Watch Out, Seattle

Watch Out, Seattle
By Tim Sullivan
Posted: 5:30 am PDT 2006-06-25

Everything seems different in Arizona these days. The Cardinals have a different quarterback situation. They have a different running back situation. Heck, they even have themselves a different stadium.

Now all they need is different results.

"Everyone here is doing a good job," Cardinals coach Dennis Green said. "Guys are working hard, and we feel we have made some excellent progress."

Typical June coach speak for a team that went 5-11 last season and hasn't made the playoffs since 1998.

But all things considered, perhaps Green should get a pass here. Think about it, the Cardinals have offensive firepower, defensive balance, one of the league's best kickers in Neil Rackers and an air about them the likes of which simply hasn't been seen in the desert.

"I look at the potential, and I see I have two receivers and I know what type of back I am," said Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James, who left the comfortable surroundings of Indianapolis to be part of Arizona's rebirth. "If we get the [offensive] line on the same page, we're going to move the ball down the field."

James is right. As former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart acclimates himself to the NFL, former two-time league MVP Kurt Warner will handle the offense, which includes 1,400-yard receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Keep in mind that in 2005, without James, this offense scored 311 points.

This year should be even better. So much so, the Cardinals should warrant strong consideration to win the NFC West. And, with a month before training camp opens, you're bound to find good value on them do so at any sportsbook.

"I think we have a better understanding of things this year," Green said. "And we have an objective to be one of the better offenses."

Which is something the Seahawks -- the defending division champions and obvious favorites to win it again at any sportsbook -- know a little about as well. Seattle, en route to the Super Bowl last season, went 13-3 and led the NFL with 452 points.

Not one to rest on its success, Seattle boosted its offense by acquiring former Viking Nate Burleson. A 1,000-yard receiver in 2004, Burleson should be the perfect complement to Seattle's top target, Darrell Jackson. Between that receiving duo and Pro Bowl running back Shaun Alexander, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has plenty of weapons to keep the Seahawks soaring.

And that's favorable fodder for those bettors who typically lean towards the chalk.

"Nate's trying to learn our offense, learn our system, and the guys are helping him with that, and it's been really smooth," Hasselbeck said. "He's got a lot of talent, he's a good player. I feel like we're going to have a good year and he's going to be productive for us."

Not the best of news for the 49ers and Rams, teams that have become also-rans in the West. Who would have thought that the two franchises with the richest histories in this division would be such afterthoughts with camps on the horizon?

But then again, the two clubs combined for just 10 wins last season.

WHAT'S THE DEAL? Trade rumors begin to pick up steam in June as clubs need to either create roster or salary-cap space in order to sign their draft choices in time for camp.

One doozy of a deal that made the rumor rounds last week involved Atlanta, New England, Tennessee and Denver, and featured the Broncos shipping Ashley Lelie to the Patriots for tight end Daniel Graham. In that scenario, Denver would also acquire Falcons running back T.J. Duckett, while Atlanta would add draft picks.

Then, Tennessee -- already in the seller's market as it dealt quarterback Steve McNair to Baltimore -- reportedly joined the fray by throwing running back Chris Brown's name out there, much to Denver's liking. But, as often is the case with such hefty rumors, one team denied any involvement.

"I haven't talked to anybody about it," Tennessee general manager Floyd Reese told reporters. "It is ridiculous."

Perhaps, but it makes for good headlines during a slow summer. And just because one team walks away, that doesn't mean the deal is dead. Lelie (previously rumored to be dealt to the Bucs), who has threatened a holdout, is bound to be traded, and the Broncos -- faced with the proposition of starting the year with Ron Dayne as the top option -- need a reliable running back.

Food for thought as you start your fantasy research.

AMPLE ARMS: The Jets will be better prepared to deal with a Chad Pennington injury, should one arise this season. And considering he's had two shoulder surgeries in two years and has yet to start 16 games in any of his six seasons, it's a safe bet he'll miss time at some point.

But instead of rewinding franchise history by signing Vinny Testaverde -- like the Jets did last season -- New York will call on any one of a number of young guns. New coach Eric Mangini drafted Oregon's Kellen Clemens, traded for the Redskins' Patrick Ramsey and kept Brooks Bollinger, a Herman Edwards favorite, on board.

And if all else fails, Mangini has a signal-caller in his receiving corps, as former Missouri quarterback Brad Smith, who practically rewrote the Tigers' record book, is trying to make the Jets as a wideout.

"Each guy is missing some things that you'd like them to see, and some guys are making some throws that you're really happy with," said Mangini, who watched all the QBs work at a minicamp two weeks ago. "This is just that period where they're getting used to the offense."

Especially Ramsey, who figures to be the lead backup early on.

"You're out there competing, and you want to do everything perfect every time," Ramsey said.

As for Pennington at that camp, he threw for the first time since the second surgery and had no complications. He has a new coach, a new offense and a new lease on his career.

At least until he gets hurt again.

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