The NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely competitive divisions in the NFL this season, with just two games separating the top team from the bottom. Week 14 was a particularly noteworthy one for the quarterbacks of this division, who collectively posted an impressive average passer rating of 117.2.
Quarterback Performance on the Rise
Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy emerged as standout performers in Week 14, each securing home victories with passer ratings exceeding the 130 mark. Stafford's impeccable performance against the Buffalo Bills led the Los Angeles Rams to a thrilling 44-42 win, upping his season tally to six games with a passer rating over 100, and three over 120. His passer rating for this game was a remarkable 132.6.
Similarly, Brock Purdy offered a masterclass display against the Chicago Bears, securing a staggering 145.4 passer rating. Purdy, the 49ers quarterback, also maintains a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.0%, reflecting his ability to execute high-difficulty passes effectively.
Kyler Murray and The Cardinals
Kyler Murray, who dons the Arizona Cardinals jersey, displays a combination of talent and challenges. His Big-Time Throw rate stands at an impressive 4.8% within the division, indicating his potential to deliver game-changing plays. However, with a sack rate of 7.3% and having been sacked 12 times since early November, protecting Murray remains a priority for the Cardinals. Despite these setbacks, Murray managed to throw for 266 yards against the Jets last month, showcasing his undeniable skill and resilience.
Geno Smith's Impact in Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks rely heavily on the consistency of Geno Smith, whose Turnover-Worthy Play rate is a respectable 2.2%. As the Seahawks enjoy a four-game winning streak, Smith's ability to handle pressure is noteworthy, evidenced by a decline in his pressure rate from 41% to 32.7%. This composure under pressure is vital for the Seahawks, especially given Jaxon Smith-Njigba's standout performance, leading Seattle's receiving corps with 75 catches for 911 yards.
Los Angeles Rams Gaining Momentum
The Rams, led by Stafford, are slowly gaining traction post-Week 14, ranking 15th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt. A significant contributor to their offensive success is Kyren Williams, who has surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark this season, coupled with 12 touchdowns.
Stafford's recent form is commendable, with no interceptions since Week 10 and an astonishing eight Big-Time Throws to just one Turnover-Worthy Play in the past four games. This precision and control are instrumental as the Rams continue to vie for playoff contention.
49ers and The Ground Game
Despite individual achievements through the air, the San Francisco 49ers' ground game paints a different picture as they rank 14th in EPA per rush. Balancing both facets of the game remains a strategic focus for the team as they push towards the season's end.
As the NFC West race tightens, the performances of these quarterbacks will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate standings. With each team showcasing different strengths and areas for improvement, the journey ahead promises excitement and unpredictability for fans and analysts alike. As we edge closer to the playoffs, the division's renowned competitiveness ensures that every game becomes crucial in the quest for supremacy.