NFC West predictions: Kolb enough to put the Cardinals over the Rams?
I don't spend too much time dealing with the other teams in the NFC West, at least not unless it somehow directly connects with the St. Louis Rams. And I guess this post kinda, sorta does deal directly with the Rams, more specifically the likelihood of them winning the NFC West.
We all agree that the Rams earned a solid A for their free agent haul. However, the move that got the most headlines within the division was the Arizona Cardinals trade for QB Kevin Kolb. Lost without Kurt Warner (sound familiar), the Cardinals went searching for an answer after seeing the results of more economical options last year. What kind of impact will Kolb have on their fortunes this season?
John Clayton of ESPN thinks Kolb could be worth three more wins this year, thanks in large part to his prediction that Larry Fitzgerald will catch 115 passes. Three more wins would put the Cardinals at 8-8 this season, a record that would probably be enough to win the division.
If the Cardinals go 8-8, it would likely spell something less for the Rams. Kolb may have more time in the NFL, but Sam Bradford already has 9 more starts in just one season. Bradford has a better rating, but Kolb has a 0.8 percent edge in completion percentage. And wait, using the Net Yards gained per attempt (NY/A) and Adjusted net yards per attempt (ANY/A) stats that got Bradford labeled overrated, it's damn near a draw between the two.
Kolb
NY/A: 5.7
ANY/A: 4.5
Bradford
NY/A: 5.2
ANY/A: 4.7
They're virtually the same, stats-wise. I'll take Bradford's upside. Kolb does have Larry Fitzgerald, probably the best WR in the NFL (only Andre Johnson would have a case to be listed above him). That just doesn't quite compare to anyone receiver on the Rams roster. Of course, Kolb also has Levi Brown and Bradon Keith protecting his flanks. I also like the idea of Bradford and Steven Jackson matching up against the defense.
Schedule-wise, the Cardinals also play the NFC East and the AFC North. Have fun with those games. I'm not getting into the Kolb vs. Bradford debate; of course, Bradford is better. It does look like the Cardinals have a better answer at QB, but big questions elsewhere.
Eight wins is going to be tough for any team in this division. I'll take the Rams (even without being a total homer) to get there before any other team.
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The Cardinals worry me a bit...
Although I think the Hogs are our biggest threat. I’ve seen a few of Kevin Kolb’s games when he was in Philly, and he was impressive at times, and awful on other occasions. If he can find some consistency, and if that line holds up, they just might be able to pose a serious threat. The Hogs on the other hand, it comes down to whether Tarvaris Jackson/Charlie Whitehurst shows up or not, and if SIdney Rice can be consistent. If those two pan out, than they may be slightly better than us.
With that said, I don’t think either team will reach their full potential this year leaving the division for our taking. I’m not worried about the 49ers at all by the way.
Pettis is gonna be a good one. BLAM!
I didnt watch the whole thing
but the Raiders were destroying the O-line of AZ. And if I remember correctly, the Cards gave up the 2nd most sacks in the NFL. If they didn’t sure up that line, I don’t care how much potential Kolb has, Fitz won’t see many accurate throws
Especially with that lame duck bomb he threw to Fitzgerald.
O-Line is suspect and the D-Line is suspect too. LB’s need help, and that’s straight from Cardinal camp.
New guys get confused as to where they are-here in the NFC West
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Me or you? Hogs? Redskins right.
by Skunkburner on Aug 17, 2011 9:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Then I'm more confused on why
IF we’re talking about the Redskins………I’m guessing that Hogs=Hawks.
The Skins are in the cellar of the NFC East, and that won’t change in 2011
Hogs=Hawks....Hoawks? wait a minute-I gotta spit after bringing up a lunger
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Me thinks thinks he meant “hags”. That makes sense. I still think it should be seacocks. Let’s throw up a vote.
by Skunkburner on Aug 17, 2011 10:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hag fans in the SF Bay call it "Seecocks?"
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Everybody in norcal call them seacocks. It makes sense. ESP us Rams fans.
by Skunkburner on Aug 17, 2011 11:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Really. No dude.
The goal is to belittle, not tickle.
by Skunkburner on Aug 18, 2011 11:00 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I say its SF
Offensive weapons are obvious and defense has immense potential, Even though Smith is the QB and Kapernick is a rookie who struggled much in his first game their HC is really good and could have an effect for the team in tougher games.
"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no PLAYOFFS."
Winston Churchill
Did you see their o line play last game?
It was ugly. Doesn’t matter how many weapons they have with Alex Smith and a bad O line.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Smith= 08/09 Bulger
Smith will be smacked around just like Bulger was.
