Turf Show Times
A breakout player, top injury concern, and rookie to watch for each of Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, and Seahawks
Training camp is underway across the NFL. Thursday marks the first preseason game of the season, and before we know it football will be back in full swing.
Sticking in the Los Angeles Rams’ own division, what are the major storylines across the NFC West? This is a breakout candidate, injury to watch, and key rookie for each of the Rams, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.
Free agent acquisition Nate Landman is on his way to earning the starting middle linebacker job in Los Angeles. He’ll likely take up the mantle for Christian Rozeboom who is now with the Carolina Panthers.
One factor that is favorable to Landman is the fact that fifth round rookie Pooh Paul started camp on the sidelines as he nurses a calf injury. Paul had a reasonable path to winning the job, but it’s tough for rookies who miss the early going on training camp.
Landman signed a one-year, $1.1M deal with Los Angeles this offseason. That’s an affordable deal even with the context the Rams rarely pay linebackers. If he holds onto the starting job and performs admirably, he will be in line for a bigger payday in 2026.
Matthew Stafford sat out the first two weeks of camp with back soreness. He reportedly saw a spine specialist. Currently, his status is week-to-week with no timetable to return. He’s the only Week 1 starting quarterback to not be active in practice across the league.
Running back Jarquez Hunter has impressed with his speed in camp. Veteran Kyren Williams is entrenched as the starter in a contract year, but it’s easy to see a path to playing time as a complimentary player for Hunter. Williams is smart to not sit out of practice.
885 yards and eight touchdowns is impressive for a rookie receiver regardless of draft status, but that still was a disappointing first NFL season for Marvin Harrison, Jr. Were the expectations unrealistic and possibly unfair? Probably. Still, Harrison has added bulk to his frame to compliment the Cardinals’ strong ground game and frequent usage of heavier personnel.
Can Harrison emerge as Arizona’s bona fide number one receiver in 2025?
Starling Thomas was atop the depth chart at corner before tearing his ACL and being ruled out for the year. That leaves Arizona with the ascending Garrett Williams, Max Melton (2024 second rounder), and Will Johnson (2025 second rounder).
Walter Nolen was one of my favorite players in the draft and it was difficult to watch him taken by a division foe. Nolen will split time with veteran Calais Campbell. Truthfully there are few better in which to serve as an understudy.
The Cardinals’ defensive line is improving between the aforementioned players plus Darius Robinson, Baron Browning,...
