An Intriguing NFC West Race: Quarterbacks Shine, Teams Jockey for Position
The NFC West is currently home to one of the tightest races in the NFL. With just two games separating the top and bottom teams in this fiercely competitive division, every performance counts. Attention is especially shifting to the quarterbacks whose skills and strategies are unmistakably impacting the outcomes of their teams’ seasons.
Week 14 shed light on the exceptional performances of Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, who not only led their teams to victories but also posted remarkable passer ratings of over 130. Stafford steered the Los Angeles Rams to a narrow 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, earning a passer rating of 132.6. This noteworthy performance marks his sixth game this season with a passer rating surpassing 100, and his third over 120. His efficiency remains high as he has avoided interceptions since Week 10, crafting eight Big-Time Throws against just one Turnover-Worthy Play in recent games.
The Rams' offensive strategy has further cemented its stance as a formidable force, ranking 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. On the ground, Kyren Williams continues to shine, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns to his name this season. These achievements underscore the balanced attack that has driven the Rams to success.
Brock Purdy, the young quarterback leading the San Francisco 49ers, similarly dazzled with a stunning 145.4 passer rating in a convincing victory over the Chicago Bears. Purdy's impressive performance is a testament to his growing prowess and confidence under center for the 49ers. Notably, Purdy carries a 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate, demonstrating his capacity to execute critical plays under pressure. However, the 49ers still face challenges in their rushing game, ranked 14th in EPA per rush.
Meanwhile, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals endures highs and lows as the division continues to test his adaptability. Despite a solid Big-Time Throw rate of 4.8%, his protection issues remain a poignant concern, with 12 sacks since November marking a 7.3% sack rate. However, Murray's ability to air it out hasn’t faltered significantly, highlighted by a 266-yard game against the New York Jets last month.
Hovering over the division like a tactician on the move, Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks charts his own course, brimming with strategic precision. Despite a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2%, Smith's capacity to offset potential loss has driven the Seahawks on a four-game win streak. His pressure rate effectively lowered from 41% to 32.7% during this period, allowing him to keep his head cool in crucial situations. Weaponized with a consistent target in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads Seattle with 75 catches for 911 yards, the Seahawks' offensive strategies keep their rivals guessing.
The NFC West showcases not only fierce competition but also a fascinating narrative of emerging stars and seasoned quarterbacks, each contributing to a dynamic divisional saga. With every passing week, the margin for error narrows, and these quarterbacks have to rely on their skills and instincts more than ever to keep their teams in the hunt. As the season progresses, the quarterbacks' performances will undoubtedly form the backbone of their teams' playoff aspirations.