NFC West.(NFL)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The lack of a running game is hurting production in the red zone; the team has no rushing scores and only two touchdowns in 15 possessions inside their opponents' 20-yard line. Defenses can ignore the run, so WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are facing a lot of double-teams. The emergence of a pass-catching tight end would help, but the running game must improve. ... A hand injury to RT Oliver Ross forced Fred Wakefield to switch from defensive end, and he has played well in two starts since joining the offense. Wakefield's technique falls apart at times, especially when he's pressured by quick ends, but he's improving. He's 6-7, has long arms and brings some nastiness to a struggling line. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The team initially used exotic game plans, including employing three and five down linemen, then got away from them after early struggles. But the Cardinals had some success and built confidence against weaker offensive teams, so coordinator Clancy Pendergast has gone back to being creative. He also has moved backup DE Calvin Pace around on the line, which has helped create pressure. This unit isn't overly talented, but it's quick and now is playing better to its strength.--Kent Somers

ST. LOUIS RAMS

RB Steven Jackson occasionally loses balance when hit low, but he consistently makes yards after contact. His run reads are improving, but he still needs to be more aware of cutback opportunities. He has a tendency to run high, which exposes him to injuries, so he needs to get lower when tacklers come up. He is improving as a receiver. particularly on screens, and QB Marc Bulger is gaining more confidence in him on dump-offs and checkdowns. ... New P Bryan Barker, 41, will supply better hang time than predecessor Reggie Hodges and will be more effective punting from deep in Rams territory, which will help the field-position battle. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: The Rams need to simplify coordinator Larry Marmie's multiple-scheme defense and get back to basics such as tackling, going for the ball and gap control. Busted assignments, especially by a young secondary, have led to huge plays. Limiting the number of coverages in the back seven would help, but the secondary will struggle to stay close to receivers as long as the line can't supply the pressure to disrupt opponents' timing. The team clearly needs to blitz more.--Jim Thomas

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

ILB Saleem Rasheed has replaced Jeff Ulbrich (biceps), who is out for the season. Whereas Ulbrich typically took on blockers and crashed into ballcarriers, Rasheed relies more on speed and athleticism. He will sidestep interference if he senses that will get him to the ball quicker. Rasheed's durability is a concern; he has been plagued by various injuries in his career. ... The team used the week off to look at ways to get the tight ends more involved in the passing game. Trent Smith has good potential as a receiver, but Billy Bajema and Steve Bush are better blockers so they also are playing a lot as the team tries to cover for the loss of Eric Johnson (foot). With rookie QB Alex Smith starting, the 49ers often are opting to keep the tight end in to provide extra protection. DEFENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK: With the linebacker depth having taken a hit, the team could use the 4-3 more. OLB Andre Carter, for one, might be used more at end. Regardless of the alignment, the front seven has been fairly solid against the run, allowing only one 100-yard rusher so far. But instability and injuries in the secondary have ...