NFC west.(NFL)(National Football League)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The offensive line is taking shape, with RT L.J. Shelton replacing Anthony Clement and RG Anthony Badges moving past Cameron Spikes. Shelton is more athletic and a better pass blocker than Clement. Bridges is raw but has potential. ... Young WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Bryant Johnson have playmaking ability but lack consistency, largely because both missed most of training camp because of injuries. ... DT Wendell Bryant returned from a four-week suspension in excellent shape and will help the rotation. ... RE Bertrand Berry has been effective as a pass rusher and has had a positive influence on the defense with his work ethic. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The nickel packages aren't complicated, but they use personnel effectively. LBs Raynoclt Thompson and James Darling run well. DE Calvin Pace has four sacks after collecting one as a rookie in 2003. The secondary often stays in cover 2. SS Adrian Wilson occasionally blitzes, but he's at his best in coverage.--Kent Somers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Third-year players Brandon Moore and Saleem Rasheed will be counted on to replace OLB Julian Peterson--the player the team could least afford to lose--who will miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles' tendon. But neither player has the athletic ability or versatility that has made Peterson arguably the league's best outside linebacker. Moore has seen most of his action in short-yardage situations. Rasheed is a speedier option, but he has been plagued by injuries during his career. ... TE Erie Johnson has emerged as the offense's most-utilized weapon. He rarely is the primary option, but he's an excellent route runner who can get separation from linebackers. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: QB Tim Rattay seems to thrive when the 49ers go into their no-huddle, hurry-up offense, called "Red Ball." Rattay often sets up in a shotgun formation and, rather than go for big plays, will look for Johnson over the middle or dump short passes to RB Kevan Barlow.--Cam Inman

ST. ...