NFC West Preview

In a league full of unknowns, the NFC West is near the top of the list. While one team is proven, the other three are among the top handful of could-be-good, could-be-bad teams in the NFL. I can argue one way and you can argue another, and neither of us could be wrong.

This division spells out points, points, points. Lots of good offenses and several questionable defenses. So while we know very little about who these teams are, their games should at least be fun to watch.

Arizona Cardinals

I would say don’t sleep on the Cardinals, but that feels rash. Why don’t we just make sure we set an alarm.

Kyler’s back to full strength, and showed glimpses of his old self towards the end of last year. The problem was last year he had no weapons. Hollywood Brown as WR1? Give me a break.

So while I have little doubts on Kyler, this team is smothered with question marks around him. Can Marvin Harrison Jr. live up to the insane hype and immediately be a star? Trey McBride was a security blanket for Kyler at the end of last year, but was that cause there was no one else, or cause he’s a real deal TE? James Conner has dealt with a plethora of injuries, and while I still think the difference maker that he was when he first arrived in the desert is still there, can he stay healthy for an entire season? A lot of the skepticism around the head coach was diminished last year despite a poor record, but by no means is he proven.

I can see this team vastly improving as easily as I can see them being a league bottom feeder. Just so many questions. I for one am intrigued. Record: 6-11

 Los Angeles Rams

For a long time Aaron Donald was considered the best/most impactful non-QB in the league. In other words, the best player in football. So why is it his departure is being treated so differently than that of a franchise QB? When a franchise QB leaves a team, the team is perceived to now stink. Start from scratch, rebuild, etc. What they had is no longer.

Aaron Donald would at minimum take two offensive lineman per snap, often times three. This allowed for pressure elsewhere to be generated much simpler, or allow more players to drop into coverage while they got one on ones on the line with the other two or three rushers. His impact, therefore absence, cannot be understated.

I think this defense struggles this year without him. I think the everyday guy isn’t aware of just how good A-a-ron was, and how much he opened for that defense. They were already an average unit with him. Not bringing in anyone to replace him is going to be a rude awakening.

That doesn’t mean they can’t be good because this offense is lethal. Puka and Cooper Kupp are arguably (not saying it, just saying arguably) the best WR duo in the league. I really hope Sean McVay loves Kyren Williams as much as me, and that this punt return shenanigan is actually cause he’s so good they just want the ball in his hands more. I know they drafted Blake Corum but BC isn’t Kyren, please.

They’ll be a fun team to watch this year if you like points. And who doesn’t like points. But I’m more bearish on this team than most. Put some respect on Aaron Donald’s name. Record: 8-9

San Francisco 49ers

Third time’s the charm, right? I might be dumb for this, but here me out. I have the 49ers winning the Super Bowl.

It has to be this year. Deebo and Aiyuk are back. Trent Williams is back. CMC and Kittle are still there. And Brock Purdy is still living off food stamps for one, maybe two years max. I don’t care that I’ve said it before I’ll say it again: this is the best roster they will ever have.

I know they lost a couple guys on defense, but the important ones are still there. Fred Warner is the best LB in football and Bosa is arguably the best rusher (I vote Crosby). Kyle Shanahan’s face will be redder than the color of his niners hat as he pushes for that Lambardi harder than a push on the toilet after a night of drinking.  

I think their division is fairly easy. I think the NFC, compared to the AFC, is still fairly easy. I think they get the one seed again, and the road to New Orleans goes thru the Bay. And they finish the deal.

If they get there and lose, I’m getting 90s Bills vibes for this team. Thirty years of misfortune and tumultuation (not sure that's a word). A fortune of bad luck will be cast on the franchise, not to be heard of for a long time.

Get it done boys. Just one. Make me look smart. Record: 12-5

Seattle Seahawks

If I write about me not writing Geno off, does that mean I’m technically writing about him being written off? Does that warrant a write back?

I’m not writing him or this team off. I still think this offense is loaded, and if they can get some improved OL play they’ll be a points machine. Kenneth Walker is habitually under rated, JSN is primed to take over Tyler Lockett’s spot as WR2 even while Lockett is still there, and DK is as close of a human replica of Donkey Kong as there is on Earth. I love this offense.

Defense not so much. They already were poor, and lost two key secondary players in the offseason (to guess where, the Titans). They hired Mike McDonald from the Ravens to help fix this side of the ball, and his defensive prowess I believe will outshine Pete Carroll’s. I think the boys get some new life with a new coach, and I’m very high on Mike McDonald coming in and being the head coach there for a long time.

I think the defense improves, and the offense stays the same. That equation equates to more wins in my book. Just not enough to get them to January. Record: 8-9