It's still preseason
I know SF oline looked bad in last game but its still early. If anything, The Rams were only team in the thier first preseason game that looked ready to play week 1. I’m not saying they are 100% ready, but compared to AZ, Sea, AZ, those three all looked really sluggish overall. I picked Sf as well. Mostly because their defense. Alex Smith is not their answer, but the defense will keep them in games. I really want to know AZ won 5 games last year. I just don’t see them winning more than 5 games again even with Kolb. He will bring stability at QB for them. But they only replaced 1 offensive lineman and they were bottom 3 in giving up sacks last year. I don’t see how they improved really at all. Sea is really a dark horse. Their biggest loses are Lofa Tatupu and Hasselback. They were captains and the biggest leaders on each side of the ball. But I don’t have faith in Jackson to lead them a whole season and push the Rams.
San Diego's starters looked good
And I’ll have to admit, so did the eagles.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I Agree
The weapons that the 49er’s have offensively are legitimate. I think their protection issues will improve. I am curious to see what Harbaugh is able to do with this bunch.
all the 9ers fans I know are telling me they are taking Luck with the 1st pick.
Doesn’t inspire confidence when your own fans think you suck.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
look for the 69er's to start tanking games duhhhrams for that pick. poor luck...
knowing he will go to the 69er’s, going to have to start calling him andrew “good” luck.
by Mark Jaramillo on Aug 17, 2011 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Andrew 'shit outta' Luck
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
by dbcouver on Aug 17, 2011 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
hahaha
seriously. He’s either going to the 9ers, bengals or bills, depending on who sucks the worst. Can’t love those options.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
hahahaha-you're stealing my lines-boy, can we have fun with that next year-
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
I don't even think the 9ers could purposefully out suck the bengals or panthers
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
lol, touche.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Kolb= 3 wins? Really?
Look at his numbers. Not that good. Ok he has Fitz, but that’s it. In Philly he had Jackson and Maclin and others. Who I think are better then the rest of AZs WR core. Plus Philly had a better OL then AZ.
Kolb equals 1 win MAX. AZs D still sucks, OL still sucks
by ChrisL951 on Aug 17, 2011 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Seriously.
Kolb has not been impressive. Sure, he’s 100 times better than what they had last year, but so’s my grandma.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
by DuhhhRams! on Aug 17, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lol
Your grandma has a cannon for an arm. Plus she can make all the throws. And can move in the pocket better than anyone AZ had last year right?
Kolb can make all the throws?
This is news to me, I didn’t see it when he played for the eagles.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Really?
I agree I don;t remember him doing much of anything as an Eagle, but now he’s a “super star” LOL
Paying a player more money = increase in talent
Obviously, look how good Albert Haynesworth did for the Redskins…… Oh wait.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I think you misunderstood or maybe I am misunderstanding you
I’m saying I have more faith in my grandma as you do yours than Kolb being the new QB for AZ. In his four starts he has I think 11td and 11 int. How does that warrent a 60 million contract and giving up Cromartie and a 2nd round pick? Talk about desperate. I think he will be all hype and that Oline in AZ is going to get him sacked at least 40 times plus more with just hits. AZ ranked towards the bottom 3 last year in giving up sacks with very little improvement, I think 1 new guard. Finally they don’t even a decent 2nd WR anymore. Fitzgerald will stil get his catches because he’s so good. But AZ can’t rely on just them two. That’s I don’t an improvement on wins, I see AZ stays at 5-11 or worse.
Ahhh, ok. Yea I misunderstood lol
I thought you were talking up kolb for some reason.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Hard to tell.
I don’t think any team is as complete as the Rams overall offensively and defensively, but it’s not like we’re a complete lock to win the division. I think Seattle will struggle a lot losing Tatupu and really not upgrading at all offensively (oh boy, Tarvaris Jackson will succeed now because he’s never had a weapon like Sidney Rice! … Oh wait, he had Jackson and Adrian Peterson and he still sucked). The 49ers probably are about as talented as they were last year, and if they can get it all together they could challenge. And the Cardinals are terrible. Kolb isn’t really an upgrade over anybody they had last year. Every single QB that plays in Philadelphia struggles when they leave.
In all fairness to McNabb
Washington is where people come when they want money………and their careers to die
kolb couldnt even keep his job! and when the time arrived? he couldnt even get it back!
this guys overrated. im sorry, a $63 million dollar backup! wow! still no love from the pundits! it just amazes me. unreal. kolbs going to be running for his life behind that line. and i dont see larry fitz having the stellar numbers again, the pundits are projecting. thats the only upside for kolb, he just has to throw it up, knowing that larry fitz is going to somehow hual it in. but give me a freakin break, 3 more wins?…….NO!
