The NFC West is one of those divisions. Every one of these teams could in fact have very good seasons, however, each and every one of them could disappoint. Here is my preview of this weak division called the NFC West.

The running game went through a tremendous makeover over the off-season. It has improved, but it definitely wasn’t a long-term solution. The offense is getting older year after year while the defense is steadily improving. As far as the current situation goes in the NFC West, the Seahawks look like kings compared to the rest of the teams in the NFC West (49ers don’t know their QB, Leinart has problems acting mature, and the Rams don’t even have their Franchise RB). However, one huge weakness the Hawks hold is inconsistency. If the Hawks can keep the starter injuries aside and start winning on the road and on the east coast, they could get it done.

SCHEDULE: @BUF-W, vs. SF-W, vs. STL-W, @NYG-L, vs. GB-L, @TB-W, @SF-W, vs. PHI-W, @MIA-W, vs. ARZ-W, vs. WAS-W, @DAL-L, vs. NE-L, @STL-W, vs. NYJ-W, @ARZ-L

PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5 (5-1 in Division)

2.      San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers had a disastrous past season. However, in the upcoming season, the 49ers

will become more of what they were in 2006. Besides quarterback, San Francisco is actually pretty solid. Look around, you’ve got future stars like Patrick Willis, Bryant Johnson, Vernon Davis; and then you’ve got the leaders like Justin Smith, Nate Clements, Isaac Bruce, and Frank Gore. If the 49ers can get their quarterback position solved and Alex Smith works out under yet another guy (Mike Martz), this team might do a hell lot better than everyone else thinks.

SCHEDULE: vs. ARZ-W, @SEA-L, vs. DET-W, @NO-L, vs. NE-L, vs. PHI-W, @NYG-L, vs. SEA-L, @ARZ-L, vs. STL-W, @DAL-L, @BUF-L, vs. NYJ-W, @MIA-W, @STL-W, vs. WAS-L

PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9 (3-3 in Division)

3.      Arizona Cardinals

The Cards are very young, but the good news is all the young guys on their roster have quite a bit of potential. However, Matt Leinart needs to take this seriously because he can be remembered as “just one of those other QB’S who were good in college but were busts in the pros” or he can be remembered as “Arizona’s Franchise QB.” Also, Kurt Warner is NOT the answer. He might still be good, but we need to see Leinart, whose career has been plagued with injuries thus far. Until Leinart or Vince Young can prove me otherwise, Jay Cutler will always be the best pure quarterback selected in 2006.

SCHEDULE: @SF-L, vs. MIA-W, @WAS-L, @NYJ-L, vs. BUF-W, vs. DAL-L, @CAR-L, @STL-L, vs. SF-W, @SEA-L, vs. NYG-L, @PHI-L, vs. STL-W, vs. MIN-L, @NE-L, vs. SEA-W

PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11 (3-3 in Division)

4.      St. Louis Rams

The Rams are a solid team, and a year ago, some people (not me) thought the Rams might even win the division. They fell quite a bit short. However, they need to get the Steven Jackson deal done. Jackson is an important player and not having him will prove costly. If you look around, they have good players. They have names like Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Steven Jackson, Orlando Pace, Randy McMichael, and Alex Barron on offense. As well as Leonard Little, Adam Carriker, Chris Long, Tye Hill, O.J. Atogwe, and Will Witherspoon on defense. However, I just don’t see it happening, partly because of their very tough schedule.

SCHEDULE: @PHI-L, vs. NYG-L, @SEA-L, vs. BUF-L, @WAS-L, vs. DAL-L, @NE-L, vs. ARZ-W, @NYJ-W, @SF-L, vs. CHI-W, vs. MIA-W, @ARZ-L, vs. SEA-L, vs. SF-L, @ATL-W

PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11 (1-5 in Division)

WHAT IF: The Seahawks took Odell Thurman instead of Lofa Tatupu in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft?

