As the NFC West race intensifies, the competition remains close-knit, with just two games marking the difference between the division's top and bottom teams. This closeness is reflected on the field by the performances of the key players, particularly the quarterbacks—Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy—who have been central to their teams' fortunes.
The Quarterback Dynamics
The quarterbacks of the NFC West have shown impressive form in the recent weeks, with an average passer rating of 117.2 in Week 14. Standout performances came from Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, both of whom posted passer ratings surpassing 130 in their home victories. Stafford recorded an impressive 132.6 in a high-scoring win against the Buffalo Bills, further solidifying his capability to lead his team under pressure. This feat marked Stafford’s sixth game this season with a passer rating over 100, and his third over 120, demonstrating consistency and excellence in his play.
Meanwhile, Purdy achieved an extraordinary 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears, showcasing his burgeoning potential in leading the 49ers’ offense. The rookie has indeed emerged as a surprise package, holding his own in a division dominated by seasoned professionals.
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals
Kyler Murray continues to be a pivotal figure for the Arizona Cardinals. Despite facing challenges, such as a high sack count of 12 since early November with a sack rate of 7.3%, he managed to throw for 266 yards against the Jets recently. His Big-Time Throw rate within the division stands at 4.8%, underscoring his ability to deliver impactful plays even in challenging situations.
The offensive line struggles are apparent, but Murray’s athleticism and throwing power frequently shine through, demonstrating why he remains a critical asset for Arizona.
Geno Smith's Steady Presence
For Seattle, Geno Smith's performance has been marked by an ability to mitigate errors, evidenced by a modest Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2%. Under his guidance, Seattle has managed a notable four-game win streak, during which Smith's pressure rate impressively fell from 41% to 32.7%. This reduction in pressure has allowed Smith more time to connect with targets like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the team with 75 catches for 911 yards, providing a reliable option downfield.
The reduction in pressure combined with Smith's prudent ball handling has been instrumental in Seattle's quest to remain competitive in a tight division.
Rams Find Their Stride
The Rams have shown both robust rushing and passing attacks, ranking 11th in EPA per rushing attempt and 15th in EPA per drop back after Week 14. Much of this success can be attributed to the resurgent form of Stafford, who has not slid into old habits under pressure, not throwing an interception since Week 10. Beyond ball security, Stafford has shown a penchant for making significant plays, recording eight Big-Time Throws to only one Turnover-Worthy Play over their last four games.
A key contribution comes from running back Kyren Williams, who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season, adding depth to the Rams’ offensive arsenal with 12 touchdowns to his name.
The NFC West: A Division of Parity and Performance
With all teams in the NFC West capable of clinching victories and turning the tables against any opponent, the coming weeks look promising for an enthralling finish to the regular season. Each quarterback brings a unique skill set that could prove decisive in the tight race to the playoffs. Whether it is through Stafford’s seasoned accuracy, Purdy’s emerging prowess, Murray’s athletic dynamism, or Smith’s steady leadership, the NFC West remains a thrilling focal point in the NFL landscape.