NFC west.(NFL)(National Football Conference )

ARIZONA CARDINALS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: There will be major changes. Coach Dennis Green says Josh McCown will be a good quarterback, but Green is impatient and probably will at least seek a veteran to challenge McCown. RB Emmitt Smith is expected to depart, leaving Marcel Shipp, out all season with a leg injury, as the starter. Green likes fast running backs, and he could get one through the draft or via a trade, possibly for the Vikings' Michael Bennett. The team likely will replace RT L.J. Shelton, but doing so would be a mistake. He fell out of favor when he showed up to minicamps overweight. Still, he's better than many of the alternatives in the free-agent market and draft. On defense, things are more settled. The team could use another cornerback, and it might take one in the first round. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The running game was inconsistent, and the passing attack produced few big plays. Defense: C. It was much better than last year but was susceptible to the run. Special teams: C. P Scott Player and K Neil Rackers were solid. The return games produced little. Coaching: C-. Green's benching of McCown started a downward spiral.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS PLAYOFF READINESS **

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: QB Marc Bulger was sharp after returning from a bruised throwing shoulder. If he has time to throw, which isn't a given because of the battered line, he and the gifted receivers can carve up any defense. Considering the kick coverage and run-stopping struggles, it's hard to imagine a deep playoff run. The defense still isn't creating turnovers. The Rams went 2-6 on the road and lost three of their last four road games by 20 or more. They likely would have to win three road games to reach the Super Bowl. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B-. It moved the ball between the 30s but struggled in close. Defense: D+, Few takeaways and porous run defense were yearlong problems. Special teams: D. The coverage and return units were awful. The kickers were steady. Coaching: C. The team would be 11-5 without injuries to T Kyle Turley and Bulger.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: No one is safe after the awful season, including coach Dennis Erickson, his assistants and G.M. Terry Donahue, The team almost is certain to again put the franchise tag on LB Julian Peterson, out since October (Achilles'), even at a likely cost of about $7 million. The club had one of the NFCs lowest payrolls in 2004, but it might open its pocketbook a bit for free agents to placate disgusted fans. The only solid unit is the linebackers, so there's no shortage of needs, including playmakers on offense and pass rushers on defense. The quarterback position is up in the air. Backup Ken Dorsey showed only flashes of potential. Starter Tim Rattay displayed toughness playing through injuries, but he doesn't look like a franchise quarterback. The ...