·         If the Seahawks did that, our defense would be nowhere near it is today. Tatupu is the leader of our defense and arguably the best player on our entire team. In fact, during the 05’ Draft, Tatupu was considered a huge reach (primarily because of his size) while Thurman was considered 1st round talent, but fell into the 2nd round due to some personality issues. Thurman was taken three picks after Tatupu, and in the rookie season of each player, they both were solid, in fact, Thurman was a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender. Three years later, Thurman has been suspended for two consecutive seasons while Tatupu has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. In other words, if we did that, we ought to be punching Tim Ruskell in the nuts for the rest of his life.

WHAT IF: The Mariners never made the trade for Erik Bedard?

·         I was never a fan of trading Adam Jones, and I still think he will be a star in the future. Bedard on the other hand has been injured much of the season. Today, I’m a fan of trading Bedard, but I doubt he can make an appearance prior to the trade deadline. If the trade never occurred, we’d still have a solid team. In fact, if we didn’t trade for Bedard, we could put Brandon Morrow or Ryan Rowland-Smith as the 5th starter and George Sherrill as our closer keeping in mind J.J. Putz has been unhealthy all year long; and we’d still have a solid pitching rotation and bullpen.

WHAT IF: The Mariners selected Tim Lincecum instead of Brandon Morrow with the 5th pick in the 2007 MLB Draft?

·         The Mariners would be a much better team had we selected Lincecum. I’m not saying Morrow instead a good player. In fact, I think the kid has tons of potential. But until we’ve seen Morrow as a starter, Lincecum will forever be the much better pitcher. Of course, Lincecum wouldn’t have burst with the Mariners if we took him until this season; so look to the future, just imagine a pitching rotation with the likes of Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Philippe Aumont, and Juan Ramirez. The latter two aren’t ready just yet, but just imagine in the future, once the five develop, a rotation like that…

WHAT IF: Tim Ruskell never hired Mike Holmgren as the Seahawks’ head coach?

·         I could never imagine a Seahawks team without Holmgren. But that’s reality after next season, but what if he NEVER was. Think of the impact. That probably means Matt Hasselbeck would be a nobody, just like his brother, Tim. Why? If Holmgren never came to Seattle, Matt wouldn’t have (since Matt came via trade thanks to Holmgren), which would have meant Matt would have still needed to stay with the Packers, and backup up headline-magnet Brett Favre. In fact, we probably wouldn’t even know what a Hasselbeck even is. Just imagine, guys like Trent Dilfer and Jon Kitna as your starter instead of Matt Hasselbeck. Can you say Super Bowl team???

WHAT IF: The Seahawks traded several picks higher to select Antonio Cromartie rather than Kelly Jennings with their 1st round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft?

·         No Seahawks fan has probably ever considered this, but I’ve thought about it many times. The Seahawks defense would be even better if this happened. Think of a Seahawks secondary in the near future with the likes of Marcus Trufant (7 interceptions last year), Antonio Cromartie (10 interceptions last year), Jordan Babineaux, and Josh Wilson. I’d definitely be pretty optimistic about our pass defense.

WHAT IF: The referees in Super Bowl XL weren’t Steelers and were actually doing their job?

·         The normal person who say, simple. The Seahawks would have won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. But there’s much more to that. If that happened, Mike Holmgren would be a lock for the Hall of Fame (he won’t be unless the Hawks pull off a miracle in 2008), Bill Cowher wouldn’t have retired, while Jerome Bettis would have retired as just another oversized and overrated back, and Ben Rothleisberger would be a nobody who has a messed up last name and is a cheater.

WHAT IF: What if the Seahawks never traded Darrell Jackson?

