is that already apparent?

Sando

  (12:41 PM)

Yeah, I could see some debate there. One key, though, is that Forsett has shown good things as a return man. I would think that would help his chances.

David Fairborn, OH

How many more years is it going to be "Arizona's year to break through" before they actually do? I laugh whenever I hear an analyst say "I really feel that THIS year is the Cardinals year" year in and year out.

Sando

  (12:42 PM)

Hey, the Cardinals hear you loud and clear. They have kept their mouths shut. They want to prove it on the field.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How has Chris Long looked at camp, and how big of a role will he play in the Rams defense in his rookie season?

Sando

  (12:43 PM)

Just OK. They acknowledge Long is not likely to become a sack master. James Hall has looked much better than I would have expected, so it'll be interesting to see if he eats into Long's reps. My feel on Long is that he'll become a steady player and long-term starter, but he might need some time.

Anthony (NYC)

Mike with OLB/DE Manny Lawson coming back off of a knee injury, what could we expect from him this coming season(he's such a talented player)?

Sando

  (12:44 PM)

The 49ers think he can become a guy opposing quarterbacks must account for before the snap. Seems like Lawson should become a solid starter this season.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA)

How bout a bright spot for the Niners. That kid Morgan has looked pretty special. I know it's preseason but still. You he's more flukey or did the Niners get a diamond in the rough?

Sando

  (12:46 PM)

I think they found a diamond in the rough. Morgan made a very positive impression on Mike Martz and Scot McCloughan from the beginning. I was also very impressed in my dealings with Morgan. He seems to "get it" and the talent is certainly there. Very athletic.

Guest 49er, Bay Area

Think Lawson, Spikes, and Willis will become like NOrton/Plummer/and Woodall that the 49ers used to have in a dominating LB corp?

Sando

  (12:47 PM)

The 49ers' linebackers do have tremendous potential, but let's see how well Spikes holds up at this stage of his career. Willis is already top-flight and Lawson appeared on the verge of good things when the knee injury intervened last season.

Nick (Cleveland)

I drafted Bryant Johnson on my fantasy team, does he even start? What kind of production do you see him making?

Sando

  (12:48 PM)

Man, tough break. I spoke with Johnson in the locker room the other day. More than anything, he was bummed about the timing of the injury. Johnson should start when healthy but I wouldn't expect huge numbers from him.

Brandon, CA

If Nolan is fired does that mean McLoughan's days are numbered too?

Sando

  (12:50 PM)

I would not think so. McCloughan signed an extension. McCloughan did not hire Nolan. McCloughan did not draft Alex Smith. McCloughan did not become the GM in full until this season.

MadDog(MI)

What ever happened to David Baas? He was supposed to be the next Hutchinson, and now can't even compete for a spot on the 49ers line.

Sando

  (12:51 PM)

A pectoral injury happened to Baas, and now Tony Wragge is playing well enough to make the 49ers think about leaving him in the lineup. I do not recall Hutchinsonian expecations for Baas, however..

chris (reston, va)

How do you see Joe Staley panning out at left tackle? Playing in a Martz system means getting next to no help at all from backs/tight ends. This offense can expose offensive linemen. Is he up to the task?

Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Joe Staley will be a good player, I think. He's working through an adjustment period at left tackle and trying to discipline himself for the nuances of the position change. Right tackles can sometimes afford to be more like maulers. Left tackles can't take as many chances because mistakes are more likely to facilitate blind-side hits. Staley is aggressive. He likes to hit a guy in the mouth. He needs to become more patient as he matures. I really like his approach and personality, though. He's a treat to deal with.

Daniel (The Bay)

All 4 NFC West teams have their many problems, but you continually just write the 49ers. I think you, and many others, will be shocked and impressed by how the team will look this year. Everyone should agree, that they have talent on both sides of the ball but the real question is, do they have the tenacity to win games? we will see.

Sando

  (12:56 PM)

The QB issue in San Francisco has dominated headlines. I do think the unwavering focus on that situation is justified, but it also can obscure other important factors. In terms of all four teams having "many" problems, winning the division has not been a problem for Seattle, so I would not lump the Seahawks into that group. The Cardinals were 8-8 last season. The Rams might have the most potential problem areas because of their depth.

Ted(Cornish, NH)

You mentioned Atkins might not make the Seahawks final roster. Any other quality players you expect to get cut who will make solid contributions elsewhere?

Sando

  (12:58 PM)

Jamar Adams showed some ability in the secondary for Seattle, and he might not make it. Floyd Womack is a veteran offensive lineman with versatility who might not make it (buyer beware: chronic injury issues). The 49ers could part with Ashley Lelie (not sure what you think about him). The 49ers might also release a DB with some ability, given their numbers at that position. The Cardinals have a choice to make with Monty Beisel, who has been hurt. These aren't great players, but they could fill depth holes elsewhere.

Daniel (Athens, Ga)

What do you think the future looks like for Alan Branch? Everyone seemed to think the Cardinals got a steal when they got him in the second round.

Sando

  (12:59 PM)

The Cardinals haven't been happy with Branch to this point. Ken Whisenhunt said Branch has shown some improvement this summer, but that pick is not looking like a steal right now.

Guest 49er, Bay Area

Zeigler the WR had an improved training camp for the 49ers, but do you see the 49ers either putting him on PS or should they cut Lelie or Battle and make Zeigler a WR?

Sando

  (1:00 PM)

I don't think there's room on the roster for Zeigler. I also do not see Lelie making the team.

Sando

  (1:01 PM)

THANKS, EVERYONE, AND CATCH YOU NEXT TIME. It's been a fun hour. You can track me down on the NFC West blog. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest --Sando