Week 1 is through and already, the purported best division in football is off to a rolling start. All NFC West teams have secured opening victories. Here’s the latest news in this edition of the NFC West Roundup.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams didn’t miss a beat against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. New quarterback Matthew Stafford already looks like a natural fit for the squad, with 321 passing yards and three touchdowns. Including his debuting score, a 69-yard bomb to wide receiver Van Jefferson.
This Stafford guy can SLING IT 🎯
His first touchdown as a Ram to @VanJefferson12! pic.twitter.com/t1938rUAJ0
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021
Of course, Stafford was excited, but so were his teammates. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey put Stafford’s 34-14 home win best, saying, “That’s a debut that should probably go down in history,” per TheRams.com.
After giving so many years to the Detroit Lions, it’s hard not to feel good for Stafford. This truly could be the start of something great, and Stafford is finally in a position to succeed.
San Francisco 49ers
UPDATE: This article was written prior to the news that Raheem Mostert will have season-ending surgery on his knee.
Rookie quarterback Trey Lance didn’t have to wait long to make his NFL debut Sunday. The third overall pick came in late in the first quarter at the Lions’ five-yard line, passing to wideout Trent Sherfield for the score. Jimmy Garappolo still had the most playing time, finishing with 314 passing yards and a touchdown in the 41-33 road win.
6 points for the new guys 🙌@treylance09 x @Channel_10
📺 #SFvsDET on FOX pic.twitter.com/sCTf65lfav
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2021
But a few days removed, it seems like a pyrrhic victory, as San Francisco will be without some major playmakers. Running back Raheem Mostert had some of his knee cartilage damaged in the Detroit win. He will be out for at least eight weeks while cornerback Jason Verrett is out for the season with an ACL injury. In response, the 49ers are reportedly signing ex-Cardinal Dre Kirkpatrick per the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Arizona Cardinals
In perhaps the most surprising outcome in the division, the Cardinals flew into Tennessee and not only won but spanked the Titans, 38-13 (for more on the upset win, check out The Game Haus’ recap here).
But one notable man, in particular, was watching Kyler Murray connect with both DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk twice for impressive touchdown plays; basketball stud LeBron James. Sure, The King was watching other games but it does mean a lot when the players of one team notice.
BIG HOMIE🙏🏽
— Kyler Murray (@K1) September 12, 2021
In injury news, right tackle Kelvin Beachum is currently listed as day-to-day by coach Kliff Kingsbury. The cause is an apparent rib injury sustained in the Tennessee win.
Seattle Seahawks
If there’s one thing Russell Wilson deserves, it is an MVP award. Should this be the year he does receive the award, he began his case with a great effort. The quarterback dropped 254 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 28-16 win at the Indianapolis Colts. None more eye-catching than a 69-yard dime to Tyler Lockett.
.@TDLockett12 is unstoppable.
Touchdown number ✌️ of the day! pic.twitter.com/U45O5zsgCw
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 12, 2021
Seattle didn’t leave Indy without a few bruises, however. Running back Rashaad Penny had a calf strain and left the game. But the depth in the position will be able to make up for that. A serious concern is that receivers Dee Eskridge and Penny Hart both suffered concussions per coach Pete Carroll. Their status is still unknown as of this article’s writing.
Featured Image courtesy of Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports
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