Courtesy of 49ers.com

By TLarner

My final divisional preview takes us to the NFC West. The regular season is right around the corner!

“Winners never quit, and quitters never win”

Arizona Cardinals

Strength- If this was the start of the 2009 season, I would say that Arizona’s passing attack with Kurt Warner at the helm would be the team’s biggest upside. However, their offense has undergone some big changes. Say goodbye to Warner, who retired after last season. Receiver Anquan Boldin was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. The success of the Cards will depend on the ground game this year. Last year’s first round pick was running back Beanie Wells. He led the team with 793 yards and seven touchdowns. Tim Hightower compliments Wells. Hightower had 585 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also third on the team with 63 receptions, and fourth with 428 yards through the air. Wells is nursing a knee injury, so expect Hightower to carry the workload early on, but Wells hopes to bounce back and have a strong season. The team also added nine time Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca to the offensive line. He reunites with Head Coach Russ Grimm, who coached Faneca while they were in Pittsburgh.

Weakness- The weakness of the Cardinals is their defense. They ranked 20^th overall in 2009, and the passing defense was 23^rd. They lost their star inside linebacker, Karlos Dansby. Dansby signed with Miami in the offseason. In the past two seasons, Dansby has started all 32 regular season games and recorded over 100 tackles both seasons. The two inside linebacker spots will be occupied by new faces. Rookie Darryl Washington, taken in the second round, was the highest drafted linebacker out of TCU. Paris Lenon will start at the other inside position. Lenon played in St. Louis last season, starting 10 games. Safety Antrel Rolle also left as a free agent. Rolle, now with the New York Giants, was fourth on the team with 72 total tackles, and third with four interceptions. Safety Kerry Rhodes was added, formerly of the Jets, to help the secondary. Second year pro Greg Toler will see his first career start at corner in Week 1.

Biggest Question- How much production will Arizona see at QB? Matt Leinart was recently released, leaving the starting quarterback job for Derek Anderson. Leinart was the 10^th overall pick in 2006 after winning the Heisman Trophy at USC. He failed to live up to expectations and never managed to hold on as a starter. He started 17 games in his four seasons as a Cardinal. He threw only 14 touchdowns compared to 20 picks. Anderson was released from Cleveland early this offseason. He had a career year in 2007, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 29 touchdowns. Since then, he hasn’t performed at all. In seven starts with the Browns last season, Anderson had a 42.1 passer rating. His completion percentage wasn’t much better, only 44.5%. Anderson does have weapons around him, including Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, and Early Doucet as receivers, and the aforementioned Wells and Hightower in the backfield. The Cardinals hope he can replicate his only Pro Bowl year, and keep them in the playoff picture.

St. Louis Rams

Strength- The Rams would not have an offense without Steven Jackson in the backfield. Jackson has put up phenomenal numbers throughout his career. He was second in the league last year with 1,416 yards on the ground. Jackson has rushed for at least 1,000 yards every year since 2005, including a career high 1,528 in 2006. That same year, he had 90 receptions for over 800 yards. His rookie year in 2004 was the only year he didn’t break the 1,000 yard barrier, mostly because he split time with Marshall Faulk. He has struggled to stay healthy though. 2006 was the only year he started all 16 games. As the Rams ease this year’s first overall pick Sam Bradford in as a rookie quarterback, Jackson should have another big year in the ground. As my number one fantasy back, I’m expecting at least 1,400 yards and 10 scores.

Weakness- Besides having Jackson at running back, there is not a whole lot more St. Louis fans have to look forward too. They were 29^th overall in both offense and defense last season. They have 14 rookies on the active roster. A big hole on offense is the receiver position. Donnie Avery, who led the Rams with 589 yards and five touchdowns in 2009, was placed on Injured Reserve after he tore a ligament in his right knee. Laurent Robinson and Danny Amendola are now the top targets in St. Louis. They made a combined five starts in 2009, and each caught a touchdown. The Rams traded for veteran Mark Clayton from Baltimore. After an outstanding 2006, Clayton hasn’t performed nearly as well. He became the odd man out after the Ravens added Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzedah. St. Louis used six of their 11 draft picks on defensive players, half of them being defensive linemen. Tackle Gary Gibson has been placed on Injured Reserve the past two seasons. Starting corner Bradley Fletcher also finished 2009 on I.R. The Rams lack talent and experience in many areas.

