Keys to Training Camp: NFC West

Posted 7/22 by Jason Wood, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Arizona Cardinals

Link: http://www.azcardinals.com
Location: Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ)
Dates: July 27 - August 23
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Defining a new offensive identity - The Cardinals are going to have an entirely new offensive identity under HC Ken Whisenhunt and Assistant Head Coach Russ Grimm. Whisenhunt wants the team to run the ball more than 500 times, which would be in stark contrast to the last few seasons when Arizona was the worst running team in the league. The key will be finding a way to improve the rushing attack without taking the ball out of WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, the team's best playmakers.

Fixing the offensive line - Fixing the offensive line is the top priority in camp, and that starts with two new tackles, free agent Mike Gandy and 5th overall pick Levi Brown. Oliver Ross still has designs on playing tackle, and Reggie Wells is expected to move inside. At center, Al Johnson looks to shake of his injury history as a Cowboy and establish himself.

Getting QB Matt Leinart ready to lead the offense - Leinart is one of a handful of NFL QBs that enter training camp as the clear-cut starter for the first time. He played well as a rookie and could flourish if the offensive line gels. Leinart is learning a new offense, his 3rd new system in 3 years (USC, Denny Green, Ken Whisenhunt) but is cerebral and should adjust.

Convincing RB Edgerrin James to care about camp - Edge is notoriously nonchalant about training camp, but this year must buck the trend. He'll be learning a new offense and must adjust to a two-back system after several seasons in a single back offense.

TEs Pope vs. Bienemann - Little known Troy Bienemann has looked great in minicamps and OTAs and could conceivably challenge former 3rd rounder Leonard Pope for the starting job with a strong camp.

(IDP) 3-4 or 4-3 or something in between? - The Cardinals appear committed to using multiple defensive fronts this year, perhaps in anticipation of a formal changeover to the 3-4 in a season or two once the personnel is better suited.

St. Louis Rams

Link: http://www.stlouisrams.com
Location: Rams Park (St. Louis, MO)
Dates: July 27 - August 16
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

QB Marc Bulger's contract status - Marc Bulger wants a contract to reflect his status as one of the NFC's most prolific passers, but the Rams appear far apart with Bulger's agent. Whether his discontent will be a distraction in camp remains to be seen.

Integrating the new offensive pieces - TE Randy McMichael played for HC Scott Linehan in Miami, and WR Drew Bennett comes over from Tennessee to replace Kevin Curtis. Both will be asked to play big roles.

Tracking Andy McCollum's recovery - Center Andy McCollum is coming back from injury and, if healthy, represents a major improvement over Brett Romberg. They will compete in camp for the starting job, although this is less about competition and more about McCollum's health.

(IDP) Can the defensive additions make a difference? - Rookie DT Adam Carriker will be asked to not only start, but make a difference at nose tackle while DE James Hall looks to bring balance to the pass rush so Leonard Little will see fewer double teams and shifts.

Is KR Dante Hall still a difference maker? - Dante Hall has been making big plays on special teams for years, but the Chiefs felt he was expendable. Can Hall reestablish himself as a field position creator?

San Francisco 49ers

Link: http://49ers.com
Location: 49ers Complex (Santa Clara, CA)
Dates: July 29 - August 20
Open to the public? - Limited (see website for details)

Yet another offensive coordinator - Jim Hostler will mark the 49ers 3rd offensive coordinator in as many years. Unlike last season though, the 49ers will keep the same offensive system and terminology; those put in place by the departed Norv Turner.

TE Vernon Davis' ascendance - Vernon Davis' rookie numbers compare quite favorably to the first year production of the league's current crop of elite tight ends. Fully healthy and focused, can Davis become Alex Smith's go-to receiver?

Rebuilding the WR corps - Darrell Jackson and Ashley Lelie are expected to significantly improve the productivity of the 49ers passing game, in conjunction with returning starter Arnaz Battle.

(IDP) Are the pieces finally in place for the 3-4? - Last year the 49ers didn't have the personnel to effectively run the 3-4 defense. This year, they hope to change that with a host of rookie and free agent additions that include: LB Patrick Willis, LB Tully Banta-Cain, DL Aubrayo Franklin and DL Sam Rayburn.

(IDP) Will CB Nate Clements earn his enormous paycheck? - Nate Clements became the highest paid defensive back in league history this offseason, when the 49ers signed him away from Buffalo. Can Clements earn his keep by providing shutdown coverage against the NFC's best receivers?

Seattle Seahawks

Link: http://www.seahawks.com
Location: Seahawks Practice Center (Kirkland, WA)
Dates: July 26 - August 17
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Keeping the cornerstones healthy - Last year, QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander missed time, and the Seahawks desperately need them both to stay healthy and approximate the Pro Bowl forms they showed in 2005.

Defining the WR depth chart - D.J. Hackett is expected to start opposite Deion Branch, but he must earn the job by clearly outplaying veterans Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson.

Is the offensive line set in stone? - The Seahawks have some questions on the offensive line. Could Ray Willis displace Sean Locklear at RT? Do Rob Sims and Chris Gray have locks on the guard spots? Is Chris Spencer healthy and ready to become a fixture at center?

(IDP) Is Patrick Kerney the answer to a moribund pass rush? - The Seahawks signed Patrick Kerney in free agency and hope he'll add a consistent pass rush that was missing in action a year ago.

(IDP) Cementing the revamped secondary - The team is likely to start two new safeties (Brian Russell and Deon Grant) and will let young corners Kelly Jennings and Josh Wilson compete against veterans Marcus Trufant and Jordan Babineaux.