Chris (Fresno)

Do the Niners have a real shot at winning, r is this going to be an ugly game for them? And when will they realize they need to get a dominant DE like Julius Peppers in order to take the next step to the playoffs!

Mike Sando

  (12:00 PM)

The 49ers, like most teams, realize the value of a dominant defensive end. Finding one is the hard part. As for the game Sunday, sure, I give the 49ers a chance. It's always tough to know how some of these teams will play from week to week. No outcome should surprise us.

steve (issaquah, wa)

Mike, Rumors are starting the Seahawks might let Hasselbeck go after the season due to the regime change, cap hit and his injury history, do you see this happening and if so do you see them taking a QB in the first round and hitting it big like the Falcons did with Ryan or waiting till the second round and taking a Harrell or McCoy or Chase Daniel, as always thanks for taking the time to chat!

Mike Sando

  (12:01 PM)

If these rumors are as reliable as the ones about Jim Mora possibly heading to the University of Washington, then we should count on Matt Hasselbeck returning in 2009. And that is what I expect to happen. Jim Mora likes Hasselbeck and wants to build the offense with Hasselbeck in mind. The Seahawks could still draft a quarterback, but Hasselbeck is their best option for 2009. His injury situation will be worth monitoring, of course, but right now it's an upset if Hasselbeck isn't the starter next season.

Tyler (Phoenix)

Because of all the running woes, will Edge get some carries this week by default? If so, guesstimation of how many?

Mike Sando

  (12:03 PM)

Ken Whisenhunt said he doesn't expect to change the rotation this week. That's the best information we have at this time. Hightower had a big game against the Rams earlier this season. I'm thinking the Cardinals go back to him Sunday. It does seem as though Edge should get some carries, but I'll believe it's going to happen when I see it.

Jay (New York)

What's going on with Seattle, they were a tuff team last year, now there gettin ready for next seasons? Whats going on?

Mike Sando

  (12:04 PM)

Injuries at quarterback and receiver explained part of it. The disappearance of the pass rush explained part of it. Getting paired against the NFC East explained part of it.

Sarah (Denver)

I've heard whispers that the Rams may use a high pick in the draft. I can't believe that. Bulger is frustrating but he has the potential to be great, plus I think rebuilding the O-line and D should be top priority. Have you heard anything about this?

Mike Sando

  (12:05 PM)

The Rams will definitely use a high pick in the draft. I'm assuming you meant to say they might use a high pick ON A QUARTERBACK. I'm with you. The team has too much money invested in Bulger and too many issues elsewhere on the roster to take a QB that high. No QB is going to succeed in St. Louis without a better offensive line.

Rob - Glendale, AZ

The Edge has a greater amount of output over this season vs Hightower, but any power running game coach will tell you they try to get their backs the ball atleast 20-25 times per game. Atleast thats what the Old Tuna used to say. My question is considering the dismal performance of Hightower as lead back, do you think the running game would be better with Edge as the starter giving him the ball enough times to make a play or perhaps JJ?

Mike Sando

  (12:08 PM)

The Cardinals have to decide whether they would be better trying to be a traditional team getting that many carries for its back. So far, they have decided they're better turning loose Kurt Warner in the passing game. There are lots of tradeoffs with that Arizoan offense right now. If you're going to start Warner, you're going to be a team that uses the shotgun quite a bit and a team that throws the ball frequently. I do think the running game would improve by giving the ball to James a bunch of times during the game. I'm not convinced the Cardinals would improve as a whole by that approach, and that is what Ken Whisenhunt and Todd Haley are taking into account.

Greg (Arizona)

Any idea on what Boldin and the Cardinals stance is going to be on a new contract for Anquan?

Mike Sando

  (12:09 PM)

The Cardinals have more pressing issues. What to do with Kurt Warner? What to do with Karlos Dansby? Boldin has multiple years left on his deal. Arizona has the leverage. I would expect the Cardinals to proceed on their terms.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

Will Balmer be a good 3-4 end? I haven't seen the Niners play much this year, but I'd like to think he's progressing nicely.

Mike Sando

  (12:11 PM)

I'm not convinced to this point, but Balmer hasn't played enough for us to draw conclusions. Ends in a 3-4 system really aren't the guys you notice much. They're important, sure, but rarely are they big-time difference makers. I'm not expecting Balmer to transcend the position or anything like that.

Bob (Tacoma)

San-Daddy what's goin on my man? Do you think the Seahawks will be able to rebound next year and make a run for the division? Or is this team worse shape than we all think, and not just because of injuries?

