San Francisco 49ers

OLB Darius Fleming suffered a torn ACL and is out indefinitely. The fifth-round draft pick just signed a four-year contract one day before the injury happened. Fleming is expected to start on the PUP list once training camp opens. Depending on his recovery and the plan the 49ers have with Fleming he could then be placed on injured reserve as the season progresses.

Darius Fleming was drafted to provide depth at the outside linebacker position. The 49ers were hoping he could make an impact on special teams after LB Blake Costanzo's departure to the Chicago Bears.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals had a busy day signing some of their draft-picks. OT Bobby Massie, G Senio Kelemete, CB Justin Bethel and QB Ryan Lindley agreed to terms on four-year contracts.

Bobby Massie could wind up starting at right tackle if he wins the position battle against RT Jeremy Bridges. Senio Kelemete will spend his rookie campaign as a backup because the Cardinals are set at both guard positions with LG Daryn Colledge and RG Adam Snyder. Justin Bethel won't see much playing time in Arizona's secondary but he is expected to become a special teams standout. Ryan Lindley has a lot of work ahead in order to become NFL-ready but he is competing with QB Richard Bartel for the number-three role.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks signed veteran OT Alex Barron. Barron was a former first-round pick of the St. Louis Rams where he started 74 games in five seasons. Two short stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints followed. The Saints released Barron with an injury settlement last October and he has been out of football since. He can play both tackle positions and will compete for a roster spot. It should be noted that Barron has a history of drawing a lot of penalties. Alex Barron's acquisition may indicate that OT James Carpenter won't be ready to play in 2012.

In the first part of this evaluation I took a look at the San Francisco 49ers and their free agency moves. This article deals with the Arizona Cardinals and their activities and tries to determine whether they were able to close the gap to the 49ers.

Arizona's offense ranked 19^th last season and their defense finished slightly better at 18^th. Their offense gained 222.9 yards per game through the air (17^th) and 101.6 yards per game on the ground (24^th). The defense allowed 231.0 yards per game against the pass (17^th) and 124.1 yards per game against the run (21^st). The Cardinals allowed 55 sacks, which were the second most in the league, but they also recorded the 7^th most with 42. Their punting average of 40.5 yards was 18^th in the league. Arizona's return game ranked 15^th with 24.0 yards per kickoff return and 2^nd with 15.1 yards per punt return. Their opponents averaged 25.0 yards per kickoff return (23^rd) and 12.2 yards per punt return (25^th).

These statistics are generally below average and almost flatter Arizona's 8-8 record. The two most striking areas of improvement are pass protection and special teams coverage. The rushing game could do with an upgrade on both sides of the ball as well. Let's see if the team addressed this in free agency.  

The Arizona Cardinals franchised DE Calais Campbell, re-signed QB Richard Bartel, RB Alfonso Smith, WR Early Doucet, WR Stephen Williams, OL D'Anthony Batiste, LT Levi Brown, LB Reggie Walker, CB A.J. Jefferson, CB Greg Toler, K Jay Feely, LS Mike Leach, P Dave Zastudil and acquired G Adam Snyder, CB William Gay and S James Sanders.

Rich Bartel is Arizona's number-three passer behind QB Kevin Kolb and QB John Skelton. Alfonso Smith will battle for a roster spot at best. Early Doucet adds quality depth to the Cardinals' receiver corps and Stephen Williams will have to show that he deserves a roster spot. Arizona had to re-sign Levi Brown, as the open market hardly supplied a better option. Adam Snyder is definitely a good signing. San Francisco's offensive line improved after he became the starting right guard. Franchising Calais Campbell was a necessity. He may earn a staggering $10.6m next season but he was one of the best free agents and Arizona's premier pass rusher. A.J. Jefferson, Greg Toler and William Gay will all compete for starting jobs in the secondary. D'Anthony Batiste, Reggie Walker, James Sanders and Mike Leach will primarily play on special teams. Jay Feely has to prove that last season wasn't an indicator his career is going south, and Dave Zastudil is an average punter by league standards.

Apart from Adam Snyder the Cardinals were unable to address their needs through free agency. They added quality depth to the secondary but hardly improved the team.

