The NFC West is showcasing one of the most competitive races in the NFL this season, with a razor-thin margin separating the top teams from those at the bottom. As Week 14 wrapped up, the difference between the standings' summit and its basement was a mere two games. Central to this fierce contest are the division's quarterbacks: Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks, and Brock Purdy leading the San Francisco 49ers. Their performances have been pivotal, setting the stage for a gripping finish to the regular season.
Quarterback Performance: A Display of Excellence
Week 14 highlighted the quarterbacks of the NFC West with an outstanding collective effort, culminating in an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. Among them, Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy stood out, both notching passer ratings that topped 130 in their respective home victories. Stafford, in a thrilling 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, recorded a stellar passer rating of 132.6. This marked Stafford's sixth game this season surpassing a passer rating of 100, and his third exceeding 120, underscoring the veteran quarterback's consistency and skill.
Brock Purdy, not to be overshadowed, achieved a remarkable passer rating of 145.4 in the game against the Chicago Bears. The young quarterback has demonstrated a 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate, essential for maintaining the 49ers’ competitive edge as they navigate the tight divisional race. On the ground, the 49ers hold the 14th spot in EPA per rush, providing a balanced attack that complements Purdy's efficient aerial play.
In-Depth Analysis of Division Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray, the dynamic signal-caller for the Cardinals, has shown flashes of brilliance, evidenced by a 4.8% Big-Time Throw rate within the division. However, the challenge remains for Murray as he's been sacked 12 times since November, reflecting a sack rate of 7.3%. This pressure has impacted his game, even as he managed to throw for 266 yards against the New York Jets in the previous month. Maintaining protection for Murray will be critical if the Cardinals are to close the gap in the division standings.
Geno Smith's performance for the Seahawks has also been noteworthy. While posting a modest Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2%, Smith’s steady hand has been key for Seattle. During a four-game win streak, his pressure rate notably dropped from 41% to 32.7%, aiding the team’s consistent offensive efforts. Supporting Smith's efforts is one of the league’s promising talents, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the Seahawks with 75 receptions for 911 yards.
The Rising Rams
Matthew Stafford has been a paragon of efficiency and security for the Rams, not throwing an interception since Week 10. Over the past four games, Stafford has delivered eight Big-Time Throws with only one Turnover-Worthy Play, highlighting his precision in the pocket. Complementing Stafford, the Rams' backfield has flourished with Kyren Williams rushing for over 1,000 yards and accumulating 12 touchdowns. The Rams rank 15th in EPA per drop back and an impressive 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14, underscoring their balanced and effective offensive strategy.
The NFC West is not just highlighted by the athletes on the field, but also by the underlying storylines of resilience and competition. With each of these quarterbacks driving their teams in unique ways, the battle for supremacy in the NFC West promises a riveting end to the regular season. As the postseason picture becomes clearer, the performances and strategies employed in these coming weeks will be critical in determining which team can stake their claim as the best in the West.