Direction of NFC West

     The toughest division in the NFL is the AFC North in my opinion. Their teams are built upon a strong run game and dominating defenses. If the NFC West continues down the road it's now on, I believe that it too will be playing that brand of smash-mouth football. Partially due to a lack of talented quarterbacks and plethora of talented workhorse running backs, these teams have almost always leaned on the run game. As it adds more talent the NFC West can experience more success with that old-school style of football.

     For instance, although the San Fransisco 49ers had only a mediocre passing attack last year, their running game and suffocating defense led them to the NFC Championship game. This offseason they have been adding weapons for both success this year and for setting up their quarterback of the future, Colin Kaepernick, for success in later years. However, neither Alex Smith nor Kaepernick have the ability to sustain the team's ascendency without a strong running game. Their strong stable of running backs (Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, and Brandon Jacobs) ensures their having a balanced offense for years to come.
     Already known as the best defense in the league, its arrow is still moving up. They were able to retain all their starters from last year and add talent in both the draft and free agency. The biggest factor in their continued productiveness is probably the increased snaps for Aldon Smith, the rookie sensation as a part-time player. Opposing quarterbacks will face heated pressure all game.

     Although Sam Bradford has shown the ability to play at an elite level, their landing Jeff Fisher as head coach assures me that they will continue to run the ball first. Fisher loves to run the ball early and often, as is evidenced by the years he coached Eddie George and Chris Johnson. In St. Louis, he inherits Steven Jackson who has played at an elite level since he took over for Marshal Faulk. To complement Jackson and potentially replace him in the future, they drafted Isaiah Pead.
     On defense, they are improving, especially on the defensive line. They should continue their success at getting after the quarterback with the tandem of Chris Long and Robert Quinn, but last year they were constantly giving up yards up the middle of the defense. The additions of Kendall Langford, Trevor Laws, and Michael Brockers should shore up that problem. Also, they added several talented corners this offseason. In St. Louis, the future looks bright.

     Arizona hasn't had a franchise quarterback since Kurt Warner. The Kevin Kolb era hasn't gone as planned, and we might soon be watching the John Skelton era begin. The good news - Beanie Wells' and Ryan Williams' talent can support whichever quarterback they decide to start. In addition, LaRod Stephens-Howling not only has the coolest name in football but can be utilized in the passing game (two long receiving touchdowns in 2011). The past couple of years the Cards have brought in help on the offensive line with Daryn Colledge, Adam Snyder, and Bobby Massie. With a tandem of Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, they should be able to run the ball for years to come.
     The defense played well down the stretch under defensive coordinator Ray Horton. If their young outside linebackers continue to develop, they can start to put more pressure on the quarterback. They already can stuff the run with Dockett, Campbell, and Williams. Of course, the continued maturation of Patrick Peterson could provide them with a shutdown corner. The Arizona defense is being built in the mold of Pittsburgh which might pay off sooner than most think.

     In Beast Mode, Marshawn Lynch is a nightmare for opposing defenses. He can truly grind it out against even the best defenses. Using a philosophy of constantly bringing in competition, Pete Carroll has really turned Seattle's offensive line into one of the deepest in the league. While only Russell Okung has the potential to play at an elite level, sometimes quantity over quality can play off. If a starter goes down, the backup will hopefully come in and play at a similar level. With Lynch running behind that big, nasty, and now deep line, they should run the ball at will.
     Again, the Seahawks' have managed to assemble a deep, talented line. While stopping the run has been their forte, their ability to get to the quarterback has also been boosted by the additions of Jason Jones and Bruce Irvin. Also, Earl Thomas' playmaking ability should anchor that secondary for years to come.