Seahawks Rival Watch: NFC West

A quick check in with the rest of the NFC West after the first quarter of the season.

Weird doesn’t even begin to describe the NFC West so far. Arizona was projected to run the table with Los Angeles bringing up the rear, leaving Seattle to compete for a Wild Card. Instead, chaos has befallen the division. Los Angeles is somehow in first place despite a lackluster offense and middle of the road defense, while Arizona is desperately clinging to a potential Wild Card berth. However, it is very early, so anything could happen. How does each team look so far? Can the Seahawks win the division?

Next: San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers: 1-4

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco has had a mixed year so far. Once the class of the NFC West, the 49ers have regressed into a perennial bottom feeder the past few seasons. After demolishing the Rams in Monday Night Football, they’ve continued to struggle. Amid immense fanfare and scrutiny, Chip Kelly has continued to stick with perennial disappointment Blaine Gabbert at the quarterback. However, this may be coming to an end soon.

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Colin Kaepernick ran his way to becoming the darling of the NFL in 2012, but he has been relegated to watching this dreadful excuse for an NFL roster from his front row seat on the bench (Sidenote- Anyone know what’s been going on with him? Haven’t heard his name in awhile…not). Things are looking up for the 28-year-old, as he could get a shot to start next week.

The 49ers offense has gone three and out on 48.1% of their possessions. Kaepernick or even third-stringer Christian Ponder can’t be any worse than Gabbert at this point.

Elsewhere, things aren’t much better. 2016 1st round pick’s DeForest Buckner and Joshua Garnett have dealt with injuries throughout the year. Their number one receiver, Jeremy Kerley, is on his third team this season, while high priced free agent Torrey Smith hasn’t panned out. After losing Navarro Bowman for the season, their defense is largely bereft of talent on all levels. San Francisco is dead last in defending the run, allowing 140.5 yards per game.

They are also allowing opponents to record 458.3 yards per game and 35.7 points. They are 31st in yards allowed per play (6.37) and have missed 32 tackles this season (per PFF). It’s still early, but this looks like a lost season for Chip Kelly’s Niners. After being walloped at the C-Link, the 49ers will welcome Seattle to Santa Clara to close out the season.

Los Angeles Rams: 3-1

Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

In an odd turn of events, the Rams are in first place in the NFC West (gags). With a tough schedule that included the Seahawks, Cardinals, and upstart Buccaneers, expectations were deservedly low. Star running back Todd Gurley has struggled to start the season, but QB Case Keenum has done just enough to keep the Rams in games, while the dominant defense has stifled opponents. However, I wouldn’t expect it to last.

The offense didn’t score a touchdown until week three, and their -13 point differential isn’t emblematic of a playoff contender. The big issue, however, is Gurley. Gurley is a special running back who is too talented to not, inevitably, bounce back. But will it happen this season? The run blocking has been porous at best, and the Rams have zero passing game to take the pressure off of Gurley. Despite the preseason hype for WR Tavon Austin, Austin has struggled to make the most of his touches.

Plus, although their deep defensive line has been fantastic as usual, the secondary’s performance leaves something to be desired. Tyler Lockett exploded for 99 yards during their week two matchup, and they’ve allowed 275.0 passing yards per game. In addition, they benefited from facing an injured Russell Wilson, a turnover prone Jameis Winston and an out of sync Carson Palmer. In my opinion, there is very little chance that this remarkable run continues down the stretch. Expect an inspired, annoyed and motivated Seahawks squad when Case Keenum leads the Rams into Century Link Field for their Week 15 matchup.

3. Arizona Cardinals: 2-3

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Last year’s NFC West division champion, the Arizona Cardinals have had a rough start to the 2016 season to say the least. Arizona entered the year with Super Bowl expectations after trading for Chandler Jones and regaining key players back from injury, like Tyrann Mathieu.

Bruce Arians squad has failed to live up to that potential this year, at least so far. While Jones and his 4.0 sacks have exceeded expectations thus far, the rest of the Cardinals haven’t picked up the slack. Carson Palmer is playing less like an MVP candidate and more like a 36-year-old veteran. David Johnson has emerged as a top-flight running back, but a weapon of his caliber should be getting the ball more often.

Future Hall of Fame WR Larry Fitzgerald continues to be an ageless wonder, but fellow WR’s John Brown and Michael Floyd have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency this year. They may also be without offensive linemen Evan Mathis and Mike Iupati for awhile after both guards suffered ankle injuries on Thursday.

Star slot cornerback and defensive weapon Tyrann Mathieu has had a rusty start to the season, while young cornerbacks Brandon Williams and Marcus Cooper have been torched by opposing QB’s opposite Patrick Peterson. However, this dynamic defense will need some help in order to catch up to the Seahawks and Rams (gulp).

Now, Arizona definitely has the talent on both sides of the ball to bounce back and run the table, so these next few games are crucial. The Seahawks face off against the Cardinals Week 7 on Sunday Night Football at Century Link Field. Seattle travels to Arizona again for a Week 16 matchup that may have potential playoff implications.

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