NFC West Overview

Seattle Seahawks

I must admit that I have never really been a fan of the Seahawks. I have always felt they were an underachieving team incapable of winning the big game when it counted. I felt that when Mike Holmgren took over in 1999 that we would see just how mediocre a coach he was without a Brett Favre at the helm. My suspicions were proven correct as the Seahawks struggled for a number of years. That is, until now. Actually it was over the past two seasons that we’ve seen a transformation of the Seahawks into a real contender.

Finishing first in the NFC West last year, the Seahawks, at 7-2 are poised to win the division again. They have won five straight games and their upcoming schedule, which includes three of the next four against much weaker opponents (SF/ Philadelphia/ SF), favors them to improve substantially on that record.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has gotten the job done with a 63.5 passing percentage and an 11 to 7 TD/Interception ratio. RB Shaun Alexander has also been a big part of the teams’ success rushing for over 1100 yards and 17 TD’s. That coupled with the fact that the defense is allowing only 18 PPG, only injuries or a complete breakdown will prevent the Seahawks from capturing the NFC West title.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams (4-5) are the only team in the NFC West that has a shot at overtaking the Seahawks but that is unlikely to happen. Joe Vitt, replacing ailing head coach Mike Martz has not gotten the job done. Nor has Marc Bulger who missed two games to injury. To add salt to the wounds, key injuries and the Rams defense, which is allowing over 29 PPG., makes things even worse. All in all it is not a formula that wins football games.

The only thing that may bring a glimmer of light to a disappointing season is their upcoming four games. In the next four weeks they face Arizona, Houston, Washington and Minnesota. Only the Redskins have a record that is better than .500. These are winnable games for the Rams, and now is the time to step up their game or they could be officially out of the running in the next two weeks.




Arizona and San Francisco

I lump these to dogs in the same category. Both are 2-7. They give up an average of 26.6 and 29.3 PPG respectively and are going nowhere fast. Perhaps they should continue to play as poorly as they have because one of them might just win the Matt Leinart sweepstakes and have an actual shot in the future. Other than that, stick a fork in them because they’re done.