NFC West Standings as of Week 10:
Rams: 9-1
Seahawks: 4-5
Cardinals: 2-7
49ers: 2-8
Rams Update: 36-31 win over Seattle
Per usual, the Rams vs Seahawks game was an epic battle. Seattle ran the ball at will for the most part(This will be covered in their update), but the Rams were able to hold them to an impressive 2-9 on third downs. Aaron Donald delivered another strong performance with 2.5 sacks, and newly acquired pass rusher Dante Fowler forced a fumble late to set up a Rams TD. Marcus Peters bounced back with a strong performance against Seattle WRs. The offense per usual was clicking on all cylinders, gaining 456 total yards against a top 10 defense. Brandin Cooks topped 100 yards receiving, and added a rushing score. Todd Gurley was his usual productive self, averaging 7.5 yards a carry with a score. The concern here though was the loss of Cooper Kupp, who tore his ACL during the game. The Rams have had some experience dealing with his absence previously, but now must overcome not having him for the reminder of the season. The other concern in addition to the run defense was penalties, as Seattle players were able to bait the Rams into several costly penalties on drives that ended up in points for Seattle more often than not.
Seahawks Update: 36-31 loss to Los Angeles
The Seahawks have finally revived a good O line for the first time since the height of the Holmgren era. While they certainly don’t have any players the caliber of Steve Hutchinson or Walter Jones, the current group has proven that they are a solid run blocking unit. Against the Rams, they rushed 34 times for 273 yards. Impressive numbers no question, yet they still found themselves on the losing end. Their defense while statistically a top 10 unit, has shown 0 ability to even slow down the Rams offense in two games played this year. While both games were lost by a combined 7 points, it’s fair to question the kind of consistent production the defense can put out without any sort of pass rush threat. It seems like halfway through the season that the Seahawks will not have an answer to their pass rush woes in 2018, and it’s something that could keep them out of the playoffs for a second straight year.
Cardinals Update: 26-14 defeat at Kansas City
Credit is due to the Cardinals for keeping this game within a reasonable score. Whether or not the Chiefs were caught looking past them, the Cardinals early on were able to effectively slow down the Chiefs offense. Chandler Jones delivered consistent pass rush pressure, garnering two sacks. The Cardinals defense also held the Chiefs to 6 points the entire second half, but got shut out themselves during the same time period. Josh Rosen made some plays in the passing game, but he also had two INTs. The story for the Cardinals though is that David Johnson finally had a good game, with nearly 200 yards from scrimmage. If the Cardinals can get him going consistently and play some defense. they’ll have a chance to upset some teams this season moving forward.
49ers Update: 27-23 defeat to the New York Giants:
In what ended up being a very entertaining Monday night game, the 49ers were not able to outlast the New York Giants. Nick Mullens made some plays, however he also turned the ball over with two interceptions. Defensively they did well, albeit against extremely suspect competition. The 49er run defense was able to contain rookie Saquon Barkley well, as the one thing the 49er defense has done well all year is maintain a top tanked rushing defense. Sadly however, the pass defense fell apart late in the 4th as an aging Eli Manning was able to recapture the lead for the Giants. This will no doubt buy him at least another 2 years as the Giants starter, and insulate him from any sort of criticism. 49er TE George Kittle had another impressive game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the 49rs offense. Matt Breida also appeared to be finally healthy as he ran well.
Overall Analysis:
The Los Angeles Rams could potentially clinch their division in week 11, well before any other team in the league. As of the writing of this article, all that has to happen is a Rams win against KC and a Seattle loss this evening to Green Bay. Regardless, the Rams are in position to lock up the NFC West in short order, as sweeping Seattle essentially ensured this. The Seahawks face a tall task in attempting to make the playoffs this year, but having Russell Wilson will give them at least a fighting chance to do so. The 49ers and Cardinals have shown some life as the season has progressed, and have some potential things to be optimistic about moving forward.
Week 11 NFC West Matchups:
Green Bay at Seattle
Oakland at Arizona
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams
San Francisco 49ers(BYE)
