Current NFC West standings
Los Angeles Rams: 11-2
Seattle Seahawks: 8-5
Arizona Cardinals: 3-10
San Francisco 49ers: 3-10
Rams Update:
The Rams went into Chicago and lost 15-6. The Bears defensive front was dominant, and stifled the entire offense from the first whistle. As a result of the O line being bullied up front, the run and pass offenses was rendered inert. The Bears were able to rush 4 and get ample pressure on Rams QB Jared Goff, allowed their defensive backs to play coverage. By the time Rams receivers got open, Goff had defenders in the backfield. Fortunately for the Rams, not many teams have a front 7 as imposing as what the Bears field. It’s also fair to mention that this was clearly a game the Bears needed to secure the NFC North after 2 losses. The one silver lining was that the Rams defense kept them in the game. They were able to get 3 interceptions from Bears QB Mitch Trubisky, and keep their offense from really blowing the game open. With Aqib Talib in the starting lineup, the Rams defense has allowed only 13.5 points per game. Provided the defense continues to stabilize, the Rams should continue to challenge for the #1 seed.
Seahawks Update:
The Seahawks defeated the Minnesota Vikings at home Monday night by a score of 21-7. This game featured almost all defense on both sides. Seattle was able to muster a 6 point lead going into the 4th quarter, until the wheels finally came off for the Vikings offense. The Vikings OC was fired after the game, which was fitting considering the play calling was probably historically bad. The Seahawks have now established themselves as probably the king of the various wildcard contenders in the NFC. There is a pretty big drop off between them and the Vikings/Packers/Panthers and a host of other teams. That being said, Seattle still has not done much to push itself into the upper echelon of teams. Their run defense and an almost utter lack of a pass rush will hurt them when they face superior competition. The play of Russell Wilson has been stellar, per usual. His mere presence on the team keeps them above the rest of average wildcard contenders, and it’s hard to imagine them missing the playoffs at this juncture.
Cardinals Update:
The Cardinals lost to the Detroit Lions 17-3. Wilks probably gets fired at the end of the season now. Josh Rosen looks lost at this point, but I would caution against a Jared Goff 2016 like freakout about him being a bust.
49ers Update:
The 49ers were able to defeat an extremely beat up Denver Broncos team 20-14, in spite of a late comeback attempt by the Broncos. The big story here was the performance of the passing game. 49er TE George Kittle had an impressive first half, with 7 catches for 210 yards and a score! Nick Mullens passed for 332 yards, with 2 TDs to go with a single INT. The defense played very well early on, allowing the 49ers to have a 20-0 lead going into halftime. After the half, it would seem as if Denver adjusted strongly to what the 49ers were doing as the 49ers did not score again. George Kittle also did not have a catch in the second half. So of course, in spite of the impressive first half performance it’s fair to wonder exactly what was going on the entire second half. That all aside though, the 49ers were happy to take the win regardless.
Overall Analysis:
As the division race officially ended last week, only the Seahawks are looking to secure a post season berth at this point. The 49ers and Cardinals no doubt hope to finish strong, but whether or not that actually occurs is yet to be seen. Kyle Shanahan needs to finish strong to prove to 49er management and their more “tribal” fans that he should remain as HC. Steve Wilks chances of retaining his job look to be bleak at this point. Meanwhile., the 2018 NFC West champions took it on the chin pretty good on Sunday night. Their upcoming games against a depleted Eagles team, the Cards and 49ers should provide ample opportunity to continue to sort things out on both sides of the ball.
Week 14 NFC West matchups:
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons
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