NFC west.(NFL)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The running game has to roe fixed; it had the worst average in the NFL (less than 70 yards a game). Center and right guard are weak spots. Rookie RB J.J. Arrington was supposed to give the team a big-play threat, but he seemed to lose confidence when the team struggled. The club needs to re-sign free-agent QB Kurt Warner. He played well, and there is little behind hire. Backup Josh McCown, also a free agent, is not expected to return. Defensively, the club needs a run-stuffing tackle. Getting MLB Gerald Hayes and NT Russell Davis healthy would help. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The passing yards piled up, but points did not. The running game was frustrating. Defense: C. It played much better in the second half of the season but allowed too many scoring drives early in the year. Special teams: C. K Neil Rackers and P Scott Player pulled the grade up this high. Coaching: D. Dennis Green's personnel decisions weakened the offensive line's depth.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The team needs help on defense--with new coaches and new players. DT Ryan Pickett and SS Adam Archuleta are free agents: Archuleta never clicked in coordinator Larry Marmie's system, and Pickett likely will be signed only at the right price. Regardless of which free agents leave, the team needs a free safety who can tackle, another defensive end and linebacker help. The offense needs more from the tight end and a solid backup to RB Steven Jackson, even if Marshall Faulk returns. QB Jamie Martin, a free agent, might retire, so the team must decide whether Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jeff Smoker are effective backups. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B-. The Rams moved the ball until the final quarter of the season. Defense: F. The line couldn't stop the run, the secondary couldn't tackle, and there weren't enough takeaways. Special teams: D+. The coverage and return units again were poor. Coaching: C-. Interim coach Joe Vitt was in a no-win situation.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The 49ers need playmakers on both sides of the ball. Despite his slow development, the team remains committed to QB Alex Smith, but every other position will be considered in the draft. The top priority is acquiring a No. 1 receiver. Arnaz Battle, who signed a contract extension last week, and Brandon Lloyd were not consistently productive, which, coupled with Smith's struggles, led opponents to constantly stack the box. That made it difficult for the running game to make headway. On defense, there will be plenty of change. Three starting linebackers can become free agents, and the 49ers will try to shore up ...