Mike Sando

  (12:13 PM)

First, thanks for referring to me by my given name. My mother passes along her thanks. Before this season, I thought the Seahawks would tail off a bit in 2009. It's all relative. Now that the team is headed for a likely 2-14 or 3-13 record this season, I expect relative improvement in 2009. The Seahawks should contend within the division but I would not name them the favorite.

mike (az)

Mike, Im not going to try and pretend i know more about game-planning and play execution as Ken Whiz and Todd Haley but my main issue with the cards running game have been the type of plays they have used, all gadgety types. It seems of late the only run plays called have been either slow developing draw plays or counters. I understand with the draw it is used because of our pass happy offense has opposing D's pinning their ears back and rushing the passer but it still is terribly slow to develop, I know averaging 3 yrds on a run play is awful but it seems often when the cards are in some sort of offset i-form and just run it straight up they get about 3. The gagetish runs sometimes hit but often miss. I think it might be time to just take the 3 yards and run up the gut.

Mike Sando

  (12:15 PM)

Yep, the Cardinals have pretty much conceded that they aren't a running team. Boldin has made some plays in the ground game, notably with that 30-yarder at Carolina. But when you're siphoning carries to your Pro Bowl receiver, that tells you what you need to know about the ability to run the ball conventionally.

Robert, Phx

Given the current scenarios I don't think AZ will be playing for a first round by and I've heard they want to keep Warner fresh. What are the possibilities of seeing the cards put Leinart in the field in these later games after they have secured the division?

Mike Sando

  (12:16 PM)

Yeah, I think we'll see Leinart play before the regular season is out. But I would not expect the Cardinals to play Leinart for a full game until possibly the final game of the regular season.

Bruce (Cambridge, Ontario)

Hi Mike, Any thoughts on coaching staff changes when Mora becomes head coah for the Seahawks? Everyone expects Marshall to be replaced with Ed Donatell, what about the other coaches?

Mike Sando

  (12:17 PM)

Let's see what happens with Jim Haslett, too. He's another "name" defensive coach who could become available.

Bob (Tacoma)

Sorry Michael, I didn't mean any disrespect. So then how would you rank the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers, next season? This is obviously assuming the Cards are the favorite.

Mike Sando

  (12:18 PM)

Was kidding on the name reference. Tell me who is coaching the Rams and 49ers. Too many changes coming within the division to make a prediction this early.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Better chance to upset an angry AFC East power this weekend...'Hawks vs. Patriots or Niners vs. Jets?

Mike Sando

  (12:19 PM)

The 49ers probably have the better chance. I don't like the matchups for Seattle against New England. The Pats don't lose two in a row.

Chet (LA)

Mike, how do you feel Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is progressing this season? Do you think he has the potential to be a dominating CB in the league?

Mike Sando

  (12:21 PM)

He's on schedule. He has the physical talent to become a Pro Bowl corner, in my view. He needs experience to take the next step. Experience will allow him to anticipate. Right now he's working off talent. He has enough talent to make that work, but the top corners see what's coming. DRC cannot do that right now. We can't say for sure if he'll be able to do that, but if he does, watch for him to become a potential Pro Bowl corner.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Sando Clause- What is the Seahawks most needed upgrade-OL, DL, DB, or WR?

Mike Sando

  (12:23 PM)

I am now choosing to respond based 80 percent on what nicknames you're bringing. I would say DL, WR, OL and DB. WR is a wild card. The need is every bit as great as the other needs, but it's such a high-risk position in the draft.

Ryan, The Bay, CA

Sandizzle- If Singletary wins two more games would you give him an extended contract?

Mike Sando

  (12:24 PM)

Not necessarily. I would be more concerned with how he's handling the team and grow as a coach, and his ability to make the necessary staff adjustments for 2009.

Greg (Arizona)

Boldin's agent is Rosenhaus. Somehow I dont get the feeling that will be as simple as "Cardinals to proceed on their terms".

Mike Sando

  (12:25 PM)

Right. We should definitely expect some sort of public strategy. At the end of the day, though, Boldin is under contract. That allows the Cardinals to proceed on their terms as far as taking care of other priorities.

Mike (az)

sando, Less a question of what they will do but more what you think they should regarding the cards and trading anquan. I for the record want him to stay but there is a great argument for trading. Cards have lots of players who need money (A-dub, Kurt, Karlos and even antonio smith) still many holes to fill (offensive line and CB's) and im wondering if you feel the prudent decision is to allocate the money elsewhere and stockpile either draft picks or quality veterans (or some combo of the two)?