Biggest Question- What will be considered a successful season for Sam Bradford? Bradford is being thrown to the lions this season. He is starting behind a line that gave up 44 sacks between the three quarterbacks who made starts in 2009. Without any solid options at receiver, Bradford may struggle to find a go to guy, or establish any rhythm with his offense. Jackson has proven to have good hands, but a team cannot rely on a workhorse running back to be the leading receiver. While some may think starting as a rookie may be an invaluable learning experience, I often look at past examples. Joey Harrington was drafted third overall by Detroit in 2002. If you haven’t heard of this guy, he was a complete failure. He never lived up to his draft position. Then look at Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for a few seasons, and now is considered one of the best in the league. If Bradford starts all 16 games and remains healthy, I think he can call 2010 a success, as long as he learns the offense and all his reads. Don’t expect Bradford to throw for 30 touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers

Strength- When looking at the 49ers, there are two names I immediately think of, Frank Gore and Patrick Willis. Not only is “Gore” a great football name, he is an all star athlete. I remember watching University of Miami games, and hearing how good this kid would be in the NFL. In his second year, Gore rushed for 1,695 yards and eight touchdowns. That was the first of his four straight years with over 1,000 yards. In 2009, Gore had a career high 10 runs that finished in the end zone, including an 80 yard score against division rival Seattle in Week 2. He was also third on the team with 52 receptions. On the defensive side on the ball, inside linebacker Patrick Willis has quickly become a name offenses do not want to hear. The 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year is already considered the best linebacker in the league after only three seasons. For the second time in his career, Willis led the NFL in tackles with 152. He had 141 tackles in 2008 and 174 in 2007. He also added four sacks and three interceptions last season, making him a threat in the passing game as well as in run defense. These two will not let the San Fran coaches down in 2010.

Weakness- Alex Smith is not the worst quarterback in the NFL, but I believe he is holding the 49ers back from reaching their full potential. He was taken first overall in 2005, and has battled through his share of struggles. He started seven games as a rookie, and finished with a dismal one touchdown and 11 interceptions. He improved in 2006, starting all 16 regular season games. His time in San Francisco appeared to be over in 2008, when Shaun Hill and J.T. O’Sullivan took the snaps. In 2009, Smith regained his job, starting the last 10 games, throwing for a career high 18 touchdowns and an 81.5 passer rating. Smith is the key to winning in 2010. If he can improve off of last season, the 49ers will be a quality team. If not, he may be done.

Biggest Question- How much production will the 49ers get out of their rookies this season? Two of the starting offensive linemen in 2010 are rookies. Tackle Anthony Davis was taken with the 11^th overall pick. The former Rutgers big man will line up with fellow first round pick Mike Iupati. Iupati was drafted 17^th overall out of Iowa. Head Coach Mike Singletary expects these two, along with tackle Joe Staley (another first round pick from 2007) to lead the way for Frank Gore on the ground, and give Alex Smith time to find Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis in the passing game. Rookie running back Anthony Dixon will spell Gore after the unexpected retirement of Glen Coffee. Safety Taylor Mays wants to prove his old USC coach Pete Carroll wrong. Carroll and the Seahawks took Texas Longhorn safety Earl Thomas in the first round, allowing Mays to fall to San Francisco in the second. Mays adds quality depth to the secondary.

Seattle Seahawks

Strength- The defense in Seattle will lead the team in 2010. Seattle has a strong group of linebackers. Lofa Tatupu returns healthy in 2010 after playing in only five games last year. The three time Pro Bowl selection led the team in tackles in his first four seasons, with a career high 123 in 2006. He has also totaled seven sacks and nine picks in his five years as a pro. Aaron Curry started 12 games after being selected fourth overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. The other outside linebacker, David Hawthorne, led the team with 117 tackles last season. Safety Earl Thomas was the Seahawks’ first round pick this year. He will jump in and start at free safety. His coverage skills should help a defense that was near the bottom of the league with only 13 picks. Seattle acquired the following defensive ends this offseason: Chris Clemons from Philadelphia via trade, signed former Colt Raheem Brock, and drafted E.J. Wilson. Tackle Kentwan Balmer was also traded to Seattle from San Francisco.

