NFL: NFC West Week 1 Reaction: Get Your Popcorn Ready

Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore. Photo credit NFL 

by Chad Jones

San Francisco: Super Bowl Losers Curse Not an Issue
GM Trent Baalke, Coach Jim Harbaugh & unheralded executive Paraag Marathe lead one of footballs most innovative & successful organizations. In a primetime rematch with perennial contender Green Bay, San Francisco was well-prepared & executed it's game plan at a postseason level. In a week 1 filled with sloppy play & mental lapses across the league; San Francisco was firing on all cylinders. The running game never established except spots in the 3rd Quarter, which forced 2nd year starter Colin Kaepernick to take the stage. Credit also goes to Anquan Boldin, who delivered one of the best performances of his career.


The 49ers won the Time of Possession Battle, holding the ball for over 38 minutes & did not commit a turnover. The Defense held up against a lethal opponent, making requisite adjustments when Rodgers began exploiting man coverages. The game proved the merit of numerous offseason personnel decisions, as the 49ers appear an improved team in 2013 despite numerous departures. 

Seattle- Wilson Statistically Exceptiona, where were the Points?
Seattle hosts San Francisco in Week 2, and the offense must generate more points. Quarterback ratings are fun barometers, but points scored & allowed are the only statistics that matter. Wilson was fabulous statistically, but the offense stagnated in the Red Zone & against the Panthers Front 4. What's important is Seattle rectifies the protection issues, but more importantly finds the semblance of a running game. On Defense, they need to generate more pressure & minimize the penalties to win the Division. Next weeks matchup at home, where the Seahawks are virtually unbeatable, will paint a clearer picture of the Divisional hierarchy. 

St. Louis: Sam Bradford's Year to Emerge
St. Louis defeated Arizona, as Sam Bradford played a good game with new weapon Jared Cook exploiting the Cardinals in the Seam & on the boundary. The offense still lacks the firepower of playmakers, but Bradford looked like the Franchise QB the organization has patiently awaited to arrive. The Rams refused to abandon the running game which boggled down numerous drives, but were able to make the critical plays in crunch time. Finding receivers to complement Cook will be the thing to keep an eye on going forward. 

On Defense, the backend struggled against Carson Palmer, who utilized all of his wideouts to pick apart the secondary. Cortland Finnegan struggled mightily in his 2013 debut, though the safety play was surprisingly decent. The Front 4 dominated a weak Arizona offensive line, and continued success up front will be vital. The Rams are in a critical year of the 'Organizational Life Cycle', and rumors already circulating of Jeff Fisher replacing Lane Kiffin at Alma Mater USC. But don't be concerned, this is a significant rebuilding process that's beginning to take shape under the leadership of Fisher in tandem with Kevin Demoff & Les Snead. 

Arizona: Carson Palmer & the Fountain of Youth
New Cardinals GM Steve Keim & Head Coach were telling any beat writer pre-draft that would listen, 'We're comfortable with our Offensive Tackle situation.' One week into the season, Arians is already discussing Levi Browns' hand placement issues, as the 2007 5th Overall pick provides the cautionary tale of Reaching to Fill a Need. The offensive line simply didn't protect Carson Palmer, sacks & pressure hindered scoring opportunities. When the Cardinals hired Bruce Arians, I assumed it to be due to his ability to develop young Quarterbacks, not to make an elder statesmen serviceable. Carson did appear vastly improved, but the longterm strategic plan remains questionable. You have an upper echelon defense, and an offense that is seemingly attempting to replicate the success they enjoyed with Kurt Warner, failing to recognize that was a miraculous run to the Super Bowl & an isolated case of a veteran QB reinvigorating himself. Cardinals might be competitive on a weekly basis, but it's unlikely they're a playoff contender in December. 

Bottom Line: 
The question is if the Rams can join the Seahawks & 49ers to compete for a playoff birth. Their success against division rivals has been well-chronicled, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it dissipate in 2013. The 49ers & Seahawks take the Primetime Stage next week, and will show why they're considered two of the most talented rosters in the league today. Are the Rams in that echelon? With the Cardinals, I love some of their talent, but question their strategic plan. So it's a Two Horse Race with St. Louis looking to join the fray.