NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks

Cardinals

For rookies and young players, the lack of practice time this offseason has been a major challenge to improving their skills and establishing themselves to the coaching staff. But for veterans like Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald who’s going on Year 17 in the NFL, it’s been a welcome break. 

“For a guy like me, not having the wear and tear of minicamps and OTAs, the drudgery and monotony of sitting in meetings all day, for things you pretty much know for the last 15 years,” Fitzgerald said via Darren Urban of the team’s website. “I can get right to the things that are most important to me to get myself together, which I know. So this has been great. The only difference is the things we are dealing with as a society, which none of us have had to deal with in our lifetimes on this football team, the COVID and now the protests. That’s different, but in terms of the preparation for ball, that’s been great.”

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Cardinals in 2020 is if the additions of first-round LB Isaiah Simmons, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DT Jordan Phillips and LB Devon Kennard can improve their defense. 
• Lombardi adds another key question is if Arizona can improve its red zone offense this year. 

49ers

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the foot injury for 49ers WR Deebo Samuel is disappointing for the team, as they had high expectations for him as he entered his second season. 
• However, it does open up more of an opportunity for young players like 2019 third-round WR Jalen Hurd and first-round WR Brandon Aiyuk.
• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the 49ers in 2020 is whether they can continue to be dominant on defense. 

Seahawks

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Seahawks in 2020 is if they’ll be able to generate a consistent pass rush, as they were 29th in sacks even with DE Jadeveon Clowney. 
• Lombardi points out the Seahawks were also uncharacteristically bad against the run, allowing 4.9 yards per carry, and need to improve in 2020. 
• Seahawks RB Chris Carson changed agencies, leaving Dream Point Sports for Octagon. He will be represented by Casey Muir and Murphy McGuire. (Liz Mullen)