Weakness- Seattle will not have a high flying offense this season. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is near the end of his career. His Pro Bowl days are long gone and he has struggled to remain healthy as he gets older. The 12 year veteran has missed 11 games in the past two seasons. In seven games in 2008, he threw five touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In 2009, he made 14 starts, ending with a 75.1 passer rating. He threw 17 picks and fumbled the ball 11 times. Former USC receiver Mike Williams has miraculously revived his career. A first round pick of Detroit in 2005, Williams was criticized for being out of shape when last seen in football pads with Tennessee in 2007.  The Seahawks released T.J. Houshmandzadeh after just one year. He led the team with 79 receptions for 911 yards after signing a five year, $40 million contract with then Head Coach Jim Mora and former GM Tim Ruskell. You probably won’t see a 1,000 yard rusher in Seattle this year. The team has a running back-by-committee, with Justin Forsett, Julius Jones, and Leon Washington.

Biggest Question- How will Head Coach Pete Carroll fair in the NFL? Many wondered why Carroll left his job at USC. Some say he knew too much about the investigation behind Reggie Bush and other members of the football team who received illegal benefits. If so, he got out at the right time. Carroll last coached in the NFL for New England from 1997-’99. He compiled a 27-21 record with the Patriots. He also was the head ball coach for the Jets in 1994. Carroll never came close to the level of success he reached in college football. He has overhauled the Seahawks’ roster, trying to find the pieces that fit his puzzle. Charlie Whitehurst came to Seattle in a trade with San Diego. Whitehurst will be the backup quarterback. Houshmandzadeh was cut. Starting corner Josh Wilson was traded to Baltimore. Defensive end Darryl Tapp was traded to Philadelphia early this offseason. Offensive line Coach Alex Gibbs announced his retirement just days ago. The unexpected move came as Gibbs stated health problems forced him to leave the team. Pete Carroll better forget his days of winning championships at USC. At least for this season, he’s in for a rough ride.

Division Prediction- The NFC West is definitely a tight division. However, these teams have a better chance at playing for a high draft slot instead of a playoff spot. There is quite a lot of rebuilding out west. St. Louis and Seattle will find themselves on the bottom again. I do hope the Rams can put together a few more wins this year. I am swinging for the fences with this division. Arizona will sneak into the playoffs if, and only if, Derek Anderson can come close to his Pro Bowl year. While I favor the Cardinals, I must make the safer pick, and go with the 49ers. San Francisco will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

"Shoot at the middle rim."

By Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

Sarah Palin, former Governor of Alaska and vice-presidential candidate, has caught some criticism at a recent convention for apparently writing notes on her left hand. Who knows what she really recorded on the all-natural notepad. Perhaps some notes to not forget in her speech or maybe just a reminder of what to do or not to do.

This got me thinking about athletes and their struggles in front of the microphone. Some could use their own notes so they stop putting their figurative foot in their mouth, while others could use some reminders to not repeat bad behavior. So I wonder: what notes and reminders would some athletes write on their palms?

Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland Cavaliers center at the free throw line: “Shoot at the rim in the middle.”

Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis Colts coach: “Game face at all times.”

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers center: “Don’t tick off former g/fs w/ cameras.”

Danica Patrick, newest NASCAR driver: “Walk away from ‘rear-ending’ jokes.”

Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals: “Do NOT forget front tooth today.”

Rick Barnes, University of Texas basketball coach: “Call NCAA about Kevin’s eligibility.”

John Wall, University of Kentucky freshman point guard: “I love playing for Coach Cal.”

Larry Drew, UNC point guard: “Order transcripts for transfer.”

Roy Williams, UNC basketball coach: “Order transcripts for Larry Drew.”

