Dwayne Bryant s 2006 NFC West Preview
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Dwayne Bryant's 2006 NFC West Preview
Summary
Dwayne Bryant of Bullseye-Sports.com shares his insights and predictions for the 2006 NFL NFC West division. Teams are listed in the order of their expected finish.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Offense
The Seahawks, reigning NFC Champions, made a significant move by re-signing MVP Shaun Alexander, who set an NFL record with 28 touchdowns and led the league with 1,880 rushing yards. Despite losing Pro-Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson to Minnesota, QB Matt Hasselbeck is well-versed in Mike Holmgren's offense. Hasselbeck delivered 24 TDs and just 9 INTs with a 98.2 QB rating in 2005. His top target, Darrell Jackson, needs to stay healthy, while Nate Burleson replaces Joe Jurevicius opposite Jackson. TE Jerramy Stevens emerged as a threat last season. The Seahawks led the NFL in 2005 with 28.3 points per game and should maintain similar numbers in 2006.Defense
The defense ranked seventh in the league in 2005, allowing just 16.9 points per game and leading with 50 sacks. The standout rookie performances of Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, along with the addition of Julian Peterson, create a formidable front seven. The secondary, featuring Michael Boulware and a returning Ken Hamlin, is also solid.Special Teams
The return game needs work, with Josh Scobey averaging 22.5 yards on kickoffs. Kicker Josh Brown, with fewer opportunities due to 57 team TDs, connected on 18 of 25 field goals. Improvement is expected this season.Prediction
With a strong offense and defense, Seattle should easily secure a playoff spot, and another Super Bowl run isn't out of reach.2. Arizona Cardinals
Offense
Adding RB Edgerrin James from the Colts was a major offseason move. Coupled with receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, and rookie TE Leonard Pope, James should see some open field despite not having the Colts' line. QB Kurt Warner has a new weapon and safety valve in James, though the offensive line remains a concern. Rookie QB Matt Leinart stands ready if Warner can't perform. This offense promises explosiveness in 2006.Defense
Arizona's defense ranked eighth in yards allowed but 26th in points allowed in 2005. Improving their red-zone defense is crucial. DE Bertrand Berry's return from injury is key. LB Karlos Dansby contributed two INT-return TDs, and CB Antrel Rolle shows promise. Safety Adrian Wilson adds big-play potential.Special Teams
Neil Rackers excelled in 2005, with 40 of 42 FG attempts. Reggie Swinton offered minimal returns.Prediction
With promise but needing improvements in the line and defense, Arizona should finish around 8-8, pushing the playoffs to next year.3. St. Louis Rams
Offense
With new coach Scott Linehan, there's a focus on the running game, benefitting RB Steven Jackson. QB Marc Bulger must stay healthy, supported by WRs Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, and Kevin Curtis. The TEs Joe Klopfenstein and Dominique Byrd will be more involved in the new system.Defense
Last season's defense struggled, ranking 30th in yards and 31st in points allowed. The addition of DT La'Roi Glover and LB Will Witherspoon offers hope, while CB Tye Hill seeks to strengthen the secondary.Special Teams
Special teams ranked poorly across the board, except for reliable kicker Jeff Wilkins, who made 27 of 31 FG attempts.Prediction
With new strategies and a learning curve, they will challenge Arizona but likely fall short at 7-9.4. San Francisco 49ers
Offense
Rookie QB Alex Smith struggled last season but gains potential with TE Vernon Davis and WR Antonio Bryant. The addition of guard Larry Allen promises better protection for RBs Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore, though Gore currently holds the edge.Defense
After switching to a 3-4 defense last season, the loss of OLBs Julian Peterson and Andre Carter hits hard. The unit, ranked last in yards and near-last in points allowed, faces another challenging season.Special Teams
Despite kicker Joe Nedney setting a franchise FG percentage record (92.86%), the return unit underperformed.Prediction
With a young QB and shaky defense, San Francisco is in for another long season, unlikely to surpass 4-12.Final Thoughts
The Seahawks are poised to reclaim the division title, barring major injuries. Arizona is on the rise, potentially snagging a playoff spot with some luck. The Rams need to shore up their defense for playoff contention, while the 49ers remain in rebuilding mode, eying future success.
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