The Cardinals lost WR Chansi Stuckey, G Rex Hadnot, G Deuce Lutui (SEA), CB Richard Marshall (MIA) and S Sean Considine (BAL).

Chansi Stuckey never was a factor last season and could be replaced through the draft. Rex Hadnot was released for monetary reasons. Adam Snyder should be an upgrade though you can never have enough depth on the offensive line. The same applies to Deuce Lutui. He lost his starting job last season but provides quality depth when he's in shape. Richard Marshall's loss could be hard to compensate. He is versatile and appears to be better than William Gay. Sean Considine is a special teamer and his replacement is already on board.

I think that Arizona's losses weigh heavier than their acquisitions and retentions.

Arizona's remaining unsigned free agents are QB Max Hall, RB Chester Taylor, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, OT Brandon Keith, G Floyd Womack, DE Vonnie Holliday, DE Ronald Talley, DE Brandon Williams, OLB Clark Haggans, CB Joey Porter, S Hamza Abdullah and S Rashad Johnson.

LaRod Stephens-Howling is a good returner and it's safe to say he'll be back with the team. Rashad Johnson had a productive season and could return, too. Max Hall, Chester Taylor and Joey are likely on their way out.

In my opinion the Cardinals were unable to address their main concerns in free agency. Pass protection is still their main problem, though Adam Snyder's acquisition could lead to a better running game. Arizona hasn't done much on the other side of the ball to improve the team. The rushing defense saw no changes at all and the secondary looks a bit weaker, too.

A lot depends on Kevin Kolb and whether he can improve significantly but the Cardinals don't look like a playoff team right now. They have some salary cap space though and the means to strengthen the squad.

The biggest part of free agency is over and the teams are getting ready to fill their remaining roster needs through the draft. It's time to evaluate the free agency moves of every NFC West team, starting with the defending division champions, the San Francisco 49ers:

The 49ers ranked 26^th in total offense last season. While they gained 127.4 yards per game on the ground (8^th) the passing offense ranked near the bottom with 183.5 yards per game. The defense ranked 4^th in the league, allowing 77.2 rushing yards per game (1^st) and 230.9 yards per game passing (16^th). The Niners allowed 44 sacks, which were the 7^th most in the league, and recorded 42 sacks, which also tied them for 7^th in the league.  San Francisco's special teams ranked 1^st in punting average as well as average yards per kickoff return and 5^th in average yards per punt return. Opposing special teams ranked 18^th in punting average, 20^th in average yards per kickoff return and 22^nd in average yards per punt return against the 49ers.

From these numbers it becomes clear that San Francisco's primary need is a wide receiver and their secondary need is a defensive back. A pass protector, preferably a right tackle may be needed as well.

The 49ers franchised FS Dashon Goldson, re-signed QB Alex Smith, WR Ted Ginn Jr., DT Will Tukuafu, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LB Tavares Gooden, CB Carlos Rogers, S C.J. Spillman, and acquired QB Josh Johnson, RB Brandon Jacobs, FB Rock Cartwright, WR Mario Manningham, WR Randy Moss and CB Perrish Cox.

With the re-signing of Ahmad Brooks, Carlos Rogers and Dashon Goldson San Francisco made sure that all 11 defensive starters would return in 2012. Head coach Jim Harbaugh showed that Alex Smith is capable of leading a successful offense. This signing is important, considering that the Niners were without a proven passer for about a week. Brandon Jacobs adds depth to the offensive backfield. On paper Mario Manningham and Randy Moss have to be considered an upgrade at the receiver position. Will Tukuafu is an investment in the future, as he is a young and talented interior lineman. Perrish Cox adds depth to the secondary and can be used as a returner. Ted Ginn Jr., Tavares Gooden, C.J. Spillman and Rock Cartwright should guarantee that San Francisco's special team remains one of the best units in the NFL.

Josh Johnson is the only signing I do not understand. I know that the 49ers wanted him all along and see him as Alex Smith's primary backup but isn't QB Colin Kaepernick the designated heir to the throne? The Niners also have QB Scott Tolzien, whom I consider to be the most talented among the backup quarterbacks.

The 49ers lost WR Josh Morgan (WAS), RG Adam Snyder (ARI), LB Blake Costanzo (CHI), CB Shawntae Spencer (OAK) and S Reggie Smith (CAR).

At first I wasn't too happy about Josh Morgan's departure but Mario Manningham is the better player in my opinion and Manningham and Randy Moss come cheaper than what Morgan is going to earn in Washington. The jury is still out on the loss of Blake Costanzo. Rock Cartwright, his replacement, is more versatile and has been an efficient tackler on Oakland's special teams unit. Shawntae Spencer's release had to be expected due to the emergence of CB Tarrell Brown and Chris Culliver as well as the acquisition of Perrish Cox. I was surprised when the Niners allowed Reggie Smith to leave. He is young and his playing time increased as a defensive back in the dime formation. I am assuming the Niners have big plans for C.J. Spillman, which would explain Smith's move to Carolina.

I totally disagree with the reluctance of re-signing Adam Snyder. I once featured him as one of the main reasons why the 49ers transformed from a pretender into a contender last season and still believe that he gave the offensive line stability. What's worse, the Niners didn't land a replacement in free agency, which worries me, as I prefer a battle-proven lineman to a rookie to replace a starter on the offensive line.

San Francisco's remaining free agents are FB Moran Norris, TE Justin Peelle, G Chilo Rachal, LB Larry Grant, CB Tramaine Brock and S Madieu Williams.

I expect the Niners to eventually re-sign Larry Grant and Tramaine Brock. Madieu Williams could return unless the Niners add considerable depth through the draft. Adam Snyder's departure means it's possible the Niners bring back Chilo Rachal, though he has yet to prove that he deserves to be a starter.   

My verdict is that the 49ers fixed their problem at the wide receiver position, added depth to the defensive and offensive backfield and stabilized their special teams unit. On the other hand, San Francisco's offensive line has been weakened and they did not address their need for pass protection. If the Niners want to be a better team in 2012 they will be forced to look into trade scenarios.

I agree with 17 of their 19 free agency moves, which is a percentage of 89%.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals signed former San Francisco 49ers RG Adam Snyder to a five-year contract. Snyder's strength is his versatility as he can play every position on the offensive line. The 30-year old was one of the reasons the 49ers transformed from a pretender into a contender last season when he replaced a struggling Chilo Rachal as the starting right guard after three games.

DB Richard Marshall left the Cardinals and agreed to a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth $16m, with $6m guaranteed. The 26-year old is capable of playing any position in the defensive backfield. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton considered him the team's defensive MVP last season. Marshall is said to have called the Cardinals to match Miami's offer but they declined. He spent one season with the Arizona Cardinals after coming over from the Carolina Panthers. He had 69 solo tackles, three interceptions, 11 passes defensed and two sacks last year.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks re-signed G Paul McQuistan. Due to injuries on the offensive line McQuistan started at both guard positions as well as left tackle. Details of the deal were not disclosed.

The Seahawks released G Robert Gallery after one season with the team. The guard had two more years running on his current contract but this move saves the Seahawks $4.6m against the salary cap. Gallery started in all 12 games he played for the Seahawks last season but a number of injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.

Seattle also lost TE John Carlson to the Minnesota Vikings, where he signed a five-year contract for $25m, with $11m guaranteed. The 27-year old missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.

The San Francisco 49ers meet the New York Giants to determine the NFC representative in Super Bowl XLVI. The 49ers reached the NFC Championship game with a 36-32 win over the New Orleans Saints. The Giants qualified for the third round of the playoffs by dismantling the Green Bay Packers 37-20 at Lambeau Field. Both teams faced each other 35 times, including seven times in the postseason. The 49ers lead the series 18-17 overall and won four of the seven playoff encounters. Both sides met in the NFC Championship game in 1990, with the Giants winning 15-13. This is San Francisco’s 13^th NFC Championship game and the first since 1997. On five occasions they advanced to the Super Bowl. Both teams last met in week 10, with the Niners winning 27-20 at The Stick.

The 49ers listed six players as questionable on their final injury report. C Jonathan Goodwin (calf), RCB Tarell Brown (thigh), RILB Patrick Willis (knee), FS Dashon Goldson (ankle) and TE Delanie Walker (jaw) are expected to play. WR Ted Ginn Jr. (knee) didn’t practice all week and will likely be unavailable. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree and return punts. RB Kendall Hunter will be responsible for returning kick-offs.

