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NFC West Predicted Finish 1. St. Louis Rams- They're back. Yes, those Rams that you love to watch when you aren't playing them may actually have a defense that can hold teams below 25 points and allow them to make it back to the promise -land. Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk are ready to make another run at the offensive record-books and their partners in crime Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Ricky Proehl, Az-Zahir Hakim, and hope to get help from Trung Candidate for Faulk's relief. However, the big story is the moves St. Louis made to improve the horrific defense of 2000 that actually started with the departure of a few "stars" including D'Marco Farr, Kevin Carter, Mike Jones, Todd Lyght, and Keith Lyle. The addition of Don Davis and Mark Fields at linebacker along with rookies Tommy Polley and Brian Allen from Florida State figure to help when they are added to the already strong London Fletcher. On the D-Line Grant Wistrom is the only true starter back and will now have Cedric Jones from the Giants at the other end and Damione Lewis (12th overall pick in 2001 draft from Miami) to anchor the middle. Lewis will get help from rookie Ryan Pickett at tackle and Tyoka Jackson also comes in from Tampa Bay. Jackson comes along with Lovie Smith from Tampa who now runs the defense with renowned D-Line coach Bill Kollar and the highly emotional Ron Meeks coaching DB's. Meeks' defensive backfield is also full of newcomers with all-world corner Aeneas Williams, safety Kim Herring from Baltimore, and draft picks Adam Archuleta and Jeremetrius Butler. Williams will take away one receiver and Dexter McCleon or Dre Bly can handle the other one. At safety, Archuleta is a true football player who hits hard and has great speed and will learn from a proven safety in Kim Herring. This should be the best team in the NFC this year, there's too much talent on this defense to be as bad as a year ago. 2. New Orleans Saints- The worst franchise in the NFL's history made many, many strides a year ago and appear to be ready to make many more. The reason for these strides is on the sidelines in the form of fiery young coach Jim Haslett, who amazingly brought excitement to the city in his first year. Quarterback will most likely be the young, exciting Aaron Brooks who took over after Jeff Blake was injured and led the Saints to a playoff victory. Blake figures to be Brooks backup this season. Running back is also interesting, while it's uncertain who will start, either way the Saints feel good about the situation. Ricky Williams was having a very strong year before getting injured and is now being rumored to have interest in returning to baseball, though if he does there's not too much to worry about after the drafting of Deuce McAllister in the first round. The receiver position is also stronger with the addition of Albert Connell to the impressive Joe Horn and sure handed Willie Jackson. The defense has little to worry about with the core of last season's strong group returning and the coaching of Jim Haslett and defensive coordinator Ron Zook. The Saints could challenge the Rams for the West crown, but need some St. Louis injuries to help them out. 3. San Francisco 49ers- The Niners aren't completely out of the salary cap pit, but are getting closer and are full of young talent, not to mention a new strong front office with Terry Donahue now calling the shots after learning from one of the best in Bill Walsh. San Fran found a definite diamond in the ruff with Jeff Garcia at quarterback and have good young depth at receiver with Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes, Tai Streets, and rookie Cedrick Wilson. The backfield did take a hit with the loss of superstar Charlie Garner, but drafted the talented Kevan Barlow from Pittsburgh and are high on second year back Paul Smith. Defensively, the 49ers are hoping that their decision to start six different rookies in 2000 pays off. On the line Dana Stubblefield returns from Washington to team up again with the healed star Bryant Young, along with top draft pick Andre Carter and second year end John Engelberger the line could turn in to a great strong point. The linebackers are suspect, but all have great upsides and the defensive backfield is deep and talented, yet extremely young. San Francisco is at least a year away from contending for the playoffs, but are definitely moving in the right direction. 4. Atlanta Falcons- Atlanta's Hawks once had the man that was referred to as the "human highlight reel" and now Atlanta's Falcons have drafted the football equivalent. Michael Vick was the most electrifying player in college football last season and appears to have all the makings of becoming an all-world NFL quarterback, and more quickly than most may think. Most think that it will take Vick a year or two to grasp the NFL as it does to many star quarterbacks, but Vick's skills may speed that process. The inevitable will happen when Chris Chandler gets knocked out for the season and that's when the Falcons will begin to surprise people. Vick can make something out of nothing and his speed is unbelievable, even at this level, and that kind of talent may be what it takes to worry defensive coordinators enough to let Jamal Anderson become the star he once was. No, the Falcons aren't loaded with talent and are not a playoff contender this season, they will be much better than some think. 5. Carolina Panthers- Carolina is the most confusing team in football. On paper they've appeared to have talent, but have consistently underachieved since the NFC championship game in their second season. Now its a team that will either start the unknown Jeff Lewis or the rookie veteran Chris Weinke at quarterback. Tim Biakabutuka has been a huge disappointment at running back, but will now be pushed by the proven Adrian Murrell. On defense the Panthers have made mistake after mistake in the draft, on trades, and through free agency with the result being a sketchy, thin defense that's star may be a guy who has never made a tackle in the NFL, Dan Morgan. The Panthers need help, getting rid of Seifert would be a start.
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