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ARIZONA CARDINALS
Coaches have been encouraged by the development of RG Jeremy Bridges, acquired off waivers at the end of training camp. Bridges, who started the past two games, is raw, but he is athletic and comes off the ball well.... Duello Stacks is the team's best cover cornerback, the only one who has the speed to match up with elite receivers. He's also a decent tackler for his size (5-10, 174). OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Coach Dennis Green promised to draw a new game plan in the off-week--coaches studied how to generate more big plays--but problems were still evident last week. The line has trouble opening holes, and RB Emmitt Smith doesn't have the burst he used to, although he is still good enough for the team to have an effective running game. The biggest problem is in the passing game. QB Josh McCown is improving, but he has missed WR Anquan Boldin (knee). The club has found success with a three-receiver set, but the lack of a big, bruising fullback limits the team's options.--Kent Seiners
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Each week, it's becoming increasingly evident how much the Rams miss the pass-blocking skills of RT Ryle Turiey, who's on injured reserve (back). His replacement, Grant Williams, is a tenacious, high-effort player. But Williams is limited athletically.... The Rams are blitzing more under new coordinator Larry Marmie, but so far without much effectiveness. Many of the blitzes don't appear to be well-timed or well-disguised.... OLB Tommy rolley sometimes flashes Pro Bowl potential. At other times, he looks uninterested. OFFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: Mike Martz has tried to run the ball more. At times, RB Steven Jackson splits time with Marshall Faulk, providing more of a power element to Faulk's quickness and elusiveness. Occasionally, Faulk and Jackson are deployed together. Still, the Rams like to take chances and throw downfield. The problem is knowing when to take chances and when to check down or throw the ball away.--Jim Thomas
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Although he doesn't figure to lose his ...