A startling possibility revealed itself to me while compiling this week’s power rankings. As much as I revel in the anguish of 49er and Cardinals fans, it will quickly lose comedic value if both quarterback-starved teams end up with draft picks that allow them to address their most glaring need.
The Seahawks propensity for mediocrity works against them in a season like this. No team can claim to be setup for success when their quarterback situation is unclear beyond the current season. You don’t want to find yourself with a division title or 2nd place finish if it means all three of your division opponents begin 2011 in a stronger QB position than you.
The Cardinals have a real chance at finishing with one of the worst records in the NFL, and are #31 in my latest power rankings. The 49ers are 0-4. The thought of entering the 2011 season with Jake Locker, Andrew Luck and Sam Bradford leading our division opponents makes me wretch. These are the moments when I really find myself rooting against my own team. Another 5-11 finish wouldn’t be so bad, right? Winning the division would be okay if someone could assure me that the 49ers and Cardinals won’t get a franchise QB in next year’s draft.
Realistically, the 49ers are going to rally. They will probably win their five remaining division games, and finish close to .500, plus or minus a game. That would put them out of the QB sweepstakes. The Cardinals fate depends on Max Hall. Let’s hope he’s good enough to win a couple. The good news is the Cardinals already managed to win 2 games. We want them to find five more wins.
If the 49ers and Cardinals continue losing, and the Seahawks start winning consistently, you will finally hear me start calling for Charlie Whitehurst, and Julius Jones, and for more passes on 3rd and 1…