·         To tell you the truth, I don’t think Jackson is ever going to have any year like the ones he had here in Seattle. While with the Seahawks, Jackson averaged 63 receptions and 920 receiving yards per season. However, he had a very disappointing year with the 49ers last year. However, I do believe had Jackson stayed with Seattle, I think Jackson would still have a career and would be one of the best receivers in the league. With D.J. Hackett and Deion Branch injured for portions of last year and Marcus Pollard nowhere close to expectations; think of how much 63 catches and almost 1,000 receiving yards would have helped us. That would definitely have given Seattle one of the most solid receiving corps in the league, and would have added AT LEAST one more win onto the 10 we got. Now with Denver and emerging young guys like Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler more looked at by Jay Cutler, Jackson will be no more than a reserve for the rest of his career.

Let me know what you think.

INTRO: First off, I’d like to set something straight. I am without a doubt an avid Seahawks fan, but sometimes, you have to face reality. Today, that’s what I’ll be doing. I wish every season that the Hawks will go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl. Year in and year out, it doesn’t end up happening. The Seahawks are still the best team in their division (probably not for very long however), but today, we’ll face reality and I’ll tell you the many holes you can find throughout the Seahawks roster.

QB & WR: The only real bright spot on the entire Seahawks offense is probably Matt Hasselbeck. But when the only bright spot on offense for a team is a 32-year old, that’s not great news. Sure you can argue that he’s still in his prime, but for how much longer? The loss of Jim Zorn will definitely hurt, and it’s going to be tough for Hasselbeck having to throw to a poor receiving corps. Deion Branch won’t be 100% at the start of the season and up & coming D.J. Hackett has gone off to Carolina. These days, it’s all about BIG GUYS, and looking through the Top 3 wideouts on the Hawks roster, NONE top 6’1”. The biggest question for the receivers was Bobby Engram; in his mid-30s, he won’t be getting any better and last year was his peak, and it was also the past. Plus, he’s pushing for a new contract, and it’s questionable whether he’ll be available during the preseason and start of the regular season.

O-LINE: If you move on to the offensive line, what you’ve got are aging veterans mixed with inconsistent youngsters. Walter Jones is probably on the downside of his career and is currently injured, free agency pickup Mike Wahle is also into his 30s and won’t last more than one or two seasons. The switch from left to right guard for Rob Sims will probably just hurt him more and make him more inconsistent. Chris Spencer is a former 1st round pick but hasn’t shown anything special so far. In fact, 3rd round steal Sean Locklear is probably the only bright spot on the entire line.

RB: Now, time for the most interesting topic on the entire team, the running game. At least we had a confident leader in Shaun Alexander. Now all we have is an overweight slow guy who is only good for short-yardage situations (T.J. Duckett), a former 2nd round pick who has been a career backup to a former MVP (Maurice Morris), and another guy who is facing high expectations and was considered a hotshot free agent despite only ONE career 1,000+ yard season (Julius Jones). Look at the current free agent market. All 3 guys here have been disappointing. All 3 are former Day 1 picks, and they add up to just ONE career 1,000+ yard season. Look at T.J. Duckett! I don’t understand the hype surrounding this guy. Here’s a guy who has had 3 CHANCES (Atlanta, Washington, Detroit) at stardom, and screws up every single time. Don’t get me wrong, this is a guy who can bulldoze defenders and pick up the 1st down on 3rd downs and 4th’s, and we have been horrid in that category the past 2 seasons, but is he worth the money? We’ll have to find out. Look at the current free agent runningback market. We have PROVEN guys in the current free agent market. Instead of T.J. Duckett, how about Travis Henry (a former MULTI-year 1,000+ yard rusher), or Kevin Jones (who got 8 TD’S on 153 carries for a mediocre Detroit team last season AND unlike Duckett, he still has an entire career ahead of him), or maybe even Ron Dayne. Then again, I might be wrong; maybe Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett will be next season’s version of last year’s Jamal Lewis. However, I’ll bet that that won’t happen.

DB: On defense, the secondary is a question for me. Expect great things from Marcus Trufant, and I won’t be dissing him, but I will be dissing some of his teammates. I just can’t grapple the fact that two former undrafted players (Jordan Babineaux and a former practice teamer Kevin Hobbs) have a chance at overturning Kelly Jennings, a former 1st round pick, at the right starting cornerback position. Also, think about what could have happened if we kept Ken Hamlin (a Pro Bowler last season with Dallas), Hamlin would have given us several more turnovers on the year and probably at least 1 more win to the 10-win count.

