[EmpireWF]

The Seahawks lost their first game since the Super Bowl (albeit a pre-season one) to the Dallas Cowboys over the weekend.

Dallas' run defense looked pretty good against Shaun Alexander. While the Field Gulls blog points to the offensive line as needing more practice together before they're effective.

Are the 'Hawks the favorites in the West this year? Or can the Cardinals overcome their adversity?

[desertrat]

The Seahawks are still the team to beat in the NFC West. Preseason games mean next to nothing once the season starts. Seattle has a tough defense that will keep them in any game and their offense is still explosive. The Cardinals offense will be exciting this year but the jury is still out on their defense. I expect the Rams to battle the 49ers for last in the west.