The NFC West once belonged to the San Francisco 49ers as sure as the 49ers belonged to Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Things have changed.
Eddie had to sell his share of the team to sister Denise in a not-so-friendly family squabble and the 49ers had to make room for the Atlanta Falcons. Maybe one transition had to do with the other, maybe not.
The Falcons are busy trying to avoid the one-year wonder syndrome. If they manage to repeat, they will become the first to dethrone the 49ers for more than a single season since the 49ers began their domination in 1981.
The exposure of the Falcons as a fluke NFC champion began the night before their Super Bowl loss when respected safety Eugene Robinson was arrested for soliciting an undercover police officer. Robinson had spent much of the season declaring his team was “no joke,” only to become the biggest butt of all jokes.
Coach Dan Reeves then let go of Tony Martin, his deep threat receiver who was facing a drug money laundering trial. When he was acquitted during training camp with the Miami Dolphins, his new team rejoiced.
The most intriguing addition to the division is Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, who cost the New Orleans Saints what was left of their draft. Now Williams is under attack for costing the Saints little else after he signed an incentive-laden contract.
Atlanta Falcons
Replacing Martin is the biggest problem the Falcons face since saving face after Reeves dangled superstar running back Jamal Anderson as trade bait during the draft. The miffed Anderson subsequently sat out a couple weeks of camp in a contract dispute.
This is not the happiest way to defend a title, but the Falcons do get their first chance to dispel the fluke charges when they host the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener.
– Changes: A cast of many is lining up to replace Martin, led by speedy return man Tim Dwight, who is fine when he catches the ball. Chris Calloway joined from the Giants, but he’s no faster than Terance Mathis, the other starter. Fast J.T. Martin came from St. Louis. Jammi German, Ronnie Harris, and Eugene Baker are suspects. Strong safety Marty Carter arrived from the Bears. Second-year linebacker Keith Brooking takes over for Cornelius Bennett.
– Hopes: Quarterback Chris Chandler stayed healthy last season. If he can keep handing off, all is well. The defensive line is under-appreciated and as good as there is.
– Doubts: Without Martin, Chandler’s accurate deep passing will enable defenses to stack more against Anderson.
San Francisco 49ers
To hold onto their past, the 49ers rehired Bill Walsh as general manager. Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott are welcome, too, but this is their Hall of Fame year. The desperation was underscored when the 49ers lured pass rusher Charles Haley back and signed controversial running back Lawrence Phillips from NFL-Europe.
Not all of the past is over the hill. Steve Young still looks young approaching 38 and Jerry Rice is in great shape again. And give Steve Mariucci at least a little credit for a 27-9 coaching record.
– Changes: The offensive line is better with the addition of Jeremy Newberry at right tackle after spending his rookie year injured. Charlie Garner and Travis Jervey join Phillips as hopeful fill-ins for injured Garrison Hearst, who helped the 49ers lead the league in rushing. Fullback Tommy Vardell replaces Marc Edwards. Defensive tackle Bryant Young and offensive tackle Dave Fiore are back from injuries.
– Hopes: Keeping Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes with Rice gives Young what the 49ers believe is an even better receiving trio than the Minnesota Vikings boast.
– Doubts: Midget cornerbacks and a fragile pass rush give pause. Young is the leading returning rusher.
New Orleans Saints
Injuries already threaten to deep six Mike Ditka’s team. Williams limps into the season and so does his best blocker, tackle Willie Roaf. Their best defensive player, end Joe Johnson, is out for the season. Tight end Cam Cleeland is out until October and quarterback Billy Joe Hobert is struggling from an Achilles injury and a broken rib.
– Changes: Williams is supposed to improve the 30th-ranked running game. Guard Wally Williams was added from Baltimore, but is nursing a sprained neck. Receiver Eddie Kennison was acquired from St. Louis for a second-round pick before the Williams trade. He’ll provide Willie Gault-type speed outside. Cornerback Ashley Ambrose was signed from Cincinnati. Former Bear Vinson Smith could start at linebacker. Brady Smith starts for Johnson.
– Hopes: In Wayne Martin, La’Roi Glover and Mark Fields, the Saints still have impact players on defense. The offensive line–all 300-pounders–is good, so Ditka’s plan to pound Williams isn’t the worst idea.
– Doubts: Ditka has started six quarterbacks in two years, continuing a pattern started in Chicago. Billy Joe Tolliver is Billy Joe Hobert’s backup and it’s hard to tell them apart.
St. Louis Rams
You have to feel for Dick Vermeil, the first coach of the new season to watch his quarterback go down. He had pinned a new offense on Trent Green and now must rely on Kurt Warner, who has about as much in his portfolio, as, well, Trent Green did a year ago. Vermeil does have Marshall Faulk, who did his best to keep young Peyton Manning out of trouble in Indianapolis last year.
– Changes: Faulk bolsters a team whose leading rusher got 313 yards. Guard Adam Timmerman came from the Packers. Top draft choice Torry Holt is expected to make an instant impression opposite receiver Isaac Bruce. Linebacker Todd Collins joined from New England to replace departed Roman Phifer. London Fletcher has a shot at replacing middle linebacker Eric Hill.
– Hopes: Bruce, Holt, and Faulk give Vermeil a potent trio of playmakers. The offensive line is improving led by left tackle Orlando Pace. The defensive line is quick, although undersized.
– Doubts: A quarterback must emerge to give this team a chance. Warner is a product of Arena League and NFL-Europe. The defense had trouble stopping the run and plays against Jamal Anderson and Ricky Williams.
Carolina Panthers
George Seifert–the very same one who coached the 49ers in their glory days–is back on the sidelines in unfamiliar territory, jeopardizing his record as coach with the highest winning percentage in NFL history.
Overspending on underachieving players such as defensive tackle Sean Gilbert and cornerback Doug Evans is at the heart of the Panthers precipitous slide.
– Changes: Jeff Lewis was obtained from Denver to challenge quarterback Steve Beuerlein, but hasn’t shown a lot. Patrick Jeffers came from Dallas to replace receiver Rocket Ismail. Clarence Jones replaces Blake Brockermeyer at left tackle. Rookie Chris Terry is the right tackle. Rookie Mike Rucker is starting at defensive right end.
– Hopes: The team believes in Seifert and his 4-3 defense after losing confidence in Dom Capers, whose defense plummeted to last in the league. Receivers Wesley Walls, Muhsin Muhammad and Rae Carruth have potential.
– Doubts: There’s not much going for this group. Their chances are about as shaky as Tshimanga Biakabutuka’s health. Kevin Greene, 37, might still be their best defensive player.