DRAFT: And last but not least, ah yes, the draft. I really have to question Tim Ruskell. He’s made some risky choices (most of them have paid off), but has he finally lost his mind? LAWRENCE JACKSON??? LAWRENCE FREAKIN JACKSON??? You had guys like Malcolm Kelly on the board! Ever heard of Devin Thomas or Limas Sweed? Here are 3 guys who have a hell lot of potential, great size (6’4”, 6’3”, and 6’5” respectively), great hands, and will give the Seahawks a solid HEALTHY and CONSISTENT receiver. And even if you just had to draft a defensive end, how about Phillip Merling (to hell with injury prone) or Calais Campbell. JOHN CARLSON??? JOHN FREAKIN CARLSON??? Ever heard of a young man by the name of FRED DAVIS??? TYLER SCHMITT? TYLER FREAKIN SCHMITT??? Ever heard of drafting a long snapper? NOPE! BRANDON COUTU??? BRANDON FREAKIN COUTU??? Here’s a guy who you could have without a doubt gotten in free agency. JUSTIN FORSETT??? JUSTIN FREAKIN FORSETT??? He’s 5’8” and not another Brian Westbrook. Ever heard of another young man by the name of MATT FORTE??? If you wanted a runningback, go for Forte, or Jammal Charles, or Ray Rice. For me, the only bright spot I saw in the entire Seahawks draft day was Red Bryant. RED FREAKIN BRYANT!!!

CONCLUSION: I’ve dissed just about everything I can on the Seahawks roster today, and if you managed to read all this ####, I thank you and I would greatly appreciate it if you let me know what you thought about all this.

The Seattle Seahawks picked up DE Patrick Kerney in the 2007 off-season and it was known as one of the biggest pick-ups that off-season. Kerney was given a 6-year contract worth almost $40 million. And while he did record a NFC-leading 14.5 sacks, was NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and made the Pro Bowl as an All-Pro selection, is he really all the hype?

If you look game-by-game at Kerney's stats in 2007, you notice that a good number of his sacks on the year were clumped together in single games. In fact, Kerney recorded 9 of the 14.5 sacks in 3 single games. Even though that's impressive, what happened in the other 13 games?

After coming off of a 3-sack game versus the Cardinals in Week 14, Kerney really turned his play down a notch. In the last 5 games of the season, Kerney recorded a mere 1 sack. As Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren put it, he got a bit worn out. I guess, the guy's in his 30s, give him some slack. But still!

His deteriorating play later on in the season also saw a game in which he didn't crack a single stat (only time that occured in 2007), the Packers divisional playoff game; by the way, the Hawks allowed Packers RB Ryan Grant to rush for over 200 yards in the same game (a Packers playoff record).

You also have to admit the Hawks were pretty bold in giving Kerney such a big contract. What people didn't realize or take into consideration at all was the fact that Kerney was 30 years old when we signed him. He was also coming off of surgery on his right pectoral muscle. When a player is aging and needs surgery due to an on-field injury, there's not a great chance that he'll have a great year following. But he certainly proved me and a few other critics wrong, didn't he.

One last thing, most of the time, unless you're a top, top, top, top-notch player, older players in the NFL probably won't have two (or more) consecutive double-digit sack years. I believe that a 10-sack season in 2008 for Kerney is realistic, but I also think a 5-sack season in 2008 for Kerney is realistic as well. So maybe the Hawks GM Tim Ruskell and Holmgren were right in drafting a defensive end, but should it have been Lawrence Jackson? Or Phillip Merling?

1.) 28th OVR (R1): USC DE Lawrence Jackson-This pick is a surprise. Defensive End definitely wasn't a pressing need; especially in the 1st round. However, Jackson's big upside is he can double at defensive tackle and even offensive tackle (since Walter Jones is in his mid-30s).

