Niners Nation
Asking a handful of questions about the NFC West, from impactful rookies to up and coming coaches.
The NFC West was one of the most competitive divisions in football last season. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks both won ten games, while the Arizona Cardinals initially appeared poised to win the division before a rough December. Still, the Cardinals overachieved with an 8-win season. The only underperformer was the team that managed to finish the season on a four-game losing streak, the San Francisco 49ers.
It was 3rd & 2 with just over a minute left, and the Rams had the ball on the Philadelphia Eagles 13-yard line down six points. That would be the last threat the Eagles had before winning the Super Bowl.
Each NFC West team believes they made enough moves to challenge the Eagles and any other contender in the NFC. Was it enough? Time will tell. Until then, let’s answer a handful of questions.
The prevailing thought would lead you to believe the answer is Brock Purdy. But the 49ers signal-caller has gone above and beyond expectations and gave the Niners $265 million reasons to extend him.
Sam Darnold feels like a stopgap in Seattle — I’d argue that he’s a downgrade from Geno Smith. Matthew Stafford is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. The Rams will always have a chance as long as he’s under center.
The quarterback with the most to prove in the division is Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick with a $230 million contract started every game in 2024 for the first time since 2020.
The Cardinals have a stud tight end in Trey McBride and drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Yet, Murray couldn’t get on the same page as the rookie. Murray’s numbers appear to be good, although they may be slightly inflated or incomplete. Can he stay healthy for two seasons in a row? History suggests that the answer is no.
The 49ers have purged many of their veterans and are relying on their rookie class and the 2024 Draft. It’s a move that should work out in the long run, but it's a big ask in the short term.
Seattle downgraded at quarterback. Their answer to not having a pass rush was to add 33-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence, who played in only four games last season. Good luck.
Davante Adams is a nice addition to the Rams, but the Cardinals had the best offseason in the division.
Their defense received a makeover after adding prized free agent Josh Sweat. They also signed Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to fortify the run defense. Then, in the NFL Draft, the Cardinals let the board come to them. Walter Nolan, Will Johnson, and Jordan Burch should all have a role during their first year. Arizona won’t be an easy out in 2025, and this offseason is the reason.
Which key assistant...
