The NFC West continues to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league, showcasing impressive performances from its quarterbacks, who remain pivotal in the tight race for dominance. With just two games separating the top from the bottom, every matchup holds the potential for a dynamic shift in standings.
NFC West Quarterbacks Shine
In Week 14, the quarterbacks of the NFC West demonstrated their prowess, collectively posting an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. Both Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy stood out with stellar performances that contributed to home victories for their teams. Stafford achieved a passer rating of 132.6, leading the Rams in a thrilling 44-42 win over the Buffalo Bills. This marked Stafford’s sixth game with a passer rating over 100 and his third exceeding 120 this season. Notably, he has managed to maintain his composure under pressure, having not thrown an interception since Week 10. In the last four games alone, he has accomplished eight Big-Time Throws compared to just one Turnover-Worthy Play.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy delivered a flawless performance against the Chicago Bears, achieving a passer rating of 145.4. Purdy has demonstrated consistency with a 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate, substantiating the 49ers’ offensive capabilities. The team currently ranks 14th in EPA per rush, a testament to their balanced offensive strategy.
Challenges and Triumphs for Murray and Smith
Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals has faced his share of challenges. Despite a commendable Big-Time Throw rate of 4.8% within the division, Murray has been under siege from opposing defenses. He has been sacked 12 times since the start of November, giving him a sack rate of 7.3%. However, Murray remains a formidable force, having thrown for 266 yards against the Jets in a notable performance last month.
Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks has also had his ups and downs but is currently riding the momentum of a four-game win streak. During this period, Smith’s pressure rate plummeted from 41% to 32.7%, a significant improvement that has undoubtedly contributed to the team’s success. Moreover, Smith has maintained a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2%, showcasing his ability to protect the football while optimizing Seattle’s passing game.
Seattle’s offense has further benefited from the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the team with 75 catches for 911 yards. His contributions have been vital, providing Smith with a reliable target downfield.
The Rams' Multi-Faceted Attack
For the Rams, the offensive strategy extends beyond the quarterback position, as evidenced by their rankings of 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. Kyren Williams has been a cornerstone of the Rams' ground game, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards this season and scoring 12 touchdowns. This multi-faceted attack has kept defenses on their heels and allowed the Rams to remain competitive in a challenging division.
As the regular season progresses, each team in the NFC West will need to capitalize on their strengths and shore up any weaknesses. With all four quarterbacks displaying flashes of brilliance, the race to the top promises to be an electrifying spectacle for fans and analysts alike. The division’s ability to foster such high-caliber performances, week in and week out, underscores why it remains one of the most captivating in the league.