Current NFCW Standings
Los Angeles Rams: 8-0
Seattle Seahawks 4-3
Arizona Cardinals: 2-6
San Francisco 49ers: 1-7
Rams Update: 29-27 W, hosting Green Bay
In a game where the Rams offense struggled for the majority of the first half, they still only found themselves down 10-8 going into half time. After having 2 weeks to prepare for the Rams offense, the Packers initially delivered on a strong game plan to contain the unit. Fortunately for the Rams, their defense held serve by not allowing the game to get out of hand during the first half. After building a 23-13 lead in the 3rd quarter, the Packers were able to come back and eventually take a 27-26 lead in the 4th. Having adapted to the Packers gameplan by this point, the Rams were then able to counter and take a 29-27 lead late in the game. An ill advised kick return by Ty Montgomery lead to a tremendous tackle by Ramik Wilson, which knocked out the football allowing the Rams to recover and seal the game. Much will be made about the “vulnerability” of the Rams defense. but this is a unit that ranks 6th in points allowed and held Aaron Rodgers to an impressive 2 for 9 on 3rd downs. The Rams also masterfully managed the clock, maximizing on long drives and minimizing the time allowed to a future 1st ballot HOF QB.
Seahawks Update: 28-14 W at Detriot
Seattle was able to deliver a strong performance on the road, defeating the Lions 28-14. In a game that featured more than one circus catch by Seahawk pass catchers, the team proved that it could be a force to be reckoned with moving forward. Once again, the Seahawk ground game was a catalyst to having an effective offense. Carson barely crested 100 yards, but maintained a 4.2 yard per carry average. As the Seahawks built their lead, they took away the Lion’s ground game as a means of attack. However, they did allow Stafford to pass for 310 yards and 2 TDs. Seattle has been able to take advantage of average to below average competition during their two game win streak, but they will be strongly tested the next two weeks by the 5-2 LA Chargers and then the 8-0 LA Rams. How they fair in those games will be a better barometer of future success.
Combined 49er/Cards update: Shitstorm
This game was arguably one of the worst games the NFL has put on the entire season. Things happened, the score was 5-3 at one point. The 49ers built a lead then inevitability choked it away because MFA owns the 49ers. I have watched every team highlight this season for this article series, but I draw the line here. I am not watching this, I am not looking up the box score and I’m not providing further commentary on what happened in Arizona this past weekend.
Overall Analysis:
Once again, the Los Angeles Rams continued to build on their dominant position as the first place team in the NFC West. Seattle has stabilized itself from it’s habitual early season skid, but their defense has yet to be tested against strong competition. Well that’s not entirely true, when they hosted the Rams they let up 33 points and 468 total yards . It’s also fair to question how good Brian Schottenheimer is based on his entire existence as a below average offensive coordinator. As far as the Cardinals and 49ers are concerned, they should try to acquire as many picks as possible as well as free up cap space. One would think that Keim and Lynch would survive the season, however their hand picked coaches may not.
Week 9 NFC Matchups
Los Angeles Rams AT New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers AT Seattle Seahawks
Arizona on BYE
Oakland Raiders AT San Francisco 49ers
