First, lets start with the glamour guys, the quarterbacks. Kurt Warner had one of the most phenomenal seasons in the history of the NFL in 1999, and his all-too-familiar story of stock clerk-turned-NFL MVP is certainly one for the ages. The former Arena League passer put up some incredible numbers in his first season as a starter. He was well on his way to another remarkable campaign in 2000 when he broke the little finger on his right (passing) hand. Other than a few more interceptions, his numbers, when spread out over an entire season, rivaled what he had accomplished in '99.

Jeff Garcia would be a story nearly the equal of Warner's if San Francisco had made its way into the postseason in 2000. Even his biggest supporter, Bill Walsh, considered the former CFL standout nothing more than a solid backup when he arrived in 1999. His first season showed a bit of upside, but nothing indicated the Pro Bowl play he would display in 2000. Garcia broke the 49ers' single season passing yardage record - no small feat when you consider the long shadows of his predecessors. His ability to run is something the opposition must keep in mind.

Judgment: give the edge to Warner and the Rams. While Garcia seems to have a bright future in San Francisco, Warner is the real deal. If he's healthy, there's no question about the kind of damage the Rams' offense can inflict on the NFL.

At running back, there is no comparison. Marshall Faulk was not only the league's most valuable player in 2000, many believe he should have been in 1999 as well. When Faulk is healthy - and he is much tougher than many believe - there is no more complete player in the NFL. The 49ers are going to have a tough time replacing the production of Charlie Garner, but they have some intriguing options as they head for camp. Garrison Hearst, coming off the ankle injury, certainly would be a welcome sight in the backfield. With his status uncertain at best, Paul Smith and Kevan Barlow may get the nod. Either (or both) could surprise and carry the Niners' ground attack.

Judgment: Marshall Faulk is not only the best running back in the league, but the best player overall. By a large margin, this one goes to the Rams.

The third of the skill positions, the wide receivers, creates the most interesting argument. Terrell Owens displayed in the second half of the season that he is maturing and becoming one of the most dominating players in the league. His 20 catches in week 16 set an NFL record. J.J. Stokes and Tai Streets provide solid, if unproven, play from the No. 2 and 3 slots. Stokes has the ability to be a highlight-reel player, but just hasn't produced that way since the 49ers drafted him.

The St. Louis receivers outshine any other complete set in football (Minnesota fans, sorry but it's true). Isaac Bruce is a legitimate 100-catch, 1,500-yard threat every year, and Torry Holt on the other side may be even better. Although fans may not know as much about him, Holt is on the verge of greatness. This team has two receivers with a realistic shot at leading the league in receptions and yardage. But what makes this set of wideouts the best is the No. 3 and 4 men: Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl. Hakim provides lightning speed and the uncanny ability to make people miss in the open field, while Proehl provides what he always has - a big target that will get open and never drop the ball.

Judgment: the 49ers' top three are solid, and Owens may be the best in the league, but they don't match the Rams' top four. However, I believe J.J. will come out of his slumber and put up some good numbers, and Streets will provide that deep threat the team has lacked. The Rams may be better now, but the gap will close in 2001.

On the offensive line, the 49ers have brought back their entire unit intact. That is vitally important. Jeff Garcia had time to throw last year, and will need it again as the running back situation remains an uncertainty. When they do run the ball, this line has shown it is one of the best in the league at opening up holes. There may not be any "name" players on this unit, but they certainly get the job done. The re-signing of Scott Gragg may be the most important move of the offseason for the team.

St. Louis has one of those "name" players, LT Orlando Pace. Although he made the Pro Bowl again last year, his play slipped noticeably. The rest of the line is solid, if unspectacular, although Adam Timmerman is a tough SOB. This unit will have to protect Warner better this year, because they no longer have Trent Green as an insurance policy.

Judgment: this one goes to the Niners, though not by a large margin. Both lines are solid and open good holes for the running game. San Francisco, however, did a better job of protecting the quarterback in 2000, and that is the key to both teams' success.

