It’s time to take a look at arguably the best division heading into this season: the NFC West.
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals had it rough last season finishing with a 5-10-1 record. Arizona’s defense struggled to slow down opposing teams offense both in the passing game and making stops in the 4th quarter. Ranked 32nd in yards allowed and 31st against the pass, it’s safe to say that this defense just wasn’t very good.
During the NFL Draft the team added Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons with the 8th overall pick. In an attempt to patch up the defense the Cardinals also signed DT Jordan Philips of the Buffalo Bills.
QB Kyler Murray enters his second year with newly acquired three-time First Team All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins, formerly of the Houston Texans, in tow. Murray also has the skill of RB Kenyan Drake and WR Larry Fitzgerald to help complete the offense.
This is a team that is seemingly a few years out of being a true contender, but may surprise us this season.
3. Los Angeles Rams
QB Jared Goff is entering this season without big names like WRs Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.
People tend to forget that the WR duo of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are able to produce some numbers. If Goff is able to continue where he left off with his game in December, the offense shouldn’t have issues moving the ball.
The offensive line poses a threat to their own backfield. Injuries and roster changes had the Rams focusing on re-signing Austin Blythe, now listed as a center, and T Andrew Whitworth.
Los Angeles hasn’t had it easy with their defense either. The Rams added Jacksonville Jaguars’ CB Jalen Ramsey and Chicago Bears’ OLB Leonard Floyd to the mix with DT Aaron Donald this offseason to help with some holes.
This team should be in the mix for the NFC West. We will wait and see what magic Sean McVay can cook up this season.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Last season the Seahawks clinched a Wildcard spot with a 11-5 record and outplayed the Philidelphia Eagles to make it into the Divisional Round.
QB Russell Wilson makes it easy for Seattle to remain contenders this season. Wilson comes off of having the best season of his career so far, throwing for 4110 yards and 31 TDs.
Offensively, the running game continues to push for extra yardage, ranking 4th in the league last season. Along with WRs Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, Seattle added on to their offensive threat with the addition of former Patriots WR Philip Dorsett.
The only thing that could be considered questionable about this team is the defense. With free agent Jadeveon Clowney most likely on the move, this leaves a large gap on the front line.
To try and piece the defense together, DE Darrell Taylor was picked in the 2nd round to try and fill Clowney’s shoes.
The Seahawks look strong, but not strong enough to overtake The Bay.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners went from a 4-12 season in 2018 to 13-3 and a Super Bowl appearance last season. This team went all in with the Shanahan-Lynch rebuild and are now reaping the benefits.
Coming off of a torn ACL, QB Jimmy Garropolo played a full 2019 season throwing for 3978 yards and 27 TDs. The offense hasn’t changed much coming into this year.
Despite losing WR Emmanual Sanders to the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco had a huge pick up with 1st round pick WR Brandon Aiyuk. Pair him with WR Deebo Samuel and you have a dangerous duo.
This team also has RBs Raheem Mostert, Mat Brieda and Tevin Coleman to help with the overall run game. Don’t forget that the Niners also have one of, if not the best, tight ends in the game with George Kittle who led the team with 1053 receiving yards.
The defensive returns this season almost with the same lineup as the previous year. Defensive rookie of the year Nick Bosa leads the way, followed by impact players like DB Richard Sherman and LB Dre Greenlaw.
Feels great, baby.
Photo: (Xavier Mascarenas/The Sacramento Bee via AP)