NFL
By Monte Perez
The NFC West could be the most competitive division in Football. Three teams could make the playoffs in 2021.
LA Rams (Project Record, 12-5):
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The Los Angeles Rams traded Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick, and another first-rounder in 2023 to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford. This is a team that got tired of Goff’s inability to make plays in their offense. Stafford threw for over 4,000 yards last season with 26 touchdowns for the Lions. LA lost a very important piece of their offense right before training camp, as second-year running back Cam Akers went down with a torn Achilles tendon. Darrell Henderson should get the bulk of the carries and the Rams acquired Sony Michel from the Patriots. Michel should fit in nicely with an offensive line that was ranked 8th by Pro Football Focus. Stafford should have a plethora of talent to throw to. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tyler Higbee, and Desean Jackson should all contribute and help this offense put up a ton of points.
Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey continue to be elite players at the defensive line and defensive back position. Both can make plays and change the course of a game. Raheem Morris will be the new defensive coordinator for Sean McVay. This is a team that could make a deep playoff run.
San Francisco 49ers (Projected Record, 11-6):
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The 49ers have tremendous talent on both sides of the ball. The question will be… can they stay healthy for an entire season? The 49ers were far-and-away the leaders when it comes to adjusted games lost. San Francisco’s players missed 161.6 games to injuries in 2020, plus five more related to COVID-19.
Will Jimmy Garoppolo be the starter for the entire season? If I was a betting man, I would say no. Trey Lance appears to be in the same situation Colin Kaepernick was when he was a backup in SF behind Alex Smith. It is only a matter of time before Lance is the starter. This offense has talent at every position. Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle all have the potential to accumulate 1,000 receiving yards. Pro Football Focus has the 49ers offensive line ranked 9th in the NFL. Raheem Mostert should get the bulk of the carries and rookie Trey Sermon should see a ton of playing time.
Defensively, this unit can wreak havoc on any opposing quarterbacks. This defensive is physical, fast, and intimidating at times. Nick Bosa could win defensive player of the year. Defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, is now the head coach of the New York Jets. DeMeco Ryans will take over the reins. Even if this unit takes a slight step back, it still should be a top 10 unit. The secondary is average and that could prevent them from making a deep playoff run.
I keep hearing that Kyle Shanahan is a great coach, why? He has 1 winning season in SF.
- 2017… 6-10
- 2018… 4-12
- 2019… 13-3.
- 2020… 6-10.
Seattle Seahawks (Projected Record, 10-7):
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The NFC West is filled with talented players and the Seahawks face the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Green Bay Packers out of conference. Pete Carroll continues to struggle on building an offensive line. Most experts have the Seahawks ranked 18-22 upfront. Russell Wilson is still an elite quarterback and if DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are catching balls, this team should be competitive. Gerald Everett should give their Tight End group depth. Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny provide a 1-2 punch at the running back position.
Defensively, Seattle signed both Ahkello Witherspoon and Pierre Desir to help bolster a secondary that lost Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar. Bobby Wagner is an elite linebacker who leads this unit on and off the field. If all goes well, Seattle can win 11 games.
Arizona Cardinals (Projected Record, (7-10):
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Kliff Kingsbury compiled a record of 35-40 at Texas Tech University. He was 19-35 in conference play. As the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, the team is 13-18-1. In their division, Kingsbury is going up against Pete Carroll, Sean McVay, and Kyle Shanahan. The Arizona coaching staff is the worst in their division. The offensive line has a top-10 ranking in pass-blocking but bottom-10 rankings in run-blocking. Kyler Murray continues to be a playmaker on offense. He can beat you with his feet or his arms. He threw for 3900 yards, had 37 combined touchdowns and 12 interceptions. DeAndre Hopkins continues to play at an elite level. Hopkins had 115 receptions last season and 1400 receiving yards. Chase Edmonds should get the bulk of the carries and John Conner should be a serviceable backup.
Defensively, Arizona has the potential to be a lot better with the additions of linebackers Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins, both rare athletes. J.J. Watt should bolster the pass-rush. This team will overachieve if they win 10 games. If not, Kingsbury will be out of a job next season.
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