The one place where the 49ers are head-and-shoulders above the Rams is on the defensive line. Bryant Young is arguably the best pure defensive tackle in the league. Dana Stubblefield returns, and although he struggled in Washington, he will never face the double team next to BY. Andre Carter, the 49ers No. 1 draft pick, should give them the outside pressure lacking since Chris Doleman and Roy Barker were in their prime. Depth could be a concern at the tackle spots, especially if Reggie McGrew doesn't contribute, but this unit is solid.

The Rams have some young stallions coming in, but they are unproven. They will count on a rookie - Damione Lewis - to provide the inside pass rush necessary in the Tampa Bay defense they are installing. Although he should be a good one, that is a lot to ask of a rookie. Ray Agnew and Jeff Zgonina will share the other DT position, and they scare no one. On the outside, Grant Wistrom is a player who gives 110 percent on every play, and he is lightening fast. But you can run on him. Leonard Little, a converted linebacker, and Cedrick Jones (formerly of the NY Giants) will man the other end.

Judgment: a no-brainer. The 49er line could be something special this year.

At linebacker, the Niners have done a nice job replacing their departed veterans. Derek Smith was a great pickup and should be a tackling machine in this defense. Jamie Winborn could be something special, and I expect to see a lot from him this year. The lone holdover, Julian Petersen, should feel more comfortable in the system and let his talent take over. I expect 8-10 sacks from him, and continued improvement covering tight ends and receivers out of the backfield. Jeff Ulbrich gives the unit a starting-caliber backup. There is little depth beyond Ulbrich.

The Rams are patching together a linebacking corps, and the results could fall at either end of the spectrum. There is no doubt London Fletcher can make tackles in this league (he had 194 last year), but there is a question of whether the 5-9 middle linebacker can read the plays quickly enough in this new defense. Although he made a lot of stops, he was often out of position made the tackle 5-10 yards down the field. The horrendous D-line also contributed to his tackle total. Mark Fields was a nice free agent pickup, but New Orleans took him out in third down situations last year because he couldn't cover the tight end. The Rams plan on him being an every-down backer. The third position will be a training camp fight between Jeff Davis, a Tampa backup, and Tommy Polley, a rookie from Florida State.

Judgment: the 49ers are slightly better, and the strength of their defensive line should allow them to concentrate on their assignments. This area will remain a concern for the Rams until the unit proves itself on game day.

The secondaries might be the toughest to judge. The 49ers boast a wealth of talent at safety, with Lance Schulters and John Keith as the starters, and Zach Bronson, Pierson Prioleau and Ronnie Heard as very capable backups. At the corners, Jason Webster and Ahmed Plummer came on strong in the second half of last year, and they must continue that improvement for the Niners defense to really take a leap forward.

The Rams traded for Aeneus Williams, and the Pro Bowl corner has plenty left in his tank. At the other corner, Dexter McCleon had probably the best year of anyone in 2000 on the Rams defense and that's why he's one of only three starters returning. At safety they have improved, but how much will be the key. The solid Kim Herring was signed away from the Ravens defense, and Adam Archuleta was chosen in the first round of the draft. Archuleta has blazing speed (4.35), outstanding instincts and can hit like a truck, but he is making a conversion from the linebacker position he played in college. If Archuleta doesn't open the season as a starter, Devin Bush will reclaim his starting spot.

Judgment: this one is a toss-up. Williams will solidify the corner situation for the Rams, but the 49ers have the best set of safeties in the league. Both units have question marks, but both have the talent to overcome them.

Other areas to consider:

Placekicker - Jeff Wilkins was perfect last year, although he missed seven games with injury. He can put the ball in the end zone consistently on kickoffs. Jose Cortez will probably win the job for the Niners, but the competition is open. Give this one to the Rams.

Punter - Neither team was happy with last year's results, so this is a toss up going into camp.

Tight End - Greg Clark of the 49ers is a blocking machine who hasn't gotten much action in the passing game, but he can't stay healthy. The same can be said for Ernie Conwell of the Rams. This is another toss up.

In the final analysis, the St. Louis Rams are still the team to beat in the NFC West. Although their defense remains suspect in some areas, they have improved enough to make some stops. With the Rams offense, that should be enough.

The 49ers have certainly closed the gap and should get better as the season progresses. The defense will be better. It will be up to new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to compensate for the losses of Charlie Garner and Jerry Rice and keep the offense humming.