John Terry, Chelsea and England national team midfielder: “Stop answering Victoria Beckham’s calls.”

Pete Rose, MLB all-time hits leader: “Deny Deny Deny … ‘I’m sorry.’”

Mark McGwire, former single season HR record holder: “I’m not here to talk about the past.”

Tiger Woods, pro golfer: Right hand: “I’m here to talk about golf” Left Hand: “Don’t answer John Terry’s calls.”

Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings QB: “I ________ be back.”

Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks coach: “Call Calipari – thank him for advice.”

Got any additions? Let ‘The Pine’ hear ‘em!

Phot by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

By Paul Gotham

If all goes as planned, the Seattle Seahawks will announce Pete Carroll as their new coach early this week. The two sides continue to negotiate the extent of Carroll’s potential role with the NFC West team.

Carroll leaves behind a USC program that he led to 97  wins including a 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the 2005 BCS title game.

Carroll’s potential move appears to be that of a coach looking for a new challenge. There is not much more the San Francisco native can accomplish at Southern Cal. His teams have won 10 or more games in seven of his nine seasons. Beyond that, 50 Trojans have moved on to the NFL during Carroll’s  tenure including Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush.

With the past closing in on him the nine-year coach knows the time is now for him to make a move.

Recently, the USC athletic department self-imposed sanctions upon its men’s basketball team.  A similar request was made for the Trojan football team. The NCAA declined, thus sending a clear message to Southern Cal: WE want to continue the investigation of the Trojan football program.

It has been four years since Reggie Bush left USC, and that is about how long the NCAA has been looking into possible violations surrounding the Heisman winner. A forced deposition could be coming from the star tailback soon after the NFL season. It appears as if the granules of sand are quickly diminishing from the hour glass.

No one knows what sanctions lie ahead, and Carroll has good reason for not wanting to stay around and find out.

Carroll’s case parallels that of current University of Kentucky basketball coach, John Calipari. The coach who made popular the mantra: “Refuse to Lose,” is on the short list of coaches who have led more than one school to the NCAA’s Final Four. He is on an even shorter list of coaches who have multiple appearances to the Final Four vacated because of violations.

Calipari’s named has been cleared of any wrong-doing with the 1996 University of Massachusetts Minutemen and the 2008 Memphis University Tigers. In other words, Calipari has avoided any consequences for those two programs of which he had direct supervision.

Much of the blame for the situation in Memphis has been placed on the NCAA. College basketball’s governing body gave Derrick Rose his eligibility only to recant that decision later. On the surface, Calipari avoids blame, but it is hard to ignore the coach’s role in the infraction. The NCAA oversees roughly 400,000 athletes. Calipari supervises less than 20.

Both Carroll and Calipari have more than likely addressed current and former players about personal responsibility – responsibility to self, family, team and school.

By week’s end, Carroll will have probably moved up the coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats will still be undefeated. Both leaving behind the responsibility for cleaning up situations which they were entrusted.

What should remain with these coaches is the reputation for leaving when the crime came to light.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Another week of great sports action, and so many great performances with which to choose. Step right up readers and give us the one (1), uno, une performance that stands out for you this past week.

The Stanford Cardinal earned my POTW. Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans entered Saturday’s game, with the Cardinal, winning 48 of their last 49 home contests – make that 48 of 50.

Stanford’s offense out-gained USC, 469 – 334. Standford’s defense stopped USC on fourth down twice and intercepted three Matt Barkley passes (one returned for a touchdown) as the Cardinal squashed the Trojans, 55-21.

The win represented Stanford’s second win in as many weeks over a top ten opponent. The Cardinal downed 8th-ranked Oregon 51 – 42 a week ago.

Cardinal running back, Toby Gerhart, rushed for 178 yards on 29 carries and scored three touch downs.

USC’s other home loss in the last 50? That also came at the hands of the Cardinal. Stanford beat USC, 24-23 on October 6th, 2007.

Who gets your POTW?

The College Football Belt

The College Football Belt

AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

By Paul Gotham

Admitting to something is the first sign of recovery. College football fans outside of Southern California might want to keep that one to themselves.