Mike Sando

  (12:27 PM)

In theory, yes, the Cardinals should allocate the money elsewhere. However, I don't think organizations can get rid of Pro Bowl-caliber players who embody what Boldin embodies in terms of character, work ethic and professionalism. Boldin appears to be everything you want from a player in those areas. Part with him at your peril.

Norm (Cleveland)

Who the hell is A-dub?

Mike Sando

  (12:28 PM)

You should pose that question to Adrian Wilson in person.

Ryan, The Bay, CA

San-Deezy-Off the heezy-Fa-Sheezy, Suppose the 49ers do go ahead and hire Singletary and he decides to go after another offensive coordinator..who would you say could be some logical candidates?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

Norv Turner, if available. That lets you bring back Alex Smith as your sleeper developmental third quarterback, and at this point we're pretty sure no other team is going to hire Turner as a head coach.

Mack (WA)

Are you completely sure that the Seahawks are still going to hire Mora and that Mora will bring in Knapp from Oakland?

Mike Sando

  (12:29 PM)

Not completely sure, but that has been the feeling for a long time.

Burwell (Addison, PA)

San the Man, how's Brian Leonard looking?

Mike Sando

  (12:31 PM)

I hear his penmanship is coming around. It should be on display this week. http://scarletknights.com/football/news/release.asp?prID=7172

Sarah (Denver)

Will the Rams ever get anything out of Klopfenstein? Byrd was obviously a disaster. That draft is looking awful: Hill, Wroten, Alston, Hagans, and those 2 guys.

Mike Sando

  (12:32 PM)

Doubtful. Klopfenstein has had lots of chance. Randy McMichael has been out most of the year.

Bruce (Cambridge, Ontario)

Sorry Mike, back to the Seahawk coaching situation. Ruskell has atlked about keeping the same (or similar) offence, does that mean we keep our current offensive coordiantor and staff?

Mike Sando

  (12:34 PM)

Not entirely. I could see some changes, including at coordinator. I do think they would be wise to keep some continuity, certainly for Hasselbeck's sake. Gil Haskell represents that link to the Holmgren era, so I would certainly want to keep him, even if it's not as coordinator. Line coach Mike Solari will be back.

Jay (New York)

Mike, Do you think that the Cardinals will be a one and done team in the playoffs? I don't see them beating any team in the South or the East, you?

Mike Sando

  (12:35 PM)

I'm leaning that way based on what I've seen recently but I do think Arizona has enough things in its favor to win one game at home, depending on which team visits and how well the Cardinals are playing late in the season.

Tyler (Phoenix)

Special teams were very costly against the giants a few weeks ago for the cards. What changes do you foresee in the cards special teams game? I heard about the punting change, but how will that affect the holder (who is the new holder) and what replacements or changes do you see for this week against the rams?

Mike Sando

  (12:37 PM)

The new punter, Ben Graham, is the new holder. Neil Rackers seems pleased with him so far. The team appears more committed to Arrington as the kick returner over Breaston, and I think that makes sense based on Arrington's ability to break long ones on occasion. Beyond that, I'm not expecting wholesale changes.

Chris (Broadview Heights, OH)

How important is the Minnesota @ Arizona game in a week? I know for sure that Arizona needs to get that #3 seed if they want any prayer of making the NFC championship game. No way they beat the NY Giants on the road.

Mike Sando

  (12:39 PM)

Hugely important. I think it's also important for the Cardinals to continue establishing a home-field advantage. It's something to rally around once it exists. If the Cardinals go 7-1 at home this season, they've established University of Phoenix Stadium as a tough place to play. And they also might get that third seed.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Is Tim Hightower going to be a feature back? I think he could be part of a great 1-2 punch with a burner, but I'm skeptical of his ability to be a full-time workhorse.

Mike Sando

  (12:41 PM)

I also see Hightower as a 1-2 punch runner. The Cardinals like him but they would presumably still consider taking one in the 2009 draft if they saw a more talented prospect.

Joe (Davis, CA)

Sando, Do you think the 49ers will make a move during the offseason for a guy like D. McNabb or another veteran FA?

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

I would put McNabb in a different category than the typical free-agent QB who might come available. At this point, I do expect the 49ers to draft a quarterback and identify a veteran to carry them for a year or two. Shaun Hill has four more games to prove he can be that veteran.

Dan - San Jose

Sand-Man...Any chance the 49ers dedicate their next couple of drafts to making their o-line and d-line the most dominant in the league? That would be helpful.

Mike Sando

  (12:43 PM)

I do think that is where the 49ers need to focus. They also need to determine what kind of philosophies they are going to use on both sides of the ball.

Dan (Walnut Creek, CA)

What has Shaun Hill done to prove that he CAN'T be that veteran?

