1961

The 49ers are definitely the best team in the division, but they’re not so good that they’re a lock. I think Arizona is going to implode; from what I understand they’ve lost a fair number of starters and Leinert is not good enough to be a starting QB.

1962

The 49ers are not a lock, but I have a hard time seeing them winning less then 8 games, and even that seems a stretch. 9 or 10 seems pretty likely even with whoever ends up being the starting QB. Arizona could end up being right there or much worse. My point was that even if Seattle is better then expected, they are going to have a hard time finishing ahead of the 49ers.

1963

The Seahawks and the Niners are polar opposites–the Seahawks have a great QB, the Niners have a great rest-of-the-team. I don’t see the Seahawks’ problems on the OL and on defense being fixed, especially with the injury to Okung. A rookie LT is enough of a liability even when healthy. If Hasselbeck gets hurt again, or even if he’s just getting harried like he was early last season, they’re not going anywhere.

With their defense and running game, the Niners are going to be in a lot of close games. How many they win remains to be seen. If Alex Smith can be even average on third down, they should be the class of the division. I agree about the Cardinals, the wild card is the Rams. I don’t know how good they can be this year, but they’ll definitely be better.

1964

I’m not really that concerned about the OL after the Vikings game. Yeah, it was preseason and all, but ultimately I’ve got faith that the line will be solid at least. That’s Alex Gibbs history as a coach, anyway. The defense is the real wild card. Carroll’s approach has been rather interesting, what with keeping the same DC as Mora had and not making a lot of changes other then with drafting Earl Thomas at safety and brining in some different d-linemen. The implication, given Carroll’s defensive background, is that he thought the defense has the talent to be solid or good as long as they aren’t left on the field all game by an anemic offense.

Speaking of defense, it was announced today that LB Leroy Hill had accepted a significantly salary reduction. Prior to last year he signed a six year, $36m contract. Now he’s on a one year contract for $2.25m and will be a free agent after the season. My guess is that it was this or be cut.

1965

Well, the Pats are embroiled in another videotape scandal, except this time it’s just rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes and his sex tape.

I haven’t seen it myself, but one hopes he proves adept at handling balls.

1966

That Bellichick, he just keeps sending his spies out to film everything.

1967

grumble grumble…

1968

More “Leinart being shopped” rumors floating around. I’m having a hard time believing the Cards are about to get rid of him without at least letting him start part of this season. There is no way that Derek Anderson leads that team to the playoffs.

Along with the reworking of Leroy Hill’s contract, Seattle made some other trades today. CB Josh Wilson was traded to Baltimore for a fifth rounder. Considering that Wilson was in the last year of his deal, it’s not a bad return for a guy who’s never quite lived up to what was hoped when he was drafted in the second round a few years ago. According to comments made by Carroll, the team feels they have depth at the position with the development of unheralded CB Walter Thurmond, who moves up to #3 on the depth chart.

Seattle also trade for OT Tyler Polumbus from Detroit. Polumbus played for the Broncos the last few years, which means he’s familiar with Gibbs’ zone blocking approach. He had been cut by the Broncos and then claimed by Detroit. The Seahawks need obvious OT help at this point.

1969

Seattle wanted to pick him up off waivers, but the Lions snagged him, then immediately traded him for a 2012 pick. (yay, free draft pick!)

1970

As a linebacker, though, I think he’s more adept at plugging holes.

What are we, twelve?

1971

In my defense, it was late.

And yes, we are.

1972

So, after listening to World Cup Daily, I have been spoiled by funny, intelligent sports podcasts. Is there anything with a similar feel for the NFL?

1973

I think the problem with Leinart is he’s unhappy with the coach, and has been talking to the press about it. Even if he plays he’ll be looking over his shoulder. It seems like one of those situations where it’s better to move on.

The only Cards preseason game I watched, Leinart started and had three three and outs. It seemed like every pass he completed was a checkdown pass. I don’t think he sees the field well.

When Anderson came in, the team came to life. He’s got a better arm than Leinart too, although his accuracy is spotty.

1974

My issue is that everyone has known for some time that Wisenhunt hadn’t bought into Leinart. Fine, sometimes things just don’t mesh. But what is inexcusable if I’m a Cardinals fan is that of all the QBs that moved around this offseason, they ended up with Anderson. Why not trade Leinart before the draft? Why not make a bigger move towards Whitehurst? Why not choose any of a half dozen better QBs? Now you are ditching Leinart after a handful of preseason attempts and going with a guy who has already proven he can’t be a reliable starter in the NFL. And this isn’t exactly the same team that was in the playoffs last year - they’ve lost a lot of proven talent. That is all getting lost in the focus on who is going to be the QB.

1975

Those are good points. I guess Wisenhunt thought Leinart had a real chance of becoming the kind of QB the Cardinals needed. Otherwise you are right – they should have traded him before the draft and gone after someone else.

What QBs moved around in the off season who are better though? I guess McNabb and maybe Campbell.

1976

I’m digging the trade (theft) that Baltimore pulled on Seattle for a CB. Seems like a playmaker and he’s a Maryland guy to boot!

1977

McNabb and Campbell would have been better choices for sure. But there are also a fair number of guys out there that IMHO are better “unproven” QBs then Anderson.

1978

More stories today that the Seahawks are willing to trade Housh. It’ll be interesting if they just cut him instead since it looks like nobody is willing to take him given his high salary.

1979

Question: What’s as exciting as the Lions backbenchers vs. the Bills 3rd string?

Answer: filling out expense reports, sleeping, watching puddles evaporate, getting stung by a mosquito, etc etc etc.

1980

Bradford 6-6 for 68 yards and a TD toss for the Rams in his first and only drive tonight against the Ravens. Think they had their 2s in, however. I am excited about Bradford.