The NFC West division remains fiercely competitive as the season progresses, with all teams closely bunched together and only two games separating the top from the bottom. Each team is relying heavily on their quarterbacks, including Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy, all of whom have shown varied performances so far. Their collective efforts are painting a fascinating picture of this tight race, especially following Week 14's impressive showing.
Quarterback Highlights
Week 14 was a banner week for NFC West quarterbacks, who collectively posted an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. Standout performances came from Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, who both recorded ratings well over 130 in their respective home victories, with Stafford leading the Rams to a thrilling 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, achieving a remarkable 132.6 passer rating. This marks Stafford’s sixth game with a passer rating above 100 this season and his third surpassing the 120 mark, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy dazzled with a stunning 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears. Purdy, who has quickly made a name for himself in the league, continues to demonstrate his potential with a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.0%, reinforcing his capability to make significant plays when it matters.
Kyler Murray: The Dual Threat
Kyler Murray remains a pivotal figure in his team’s offensive strategy, despite facing considerable pressure from defenses. Murray has been sacked 12 times since early November, with a sack rate of 7.3%. However, his ability to deliver big plays is evident in his 4.8% Big-Time Throw rate. Last month, Murray threw for an impressive 266 yards against the Jets, underlining his resilience and skill in navigating challenging defenses.
The Performance of Supporting Casts
Kyren Williams has been a standout performer in the Rams’ rushing game, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards this season along with 12 touchdowns. His contributions have been vital in ensuring the Rams maintain a balanced offensive approach, highlighted by their ranking at 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14.
In Seattle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as a key target for Geno Smith, leading the Seahawks with 75 catches for 911 yards. Smith, who has seen his pressure rate drop from 41% to 32.7% over their recent four-game win streak, boasts a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of just 2.2%, reflecting his ability to protect the football while getting the ball to his playmakers.
Strategic Insights
The Rams and 49ers statistics post-Week 14 offer a glimpse into their tactical approaches. The Rams’ ranking of 15th in EPA per drop back reflects a balanced offensive strategy, complemented by a disciplined Stafford, who has not thrown an interception since Week 10. Over the past four games, Stafford’s precision is further highlighted by eight Big-Time Throws to a lone Turnover-Worthy Play.
The 49ers' position at 14th in EPA per rush points to a solid grounding in their rushing strategy, which aligns with Purdy's increasing efficiency in the passing game. This offensive balance could prove crucial as the division race heats up in the weeks ahead.
As the NFC West continues to unfold, the quarterbacks' performances will likely play a decisive role in determining the eventual division champion. With each team well-placed to make a run for the title, the spirited competition among these talented signal-callers promises to provide plenty of drama and excitement as the season heads toward its climax.