NFC West Roundup: SF Running Out of Running Backs, Rams Court Date Looms and More

Week 2 is in the books following a tense affair for all NFC West teams involved. Once again, a very competitive division delivers, both good and bad, on Sunday in this edition of NFC West Roundup.

San Francisco 49ers

(Image courtesy of Tony Avelar/AP Photo)

Goodness gracious, as if losing Raheem Mostert for the season was not bad enough, now nearly all of the 49ers running backs are injured. During the Niners’ 17-11 win at the Eagles, rookie Trey Sermon leaves after his first-ever carry, taken out on concussion protocol. JaMycal Hasty ended up with a knee sprain and Elijah Mitchell is nursing a shoulder injury.

Fortunately, none of these injuries are season-ending, but when such a deep position starts getting bruises this early, it is both concerning and frustrating. Several veterans are being brought in to work out for the time being, and San Francisco coach Mike Shanahan thinks there is hope still for Sermon and Hasty.

Los Angeles Rams

A close 27-24 win against the Colts is in the past now, however, the Rams are about to have an issue beyond football. Front Office Sports is reporting that Rams owner Stan Kroenke and the NFL are poised for a January 10, 2022 trial date.

L.A. Rams owner Stan Kroenke
(Photo courtesy of Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The case revolves around the city of St. Louis arguing the Rams’ relocation to Los Angeles was a “breach of contract and unjust enrichment.” There will be a pre-trial hearing this Friday; but depending on how the jury goes about the process, there could be up to $10 billion in damages. There is also the possibility that a settlement could be done, and the plaintiffs could start at a request around the $1 billion mark.

Arizona Cardinals

Boy, the Cardinals really got lucky on Sunday, didn’t they? A 400-yard passing game from quarterback Kyler Murray ultimately does not go to waste; as Vikings kicker Greg Joseph misses a 37-yard game-winning field goal.

As bewildered as FOX Sports’ Gus Johnson was on the national tv broadcast, perhaps just as meme-worthy is the Vikings radio broadcast of the miss. Paul Allen, the long-time radio voice of the Vikings, initially bellows in joy before sobering immediately as he realizes Joseph missed.

Vikings MISS 37 Yard Game-Winner vs. Cardinals

Of course, this is not the only time Allen ends up with audible shock against the Cardinals. One may recall the famous 2003 Week 17 game between Minnesota and Arizona. With a playoff berth at stake for the Vikings, Arizona QB Josh McCown heaved a hail mary to Nate Poole for the upset win. Allen’s emotional reaction is still remembered to this day.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks became the first NFC West squad to take an L on Sunday. The result a 33-30 overtime decision at home to the Titans. There has been plenty of criticism on both Seattle’s defensive struggles as well as D.K. Metcalf‘s underwhelming day.

With the situation worsening for Seattle, a league-wide controversy reared its ugly head. Cornerback D.J. Reed was flagged for taunting after defending a deep pass, a penalty that many agree was ridiculously unnecessary. 

Under the NFL’s new taunting rules, Reed’s response is grounds for a penalty, which, in all honesty, was harmless. There is rarely a scenario where a verbal jab is enough to constitute a penalty. Players are always talking smack, banter is just simply part of the game. For the NFL to try and police this is an impossible task. And it is a task the league is getting taking a lot of flak for.

Featured photo courtesy of Christian Petersen/Getty Images

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