In what has become one of the most closely contested divisions in the NFL, the NFC West is witnessing a thrilling battle, with just two games separating the top team from the bottom. As we delve deeper into the thrilling Week 14 performances, the focus is undeniably on the quarterback stars who have been driving their teams forward.
Quarterback Showcases: Stafford and Purdy Shine
The NFC West quarterbacks, comprising Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy, collectively posted an impressive average passer rating of 117.2 in Week 14, highlighting the competitive prowess within the division. Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, in particular, stood out with stellar performances. Both achieved passer ratings exceeding 130 in their home victories, setting the tone for a weekend of high-octane football.
Matthew Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams to a nail-biting 44-42 triumph over the Buffalo Bills, recording a passer rating of 132.6. This marks Stafford’s sixth game of the season with a rating above 100 and his third exceeding 120. His recent form has been exceptional, marked by eight Big-Time Throws against a mere single Turnover-Worthy Play over the past four games. Crucially, Stafford has not thrown an interception since Week 10, a testament to his precision and poise under pressure.
Brock Purdy’s 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears not only underscores his potential but also reinforces the San Francisco 49ers’ faith in the young quarterback. His 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate adds an exciting dimension to the team's offensive strategy, complementing their 14th place position in EPA per rush.
Kyler Murray: A Double-Edged Sword
While Kyler Murray continues to be a dynamic presence in the NFC West, his performance has been a mix of highlight-worthy moments and challenges. With a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.8%, Murray is capable of game-changing plays. However, he has been sacked 12 times since November, resulting in a sack rate of 7.3%. This underscores a need for greater protection to utilize his full potential in leading the Arizona Cardinals.
Murray's passing abilities were evident when he threw for 266 yards against the Jets last month. However, consistent pressure on him has been a barrier, affecting the Cardinals’ ability to clinch crucial victories in the closing stretch of the season.
Geno Smith: Minimizing Turnovers Amidst Pressure
Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks has been steering his team through a tight-knit win streak, successfully reducing his pressure rate from 41% to 32.7%. His Turnover-Worthy Play rate stands at a disciplined 2.2%, reflecting his adeptness at handling pressure and securing possession. Leading the Seahawks’ air attack is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who tops the team with 75 catches for 911 yards, providing Smith with a reliable target downfield.
Rams and 49ers Building on Offensive Momentum
The Los Angeles Rams have established themselves as competitive contenders with their ranking of 15th in EPA per drop back and a robust 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. Kyren Williams has been pivotal to this success, amassing over 1,000 rushing yards and securing 12 touchdowns this season, offering the Rams a balanced and formidable offensive approach.
As the NFC West enters its final weeks, the division remains wide open. Each team's quarterback has illustrated their capacity to shape outcomes, as seen through their recent performances. With the playoff race tightening, it will be intriguing to see which of these talented quarterbacks can maintain their form and lead their teams to postseason triumphs, as every game now carries significant stakes.