AP writes up the NFC West

Jason Burlew of the Associated Press wrote up a preview of the NFC West. Not surprisingly, Burlew states that the Cardinals should repeat as the NFC West champions based on the fact that they have the same basic core on the team. The Seahawks and 49ers, he says, could "surprise." If you ask me, the Seahawks taking back the crown would not be a surprise -- they had worn it proudly for four consecutive years, after all. The 49ers would be a slight surprise, but most people probably agree that they should be a decent team this year, and certainly in the mix for the NFC West title. I agree with the underlying point that it should be a three-way race this year and sure, lets give the Cards the edge...

Still, the only genuine knock against the Seahawks is that our running backs stink. Yeah, yeah, we get it. They've proven nothing yet. There is almost no question that our running backs are the weak spot of this team at the moment. Still, that is actually quite weak considering Knapp's success with the run game in the past. I don't expect him to work miracles, Julius Jones is not likely to come out of nowhere and lead the division in rushing like his brother did last year for the Jets. A balanced run-pass attack and disciplined play on the line will be the key to a successful offense.

Forget the old idiom about opening up the passing game with the run or vice versa. You open up the run by being a good running team, and you open up the pass by being a good passing team. Bottom line is that you have to do both well -- but especially passing -- to succeed in this league. Teams that win run, teams that run don't necessarily win... Just look at the Raiders.