Mike Sando

  (12:44 PM)

He just needs to do it over a more extended period, that's all. If he falters badly in these final four games, he can't be that guy, most likely.

Kevin, Boston

A fantasy question. Does Breaston do well this weekend or do Fitz and Quan get all the glory?

Mike Sando

  (12:47 PM)

I don't have his numbers handy from the previous game against the Rams, but I do know Arizona used 20 snaps of two backs, two receivers and one tight end. That was a very high number for the Cardinals. They ran the ball 14 times for an 8.6-yard average from that personnel group. If they go that route again, it means fewer snaps of three or four receivers.

Josh (Austin)

If the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks combined their teams, would they be able to win my son's under 12 Pop Warner league?

Mike Sando

  (12:48 PM)

I will pose a serious question along those lines. Take the five best offensive linemen in the NFC West and tell me how many would start for the Giants right now.

Raymond (Baltimore)

The Sand Man, I don't get to watch to many Cardinal games here on the East Coast. But w/ James demotion, and Hightower doing not exactly lighting it up (sans the rams game). Is it more an indictment of the scheme/O-Line? Then Edge not playing well?

Mike Sando

  (12:50 PM)

It's more a reflection of the style of offense and the coaching staff's perception as to what Hightower offers vs. what James offers. When Arizona was more of a two-receiver team, James ran the ball somewhat effectively.

Henry C (Seattle, WA)

SanDOH!, What's the runningback position look like for Seattle next year? Same crew with and open competition?

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

Doubtful. Maurice Morris is a free agent. He's a Holmgren guy. Does he come back? Not so sure. Look for Duckett to play more, most likely. Look for Julius Jones to play more. And then watch to see what the Seahawks do in the draft at that position.

Giants Fan

ZERO

Mike Sando

  (12:51 PM)

You might be right. We could make a case for Walter Jones or possibly a healthy Orlando Pace, but the point stands.

Harvey "Mr. Steeler" Aronson, Jacksonville, Florida

Mike your thoughts on Steelers Nation being named #1 by ESPN?

Mike Sando

  (12:52 PM)

It's an emotional moment for all of us here in the NFC West chat room.

Andy (Denver)

How did you end up with the NFC West -- shortest straw?

Mike Sando

  (12:53 PM)

Ha. I think it had something to do with covering the Seahawks for nine seasons.

Todd (LA)

Is Early Doucet's lack of playing time the result of his poor play, or exceptional depth. Hope they trade him, he's too good to be inactive.

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

It's a result of Steve Breaston taking a quantum leap forward and Doucet going through what rookies tend to go through at that position. Also, Doucet lost out when he suffered that hamstring injury in camp. Now it's too late. The rotation is set and Urban is the fourth receiver in the 4WR packages.

Zac (MN)

Sand-Wich, do you think the suspensions will be decided before this weekend's games? If not, potentially how long could it take for a final decision?

Mike Sando

  (12:54 PM)

Give me a moment to chew on that one.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

The answer to your question about the O-lineman starting is zero. Outside of WR, I doubt anyone from the division starts on that offense.

Mike Sando

  (12:55 PM)

Wow, great point. Frank Gore would get my vote, though. Tremendous player.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mike, with all 11 guys returning on defense, what's kept them from being the Hawks defense of old? They are one of the worst in the league.

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

Pass rush, mostly. Have you seen it? Not there. Early in the season, I thought the offensive problems affected the defense. The lack of pass rush has caught up to Seattle more recently. A bad pass rush exposes the back seven.

Joseph (seattle)

Sando.. you know very well that the hawks are all we have up here these days... give me a shred of hope.. a light at the end of the tunnel.. is there ANY good news from this season?

Mike Sando

  (12:56 PM)

John Carlson.

Walter Jones (Seattle, Wa)

Mike, I could start for ANY team and be a huge upgrade!

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

I tend to agree, but would you break up what the Giants have going from a continuity standpoint?

Steve (OR)

Any chance the Hawks move Lochlear inside next year, a-la Travelle Wharton? The draft is stacked at OT and they could get a good RT at the top of the 2nd round.

Mike Sando

  (12:57 PM)

The thought had been to possibly move Locklear to LT if Jones retired, but Jones looks like he has a couple more years. I might consider Willis at RT, but with the money they have invested in Locklear, he probably needs to play.

Steve (NYC)

Historically, is the NFC West the worst division in the history of the NFL?

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

For a stretch this season, the AFC West might have been worse.

Mike Sando

  (12:58 PM)

THANKS FOR DROPPING BY TODAY. Hope to see you at the NFC West blog.

Mike Sando

  (12:59 PM)

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest