NFC west.(NFL)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Since Antrel Rolle (knee) was hurt in Week 3, left corner has been a problem spot, and opponents are exploiting it; they have thrown at the left corner about 80 percent of the time. Robert Tate, who started on the left side most of the season, was benched in favor of rookie Eric Green, but Green hasn't played that well, either. The team also has tried Raymond Walls at the spot. ... The quarterback picture has been focused on Kurt Warner and Josh McCown, but second-year QB John Navarre might have the skills to be a solid starter. He lacks touch and mobility but has a great arm, and coach Dennis Green says Navarre's intellect is comparable to Tom Brady's. If Warner struggles down the stretch, the team might look at Navarre. PROBLEM SPOT: The team's tackling has been poor, and Green says it's a result of players' relying too much on the schemes to put them in position to make plays. But fundamentals are lacking. There have been too many arm tackles and attempts to knock ballcarriers out instead of wrapping them up. The team has increased the emphasis on tackling in practice; it looked better in last Sunday's victory at St. Louis.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS

It's apparent cornerback should be the top priority in the offseason. The Rams need a big corner who can neutralize tall wide receivers. Rookie CB Ron Bartell (6-1, 208) was picked on by the Cardinals in his first start. ... The Rams shouldn't rush QB Marc Bulger back from his latest shoulder injury, suffered last Sunday. It's clear the team is going nowhere, so it shouldn't put Bulger at risk of further damage. ... WR Kevin Curtis has played well enough to keep the starting job, even when WR Isaac Bruce is fully healthy. Curtis, who has elite speed, has shown the ability to get behind secondaries and outrun pursuit. His route running is improving, and he is a willing blocker. He needs to improve at making tough catches in traffic. PROBLEM SPOT: With the hope of reducing penalties, interim head coach Joe Vitt brought in two referees about a month ago to monitor Rams practices and provide input. The strategy hasn't worked. The Rams have been flagged for 26 penalties over the past three games, many of which kept opponents' drives alive. Penalties are the result of poor technique and poor focus--and those responsibilities fall to the coach.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

SS Tony Parrish ...