When the USC Trojans take the field Saturday at Martin Stadium against the Washington State Cougars, they will be in a familiar situation: trying to recover from a national title deflating loss.

Last Saturday, Erik Folk split the uprights with three ticks left on the board, and the Washington Huskies (near three-touchdown underdogs) upset the Trojans, 16-13.  A week prior Washington ended a 15-game losing streak, that began in the Ty ‘Losing’ham era, defeating Idaho, 42-23.

After the game, SC running back, Joe McKnight, stated: “Washington wasn’t the better team, they just outplayed us.” McKnight’s quote is eerily reminiscent of the comments made by another Trojan a few years ago. Moments after their loss in the 2005 Rose Bowl, Matt Leinart remarked: “I think we’re a better football team; they just made the plays in the end.”

That’s okay guys. You just keep saying that, and eventually you will convince yourself it is reality.

In the mean time, USC’s stumbling has become a rite of fall as common as a New York Mets’ implosion.  In ’06 the 10-1 Trojans ended the regular season with a 13-9 loss to the 6-5 UCLA Bruins. A year later the Trojans’ 35-game home winning streak came to an end. Tavita Pritchard completed a fourth and ten pass with 49 seconds remaining as the Stanford Cardinal won 24-23. Stanford entered the game 41-point underdogs.  Oregon State trimmed the Trojans a year ago, 27-21. The Beavers entered the tilt 25-point underdogs.

The constant throughout those upsets is Trojan head coach, Pete Carroll. Last week’s loss carried a different bite than previous setbacks. Washington’s first year head coach, is the former long-time Carroll assistant, Steve Sarkisian. What are the chances the former USC offensive coordinator used the apparent complacency of the Trojans as a motivator?

What could get lost in the mix here is that aforementioned loss to Texas in the national title game. How many coaches in the history of college football have had two Heisman winners in the same back field?  That’s what USC had that year in Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Not even Al Davis, the famous collector of Heisman winners, could brag of such a feat. Beyond that, had LenDale White returned for his senior season, he too might have climbed the platform at the Downtown Athletic Club.  Still, Carroll’s bunch came up short, 41-38. Don’t forget the “Bush push” earlier that year that helped the Trojans avoid a loss to Notre Dame.

Carroll supporters will contend that his teams  always find their way into the national champion discussion. There is no arguing that.  One has to wonder if USC’s talent gets them into the discussion, and the coaching falls short.

Yes, Carroll is responsible for bringing the talent to the university. How much of a challenge is that? Let’s see. Prospective players are told that the coach has NFL experience. None of them are old enough to remember that dismal existence. All they hear is NFL, and they think they have punched their ticket.

Next, the teenager gets on a plane and flies to Southern California. Yeah, that’s got to be rough. The kid gets off the plane and it’s 75-85 degrees outside (Because everyone knows – “it never rains in Southern California”). One of the staff greets the recruit and shuttles him off to campus. The prospect doesn’t have a chance to comprehend the traffic, and it really doesn’t matter anyway. Once there, the blue-chipper is introduced to the state-of-the-art facilities. Then a ride on the shuttle takes the delirious youth to the Coliseum.

If none of this works, some of the current Trojans take the recruit on a sight-seeing tour. The first stop is the beach. Done deal. Does anyone else wonder how many kids request a red shirt year so that can spend that much more time near the beach in Southern Cal?

In the past, I have lobbied for a playoff in college football.  Pete Carroll and USC might cause me to change my mind (JD is laughing to the point of incontinence). A playoff would help the Trojans find redemption every year because more than likely they will win the PAC 10.

No, Pete Carroll is no longer the Coach Fredo he was once anointed as.  He has just mastered the ability to overlook his opponents. Here’s hoping the recovery takes a while.

The College Football Belt

The College Football Belt

Here I am in Upstate New York finding myself thinking of greener grass. Maybe it’s the recent ‘heat wave’ of sorts – back-to-back 60 degree days in January (hard to argue with Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’) – that’s got me considering the yard work.

Of course it’s not the literal grass I ponder, rather the figurative ‘greener grass’ that college coaches seek.

