The Super Bowl is now behind us, and the sports world is now in a lull. The long wait for compelling competition at the highest level has begun. Let’s look at some key dates for anything to gravitate towards as aimlessly wonder through February. Here are the depressing dates; NFL Combine begins February 28th, MLB opening day is April 2nd, NHL Playoffs begin April 12th, and the NBA Playoffs begin April 15th. As we wait for the NFL draft (April 27th), let’s take a quick look on the changes to the NFC West landscape
San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
It is clear that the Niners are in a complete rebuild mode. They have started this venture with the hiring of a first time GM (John Lynch) and a first time HC (Kyle Shanahan). The Niners have the #2 pick in the draft and it will be interesting to see who John Lynch selects with his first pick ever as a GM. The needs are endless.
Los Angeles Rams (4-12)
The Rams also made a HC switch this offseason, bringing in the youngest HC to ever stand on an NFL sidelines in 31 year old Sean McVay. He comes in after being the OC for the Washington Redskins, and no doubt he was brought in to turn around an anemic offense. Also, the Rams mortgaged their future for 2016 #1 overall pick Jared Goff, so that will be priority number one for Sean McVay.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8-1)
It was a miserable season for the Cardinals. They were coming off a trip to the NFC Championship Game, and had aspirations of a SB run in 2016. There were serious questions as the offseason began about veterans Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald retirement or return. They have chosen to return, but as Father Time takes its toll is it going to help or hamper this team in 2017? They obviously need to find a QB of the future either in the draft or through FA.
Seattle Seahawks (10-5-1; NFCW Champions)
It is painfully obvious what happened to the Seahawks, and what they need to do to get back to the Super Bowl. They need to get healthy and improve their OL. If you want to get greedy they could also use some depth in the backend of the defense, but outside of that this team is poised to repeat as division champions. As you look at the landscape of this division currently, the Seahawks will continue to be the class of the division. No surprise…