2.) 38th OVR (R2): Notre Dame TE John Carlson-Even though tight end was a pressing need, I was not expecting John Carlson at all. With Fred Davis still on the board, I would have taken Davis, not Carlson. Davis would go several picks later to the Skins.

3.) 121st OVR (R4): Texas A&M DT Red Bryant-This is probably the pick that I like the most. I was surprised to see Bryant slip to the 4th round, but I think we got a steal. Bryant could be a part-time starter along with last year's steal, second rounder Brandon Mebane.

4.) 163rd OVR (R5): West Virginia FB Owen Schmitt-I don't think fullback was that big of a concern; and I think we could have used a receiver. Seattle's current starter at fullback; Leonard Weaver, is very athletic, but isn't much of a blocker. Schmitt though, could pave the way for our 3-way run attack.

5.) 189th OVR (R6): San Diego State LS Tyler Schmitt-This was a good pick, but I'm surprised to see a long snapper go so early. The Hawks had problems last year at snapping and we saw that against the Saints. Schmitt is the best long snapper in this year's draft.

6.) 233rd OVR (R7): California RB Justin Forsett-I believe this was the worst pick of this year's draft for the Seahawks. We really needed an offensive lineman even if it was the 7th round.

7.) 235th OVR (R7): Georgia K Brandon Coutu-Coutu had a strong Pro Day workout, which made him a draft pick. Coutu comes due to Josh Brown's departure for the Rams. Coutu will compete against Olindo Mare for the starting job at kicker this upcoming season.

TO CONCLUDE: I think our first 3 picks (through Bryant) are sure-stayers for the final roster. It is likely that Owen Schmitt will make the team as well. Though I hope Tyler Schmitt will make the cuts, it's possible that he won't. Since the Hawks already have 3 good backs, and I don't think Maurice Morris will be cut, Justin Forsett will probably be let go. Coutu is a big question mark, him staying or not will depend on Olindo Mare's performance; but for now, I like Coutu as the starter.

Week 1: @ BILLS-WIN///Should be a relatively easy win for the Hawks in their season opener. I see Matt Hasselbeck having a good day.

Week 2: vs. 49ERS-WIN///Will be a big game in the Hawks 2008 home opener. It's always good to start off with a win in our division.

Week 3: vs. RAMS-WIN///This will be the "Ram Killer's" first return to Seattle. The Hawks should come out with their second straight divisional win.

Week 4: BYE

Week 5: @ GIANTS-LOSS///Even though the Giants are rather poor at home, the Hawks have dropped their last 12 of 17 on the East Coast. The trend won't change against the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Week 6: vs. PACKERS-WIN///This will be a big, and possibly tough game for the Hawks. But the main difference is the absence of Brett Favre. Without the presence of Brett Favre, the ending result will differ from last season.

Week 7: @ BUCS-WIN///Once again, the Hawks meet up with Tampa. While this could be a close game, I think the Hawks will finish the day with a win.

Week 8: @ 49ERS-WIN///This will be the Hawk's 3rd divisional game on the year. The 49ers disappointed everyone last season, and like last year, the Hawks will sweep the Niners.

Week 9: vs. EAGLES-WIN///While some say this will be a hard game for the Hawks, Donovan McNabb is a different guy then he was when he was throwing to T.O. With the win, the Hawks are on pace for a 14-2 season at midseason.

Week 10: @ DOLPHINS-WIN///Like I said earlier, the Hawks are not very strong on the east coast, but this is a 1-15 team we're talking about.

Week 11: vs. CARDINALS-WIN///The Cards will most likely be the Hawks toughest competitor this upcoming year. Still, the presence of our 12th Man is just too strong.

Week 12: vs. REDSKINS-WIN///Jim Zorn and his Skins return to Qwest Field. Mike Holmgren's 0-4 versus Washington in the regular season. Still, call me crazy; Hawks move to 11-1.