TE Jake Ballard is New York’s only concern. He is suffering from a knee injury and will be a game-time decision. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would replace him if he couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are listed as probable and expected to play.

The New York Giants improved in all aspects of the game in the postseason and finally found a running game. Ahmad Bradshaw and RB Brandon Jacobs share the workload and average 4.9 yards per carry and 5.0 yards respectively, as opposed to 3.9 yards and 3.8 yards in the regular season. Pro Bowler Eli Manning completed 67.7% of his passes and has thrown for 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks (13 receptions), Ahmad Bradshaw (8), WR Victor Cruz (7) and WR Mario Manningham (7) are his favorite targets. Victor Cruz, who had 1,536 receiving yards in the regular season, and Hakeem Nicks, 1,192 yards, are a constant threat to make a big play. New York’s offensive line did a good job protecting Eli Manning in the regular season and continues this trend in the postseason as well. New York’s ferocious pass rush hasn’t slowed down in the postseason either, though Justin Tuck and Pro Bowl RE Jason Pierre-Paul are still without a sack. Osi Umenyiora, who had 9 sacks in the regular season, leads the team in the postseason with 3 sacks. CB Corey Webster (6), SS Kenny Phillips (4) and CB Aaron Ross (4) recorded the most interceptions for the Giants in the regular season but S Deon Grant is the only Giants player who intercepted a pass in the postseason.   

Keys to Success

Mix the passing plays up and use slants, play action and screen passes to beat the pass rush.

Establish a running game with RB Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter as one-two-punch and wear the defense down.

The tight ends will play a big role in the passing game as well as additional blockers against the pass rush.

Win the battle in the trenches and contain the pass rush.

Stop the run and make New York’s offense one-dimensional.

LE Ray McDonald and LOLB Ahmad Brooks should get opportunities to put pressure on Eli Manning.

Play the safeties deep to prevent Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz from making big plays.

Special teams has to nail down New York deep in their own territory and generate good field positions for the Niners.

Control the clock.

Force turnovers.

Probable Starters

Offense: QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Kyle Williams, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Adam Snyder, RT Anthony Davis.

Defense: LE Ray McDonald, NT Isaac Sopoaga, RE Justin Smith, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, LILB NaVorro Bowman, RILB Patrick Willis, ROLB Parys Haralson, LCB Carlos Rogers, SS Donte Whitner, FS Dashon Goldson, LCB Tarell Brown.

Prediction

San Francisco 49ers v New York Giants 24-20

The San Francisco 49ers released their final injury report for the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants. As it has become customary for the past six weeks, all players on the report are listed as questionable.

WR Ted Ginn Jr. did not practice all week because of a knee injury and appears unlikely to play. WR Kyle Williams will start alongside WR Michael Crabtree. He will also be responsible for the punt returns. RB Kendall Hunter will return the kick-offs.

C Jonathan Goodwin (calf) did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and was a limited participant in practice on Friday, but his start is not in jeopardy. In the unlikely event of him missing the game or a few snaps RG Anthony Snyder would move to center and G Chilo Rachal would play at right guard.

CB Tarell Brown (thigh) and RILB Patrick Willis (knee) did not practice on Thursday but returned on a limited basis on Friday. Both are expected to play and to start. CB Chris Culliver and LB Larry Grant would be the next men up if Brown or Willis were to miss some action.

FS Dashon Goldson did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury but was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. He is expected to start but S Madieu Williams could see more playing time if the injury becomes more serious.

TE Delanie Walker returned to practice after missing two games with a jaw injury. He was a limited participant in practice but was cleared for contact. Walker will resume his role as the number-two tight end if the doctors give the green light. Blocking tight end Justin Peele will continue to replace him if Walker can’t play.

The New York Giants listed TE Jake Ballard as questionable. Ballard is suffering from a knee injury and did not practice on Friday. TE Travis Beckum and TE Bear Pascoe would see an increased playing time if Ballard couldn’t play. C David Baas (illness), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), LE Justin Tuck (shoulder), RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), CB Corey Webster (hamstring), WR Hakeem Nicks (ankle) and QB Eli Manning (illness) are all listed as probable and expected to play.