NFC West Standings:
Los Angeles Rams: 10-1
Seattle Seahawks: 5-5
Arizona Cardinals: 2-8
San Francisco 49ers: 2-8
Rams Update: 54-51 W vs the Kansas City Chiefs
The Los Angeles Rams won an epic Monday Night Football game against the KC Chiefs in a game where offense dominated. The headlines are that both offenses scored at will, but both defenses were able to contribute to the scoring as well. Rams OLB Samsom Ebukam recovered a fumble and returned it for a score, as well as scoring on an incredible interception. The Rams and Chiefs traded leads more than once in this one, but it was the Rams forcing 5 turnovers that helped turn the ultimate outcome of the game in the Rams favor. The good news for the Rams rush defense is that they only allowed 70 yards to Kareem Hunt, but until late in the 4th quarter the Chiefs passing game had it’s way most of the time when it needed a big play. That being said, the rate at which the Rams offense scores and Aaron Donald accumulates game wrecking sacks has maintained an impressive level. They will head into their late bye week looking to recover from various ailments and should come back with Talib on the active roster.
Seahawks Update: 27-24 W vs the Green Bay Packers
In the Thursday Night tilt, the Seahawks were able to outlast the Packers by a 3 point margin. The Packers lead at halftime 21-17 but were outscored 10-3 in the second half. Aaron Rodgers passed for 328 yards but was unable to convert a key 3rd and 2 late in the game which led to an almost inexplicable punt by embattled Packers HC Mike McCarthy. The Seahawks were able to take advantage of this breath taking mistake to seal the game. The Seahawk ground game was strong but converting 3rd downs was again elusive, as the Seahawks were a meager 6-15. The Packers were just as incompetent, going 3 for 11. A suspect Green Bay offensive line allowed the dormant Seahawk pass rush to get to Rodgers, but in spite of that Rodgers still had well over 300 yards passing. It was a game that both teams had to have though, and the Seahawks in this one were the ones who wanted it more.
Cardinals Update: 23-21 loss vs the Oakland Raiders:
The Raiders were able to defeat the Arizona Cardinals in their own stadium with a last minute field goal drive. As the Cardinals season continues to spiral towards it’s end, the one good thing the Cardinals can take away from this one is that they can run the ball again. David Johnson had 137 yards on 25 carries. The passing game was a problem though, with Rosen going 9/20. He did throw 3 TDs, but didn’t provide any sort of consistent threat passing the ball. The defense took a big step back after a decent game against the Chiefs last week. Raiders running backs were able to get 152 yards on the ground, and allowed Derek Carr to play an efficient game. It’s tough to imagine the current coaching staff keeping it’s job unless the Cardinals show some signs of consistency as the season winds down.
49ers Update: Bye week
The 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, another team that has serious problems with QBs who turn the ball over. The game could go either way, whatever QB turns the ball over less will likely come away with the win.
Overall Analysis:
The Los Angeles Rams can clinch the NFC West this weekend with a Seahawks loss at Carolina. This will be the earliest any team in the NFC West has clinched the division since the 49ers clinched it in 2011 during week 12. While the Panthers will be a tough out at home, the Seahawks 10am start demon will once again need to be vanquished. It is interesting to note that in 2 years as LA Rams HC that Sean McVay has only ever lost 2 road games, yet ask any Seahawk fan about time zone differences and you’ll get a whole BKOB knowledge table about how unfair time zones are. My opinion on the matter is well coached teams don’t use to use timezones as an excuse for not being ready to play.
Week 11 NFC West matchups
Los Angeles Rams: BYE
Seattle Seahawks AT Carolina Panthers
San Francisco 49ers AT Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals AT Los Angeles Chargers
fuk
this suck