Week 13: @ COWBOYS-LOSS///This is a huge game on Thanksgiving and makes up for no Monday Night Football games. Unlike our last meeting, this will end up differently. The Hawks 7-game winning streak comes to a close.

Week 14: vs. PATRIOTS-LOSS///Even though this game will be held at Qwest Field, AND I don't think the Pats will be as close to where they were in 07'. The Hawks will still lose, starting their first losing streak of the year.

Week 15: @ RAMS-LOSS///The Hawks are so far 4-0 in their division, but the two straight losses will push this one, I see a win for St. Louis using the former "Rams Killer" late in the game.

Week 16: vs. JETS-WIN///The Hawks snap their 3-game losing streak, which comes right after the 7-game winning streak against the New York Jets and former 2nd round QB Kellen Clemens.

Week 17: @ CARDINALS-LOSS///Similar to previous seasons, the Hawks will lose their regulars season finisher yet again in dramatic fashion. This marks a 4-2 record for the Hawks in their division.

YEAR IN REVIEW: Despite an excellent start to the year, the Hawks will win only one of their last five games. The Hawks will finish 11-5, an improvement over 2007, but a small one. I think Matt Hasselbeck will have another Pro Bowl caliber season while our three-way punch at runningback (Jones, Morris, Duckett) will provide for a solid running year. Like last year, the defense will have another strong season.

The Seahawks had a strong 2007 season, but it obviously could have had some improvements. We should have beaten the Cardinals, Browns, and Falcons, and we just didn't even give any effort against the Panthers. The Saints game was just plain humiliating, and we didn't show the Steelers that we should have won Super Bowl XL at all. I think Mike Holmgren should have bailed out on the running game much earlier. Maurice Morris isn't the kind of back that can handle a lot of carries, and Shaun Alexander has definitely shown he isn't our Franchise Back anymore, though I still think he can be a capable backup at age 31. We have done well in free agency and a mixture of T.J. Duckett, Julius Jones, and Mo Morris can really boost our running game. None of the three are elite backs, but if you add all three together, we could have one of the best running games in the league. With Matt Hasselbeck returning from another Pro Bowl and still in his prime, I have to say next year might finally be our year. The signings of Mike Wahle at guard and Mike Solari as our offensive line coach will boost the protection for Matt and our backs. And while Olindo Mare might not be the long term answer, he is a solid kicker who has shown he can be consistent (had a then-record 39 field goals made in 1999). However, wide receiver & tight end is an issue we must address. Our defense is set with the signings of Lofa Tatupu and Marcus Trufant and our linebacking corps is as strong as ever. In the draft, I would look to snag a tall wide receiver in the 1st round that is at least 6'2". The loss of D.J. Hackett to Carolina was huge, when Hackett is injured, he's as good as Randy Moss. Plus, with D.J. Hackett gone, our tallest receiver is reserve receiver Ben Obomanu at 6'2". Our starters, Deion Branch and Nate Burleson are 5'9" and 5'11"; which doesn't mean a very strong group of receivers for Matt. And while we still have Bobby Engram, who is returning from an amazing year, he won't see another season with over 1,000 yards for the rest of his career, and he is getting pretty old too. Some say that Engram is no longer just known as a "good slot receiver", but to me, the term is still there. Selecting 25th overall, there are a good number of receivers within our reach, including Limas Sweed (at 6'4"), Devin Thomas (at 6'1"), James Hardy (at 6'5"), and Malcolm Kelly (at 6'3"). Or... we could try to get Jordy Nelson (at 6'2") in the 2nd round and snag Fred Davis in the 1st. Otherwise, I would try to draft Fred Davis in the 2nd, but likely end up with Dustin Keller. If we can accomplish all those things, then we will without a doubt be one of the best in the NFC. With that said and done, the Seahawks should be looking at a worse of a 10-6 year, but they will likely end up at 11-5.