Math isn't my strong suit....
….but since when is 8-8 better than 10-6?
We’re gonna win the division. And Bradford > Kolb…that’s one math problem I can get right.
AND
Why are the Cards more popular than the Rams? You know this pick is fueled by our lack of popularity, right? I mean, nobody wants to hear about the Rams winning the division cause it’s not sexy, not cause people don’t know it’s gonna happen.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 17, 2011 6:29 PM CDT reply actions
The picture of Kolb above really makes me want to
punt him right in the baby makers, as he’s putting on that hat
Have to say Kolb and the Cards
I’ve always said don’t count the Seahawks out, but TJack? This is the first year that I’ll go against that philosophy. And the Niners tend to be the most arrogant team in the division and even they are predicting 0-16. Well some are still predicting a Super Bowl win but they’re in the minority for once.
by HomerForTheRams on Aug 17, 2011 6:31 PM CDT reply actions
8-8 is near impossible for the Cards
no pass rush=no wins
Per fas et nefas - Latin translation="By Any Means Necessary"
seacocks
theyve improved and have recieving weapons, and a better oline. Qbs questionable but a more solid all around team then winers and cards.
My two favorite teams, the St. Louis Rams and whoever's playing the winers.
YES!
You called them seacocks too!! Must be a CA thing.
by Skunkburner on Aug 17, 2011 9:50 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I prefer shehawks
last time I said seacocks at work I had to go to an HR meeting about sexual harassment.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I've always called them the "Sea-Hags.......................................
STEVEN JACKSON is the #1 Ram
Go RAMs !!!
You can’t say that at work. Haha. Man that sucks for you. Seattle at work, seacocks everywhere else.
by Skunkburner on Aug 18, 2011 11:02 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
If we're healthy
and with the SMART offseason moves we’ve made, I’m not concerned about any of the three
Rams will win the division with at least a 10-6 record.
Andy Reid knows something about McNabb and Kolb, that’s why he let both of them go, for Vick and Vince Young. Nuff said!!!!!!!!
i dont want our division to completley suck becuz tht wont be a good look for us! Im so tired of hearing we play in the worst division in the league!
by kevio3000 on Aug 17, 2011 7:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
That won't come into play once we win our first NFC championship game this year.
Cause we’ll be beating all the other division’s “dream teams”
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Besides, if it's a little embarrassing to be in a bad division, the price is worth it to have the others really SUCK!!
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
I am LOVING the 9ers despair.
Rams winning + 9ers losing = a creaming of the genes.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
uhmmmmmmm-how about just a celebration and a toast instead?
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
No, it's too late for that.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
hahahahahahahaha
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
theres something about kolb that makes me wanna drill the dude right on the forhead with a pair of brass knuckles!
….maybe because he looks like keifer sutherland………i dont know.
Knob shouldn't play to the cameras-he's a dork
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
perhaps because he plays for the cards?
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
I was disappointed to hear that Daunte Culpepper
isn’t signing with the 9er’s. Watching him get sacked by lineman his size just seemed like it would’ve been a lot of fun to watch
Lol
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
Threats??? HAHA NO
I dont see any of those teams being better than us. We can win 9-10 games. Eagles,giants,ravens,redskins,packers,cowboys,saints,cards,browns,seahawks,cards,49er s,seahawks,bengals,steelers,49ers. Of all these games only 4 of them we should consider to be loseser barring a miricle(packers,ravens,eagles,steelers) The giants u would think would beat us but i don believe they are really that good. thats a tossup. cowboys arent that good. we beat them with a worse team in 2008 against a team they had tha was better than their team now. saints got beat by the seahawks in the playoffs, so whos to say we cant beat them this year. our whole division last year either barely beat us or we beat them. by all means we have gotten better, they have only gotten worse(overall). they have some talented players, but not a solid team. that bein said we should go undefeated in nfc west. bengals dont knw who their QB will be and have no WR. thats a win. browns, redskins?? comeon. at very worse we should go 9-7(us losing to cowboys,eagles,packers,giants,saints,steelers, and ravens) realistically we could go 11-5 with us takin wins at dallas and giants. possibly 12-4 beating the saints. and heck, we could pull off an upset at the eagles bein the first game and not alot of practice for their new additions. u never know, imagie us goin 13-3 only losing to packers, ravens and steelers. OH ITS POSSIBLE.
by Craig Gehlhausen on Aug 17, 2011 7:38 PM CDT reply actions
Good point Craig
How many of our losses last year would have been wins with timely first downs. Oakland for sure. Tb would not have caught us. That first loss to the cards would have been a win. That loss to SF should have been a win too. We were so close to being 11-5 last year. Our improve line and extra set of hands should be worth that alone. How much of our difficult schedule is due to us being at the bottom and looking up. We’re used to looking at another team and thinking that we can’t win. I think thats about to change.