Is the grass any greener on the other side?

USC coach Pete Carroll has involved himself in week-long discussions with Atlanta Falcon owner, Arthur Blank, about the vacant position with his NFL team. Carroll would have to give up the sun of Southern California where he has a record of 76-14 and two national championships in seven seasons to return to the NFL where he was 34-33 in stints with the Jets and Patriots.

Sounds crazy but I’d hate to see Carroll go. He would leave behind a full stable of recruits, and his successor would more than likely do fine, but there is a chance that whoever moves in, might struggle. I enjoy the battles between USC and Notre Dame. Further, I would like to see an Uncle Charlie-led team beat Carroll’s Trojans.

Carroll’s discussions are the result of a position vacated by Bobby Petrino.

Petrino makes it a full-time job checking out the grass on the other side.

After thirteen miserable games Petrino walked away from a $24 million dollar contract with the Falcons to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks – this after four years in which Petrino finished every season interviewing for new jobs. All the while telling his then-present employer, Louisville, he was staying put.

Before the end of his first season with the Cardinals (2003), Petrino secretly interviewed with the Auburn Tigers for their job. Thing is Tommy Tubberville, Petrino’s former boss, was still the head coach at Auburn. After the shenanigans were uncovered, Petrino apologized and rationalized his behavior as a mistake of inexperience.

Undaunted, Petrino finished ’04 at the helm in Louisville before he got the itch to move again. He interviewed at Notre Dame, Florida, and Mississippi. Then he pledged himself once again to Louisville. Scratch that, he interviewed at LSU, didn’t get the job, and recommitted to Louisville.

The following season Petrino interviewed with the Oakland Raiders – then decided to stay with Louisville.

For those keeping track at home – that’s six interviews for the globe-trotting Petrino. Geez, I wish I had his frequent-flyer miles. Crazy thing is – Petrino, age forty-six, has four school-age children. Guess those kids are learning resiliency.

After signing a ten-year, $25 million contract with Louisville, Petrino waited a few months before bolting to the NFL. We all know how the situation unfolded in Atlanta. Now Petrino has settled in Hog country.

If you are an Arkansas recruit do you trust that this guy is gonna stay around long enough to make a difference? Maybe the coach doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe these kids choose a school based on possibility of playing time and national exposure – can’t say as I blame them.

Petrino is not the only coach looking for greener grass.

After nine seasons June Jones will take his run-and-shoot from the tropic breezes of Hawaii to SMU. Citing an unacceptable recruiting budget and scheduling troubles brought on by extensive travel, Jones decided to take on the task of bringing the Mustangs back to prominence. SMU received the death penalty back in the ‘80s. I mentioned their recent academic efforts in a column earlier this week. Hopefully Jones can align on-the-field success with classroom success.

Rich Rodriguez also recently made a move. The West Virginia alum decided after seven seasons to take his show on the road to Ann Arbor.

Butch Davis, Wake Forest’s Jim Grobe, Clemson’s Tommy Bowden, Tubberville, and even Nick Saban have been mentioned as having interest in some of the available jobs. Davis’s interest comes after one year at Chapel Hill.

What are these guys searching for? As stated above Petrino had a ten-year, $25,000,000 contract at Louisville. Carroll is making two million a year. Davis just finished the first of a seven-year contract that pays him over a million a year with plenty of incentives and bonuses.

The only move that seems to make sense is the one by Jones. His contract was up later this year and had not been renewed. He will double his earnings by moving to SMU.

Wasn’t there once a time when coaches became synonymous with a school? Schembechler roamed the sidelines in Ann Arbor. Hayes was in Columbus. Switzer ran the Wish Bone at Oklahoma. Bryant and the Crimson Tide. Paterno in Happy Valley. Eddie Robinson and Grambling.

When new jobs opened, assistant coaches applied and started their own career.

Is the recent coaching carousel good for the sport?

Anyone taken the time to figure out how many coaching changes have occurred in D1A football since Paterno took over the Nittany Lions?

Someone should tell these coaches that the grass is always greener, but ya still gotta mow it.