NFL PREVIEW NFC West

A look at teams in the NFC West, in order of last season’s standings:

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-7)

Open camp: July 25, Kirkland, Wash.

Last year: A fourth consecutive NFC West title despite no running game and poor play on offensive line. Battered and without consistent protection, Matt Hasselbeck somehow set team passing records and made another Pro Bowl. A blizzard, dropped passes and major knee injury to WR Deion Branch doomed Seattle to playoff loss at Green Bay.

Important additions: Rookie TE John Carlson (second-round pick); RBs Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett; LG Mike Wahle; Ks Olindo Mare and rookie Brandon Coutu.

Important losses: Branch, who may be out past season opener; K Josh Brown; WR D.J. Hackett; RB Shaun Alexander, former MVP waived and still unsigned.

Camp needs: Figure out how to use Jones, Duckett, Maurice Morris and Leonard Weaver in same backfield; immerse Carlson in offense as new weapon at position Mike Holmgren loves to feature; decide whether Mare or Coutu is Brown’s replacement; keep Holmgren’s final season as Seahawks coach from being a distraction, with replacement Jim Mora already on staff as DBs assistant.

Expectations: Seems Seattle is employing Space Needle to keep open this window of opportunity for Super Bowl title while ruling still-weak division. Expect all-out push from veterans Hasselbeck, DE Patrick Kerney, LB Julian Peterson and All-Pro LT Walter Jones to get themselves and Holmgren a ring.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)

Open camp: July 23, Flagstaff, Ariz.

Last year: Went 8-8 in coach Ken Whisenhunt’s first season, three-game improvement over previous season. It was Arizona’s best record since 1998, when it went 9-7 in lone winning season since moving to desert in 1988. Cardinals finally established home-field advantage at University of Phoenix Stadium. Six home victories were their most since 1976. Cardinals set franchise record with 32 touchdown passes, 27 by Kurt Warner.

Important additions: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (first-round pick); LB Clark Haggans; TE Jerame Tuman; DEs Travis LaBoy and Calais Campbell (second-round pick).

Important losses: LBs Calvin Pace and Darryl Blackstock; WR Bryant Johnson; S Terrence Holt.

Camp needs: Cardinals have to identify starting quarterback. Depth chart says it’s Matt Leinart, but veteran Kurt Warner performed superbly after Leinart got hurt last season. Last thing Cards want is a controversy. In what seems like a yearly challenge, they’ll have to beef up pass defense, which ranked 28th Last year.

Expectations: Arizona beat woeful Atlanta and St. Louis to reach .500 Last year, but it provided a glimmer of hope that Cardinals might be on brink of contending for first playoff berth since 1998. Schedule is tougher, with home games against Super Bowl champion Giants and Dallas, road trips to New England, Washington and Seattle.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-11)

Open camp: July 24, Santa Clara, Calif.

Last year: Endured fifth straight losing season, including three straight under coach Mike Nolan. NFL’s worst offense easily negated improvements on defense and special teams.

Important additions: DE Justin Smith; WRs Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson; RB DeShaun Foster; DT Kentwan Balmer (first-round pick); G Chilo Rachal (second-rounder).

Important losses: DE Marques Douglas; LB Derek Smith; T Kwame Harris; G Justin Smiley.

Camp needs: Choose starting quarterback while entire offense learns Mike Martz’s schemes; develop teamwork along revamped offensive line; help LB Patrick Willis grow into leadership role in Smith’s absence.

Expectations: With ample talent after two offseasons of free spending by formerly stingy ownership, most fans believe Nolan finally must produce winning record and at least make strong run at playoff spot to keep his job. Of course, most everybody except owner John York thought same thing Last year.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (3-13)

Open camp: July 25. Mequon, Wis.

Last year: Lost first eight games while reeling from injuries to OT Orlando Pace, QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson, and never recovered. OL injuries were biggest problem, with three players finishing year on IR. Once-potent offense mustered only 263 points, franchise’s fewest since 1993, and defense generally wore down.

Important additions: PK Josh Brown; G Jacob Bell; QB Trent Green. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders for 1999 NFL championship team returns.

Important losses: WR Isaac Bruce was released, resurfacing with the 49ers; PK Jeff Wilkins retired; owner Georgia Frontiere died in January.

Camp needs: Restore punch to offense in tatters. Third-year coach Scott Linehan gets chance to set tone for turnaround season he needs. Green needs to show concussion woes are behind him.

Expectations: Linehan faces pressure to field his first winner, despite positive vibe from new owners, Frontiere’s children. Could be darkhorse playoff contender or Linehan’s last stand.

Associated Press