Oh my god that Cards game....
…. If that FAT BASTARD DT just holds on to the ball with both hands that’s a DEF TD!!!!
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
good riddance.
Worthless bastard cost us that game.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
And maybe
Just maybe because we’re facing the steelers the next to last week, we can all hope the steelers have the division wrapped up by then. If so, they’ll play a little lenient whereas we would still be giving everything we’ve got because I’m sure we’ll still be fighting for the west by that point.
I hope the Rams and Steelers have it locked by then
so we can just watch our backups play while cruising into the playoffs.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
GO CRAIG!!
My two favorite teams, the St. Louis Rams and whoever's playing the winers.
craig i luv my rams but 13-3!? come on man i need some of what u are smoking!
by kevio3000 on Aug 17, 2011 7:59 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
ill take
some of what craigs smoking andthe ramsgoing 13-3. #winning
Pardon me for being a Debbie Downer
but in my opinion, the NFC East is far better than the AFC West….and we had the Panthers and Lions last year…….not the Ravens and Steelers.
….not to mention the Super Bowl Champions
I’m all for optimism, but 13-3 might be a stretch. I hope I’m wrong
Ya gotta be careful about being Debbie Downer because of her nickname-
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
naw-her nickname is "exit"
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
I'm waiting DCRamfan-dum dee dum hmmm dee dum
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
yea-everybody gets off on her--
ha ha ha ha
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Yea, absolutely no problem-like I have an appointment with the President or something-
I got all night tonight, all day tomorrow-etc….ad nauseam
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Whatcha doin tomorrow?
Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Thursday, I’m going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don’t know, I don’t know if I’ll have enough time.
I got this clock with eyeballs on the hands-so I'm gonna watch my watch watch me-
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Biggest threat in West
has got to be the 49ers! Singletary couldn’t even get the correct number of players on the field and just that change alone should make a difference with all that young talent. Cards and Seahawks are gonna get swept by the Rams (that’s 4 wins)…Split with the 49ers (that’s 5), Browns and Bengals are 2 more (that’s 7) and two or three wins out of the first seven puts us at 9-7 or 10-6. I’m psyched!
Yea-Singletary was yelling into his TV about that--I bet he was laughing
"Motivation is simple. Eliminate those who are not motivated." - Lou Holtz
Loving to Hate
If anyone thinks the Rams are harsh on our NFL West opponents, check this out-
Jets coach Rex Ryan recently invited other teams to beat the Patriots, thereby giving New York a clearer path to the AFC East title. In fact, Ryan and the Jets have been open in talking about knocking New England off its perch this season, winning a division crown that would bring a home playoff game and possibly a bye.
If anything...
we are too nice to those heathens.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
Now hear this!
The 49ers are and always will be the Rams most serious challenger, regardless of records. Go Rams!!!!!
Los Angeles Lakers- Where Championships Happen!!!
Seattle will probably give the Rams a run for their money...but I think the Rams are going to pummel this division.
I think the Cardinals are either going to be 3rd or last in the division this year. I think it is blatantly obvious that the Cardinals are have god awful offensive tackles and they havent done anything imo to fix this problem.
I think Kurt Warner covered this glaring problem by getting the ball out quickly…but remember he was also getting the shit knocked out if him alot until he suggested to Whisenhunt that they run more swing pass plays to get around their abysmal running game and help in pass protection during their superbowl run season.
There is alot of pressure for the Cardinals to get a hot prospect at QB because Larry Fitz is contemplating weather he is going to be an Arizona Cardinal or not. Larry is the face of the franchise. Larry has a smart agent that blocked franchise tagging and other restrictions the team could put on him in his current contract. The Cardinals drew up a bunch of plays in the first preseason game to chuck the ball to fitz to warm him up to the idea that it could be like this in the regular season.
Whisenhunt has been currently downplaying Cardinal fan fears that their offensive tackles arent going to keep kolb upright saying its being blown out of proportion and can be corrected. However their GM previously had taken the opposite approach and said the Cardinals were making it a top priority to fix this problem in FA.
Kolb has some scrambling ability, but he is young and holds on to the football at times. The Rams Dline is going to face plant that guy over and over and over again.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K

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