Tag: NFC West

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

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This key stat stands out in Kyler Murray’s success with 1st-place Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray has elitism that is represented by one key 2024 NFL passing statistic.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has undoubtedly had his career edified by head coach Jonathan Gannon this NFL season. Murray’s elitism is represented by one key statistic keeping the offense on schedule.

Murray ranks No. 6 among NFL quarterbacks with a completion percentage of 69.2%. For perspective, sitting ahead of Murray at No. 5 in this category is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. That is great company.

Murray has just 2,058 total yards passing through Week 10, so it is clear that Gannon isn’t expecting Murray to be a high-volume guy. Instead, Gannon has used Murray’s rhythmic play style to an advantage, sequencing in QB running plays and RPO to give Murray easy reads in the pass game.

At State Farm Stadium this past Sunday, Murray ignited a 17-0 Cardinals’ scoring run when he threw a precision touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the second quarter.

Ultimately, as long as Gannon continues to establish the running game, he can bait defenses into playing man coverage where opponents will be susceptible to both the athleticism of the Cardinals skills players, and impeccable throwing accuracy of Murray.

 

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

Updated NFC West standings for Seahawks heading into Week 10 MNF

The Seattle Seahawks enjoyed their Week 10 bye on Sunday. The NFC West standings received further shake-ups with two of Seattle’s division rivals capturing victories. It wasn’t a great afternoon for the Seahawks. The following standing changes occurred in the NFC West.

Cardinals improve to 6-4

The shocking Arizona Cardinals remain in first place after blowing out the New York 31-6. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 266 yards and one touchdown while completing 91.6 percent of his passing attempts (22-of-24). Rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. had five catches, 54 receiving yards and one score.

The Cardinals are red-hot, having claimed victory in four consecutive contests. Jonathan Gannon’s team is now the first six-win squad in the NFC West. The Seahawks will meet the division-leading Cardinals in Week 12.

49ers move to 5-4

San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey made his regular-season debut in a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kicker Jake Moody missed several kicking attempts, but converted a 44-yarder with mere seconds remaining to help his team avoid overtime. The 49ers improved to 5-4 and remained in second place heading into Monday evening.

McCaffrey rushed for 39 yards via 13 carries, and added 68 receiving yards to his offensive totals through six receptions. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. The rematch is scheduled for this Sunday in Week 11.

Rams play on Monday Night Football

The 4-4 Los Angeles Rams are playing the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. If the Rams are victorious, the Seahawks will become the NFC West’s lone remaining team stuck on four victories. After losing 26-20 to the Rams in Week 9, the rematch is slated for Week 18’s regular-season finale.

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NFC West rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

NFC West rooting guide for Seahawks’ Week 10 bye

The Seattle Seahawks enter the Week 10 bye at 4-5. They reside in last place in a tight-knit NFC West division that features the surprising 5-4 Arizona Cardinals sitting atop the division. The resurgent Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are 4-4 apiece. With the Seahawks enjoying some down-time, here’s your NFC West rooting guide for the weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers over San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers travel to Raymond James Stadium for a road date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield’s squad is 4-5 and lost an overtime heartbreaker to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in primetime in Week 9. The 49ers, who are expecting superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to make his debut, are considered slight favorites.

New York Jets over Arizona Cardinals

The aforementioned Cardinals are sitting atop the division and will host the New York Jets on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers’ struggling Jets are fresh off a big-time win in primetime over the playoff-bound Houston Texans. A Cardinals loss would cause another shake-up in the NFC West standings.

Miami Dolphins over Los Angeles Rams

The 4-4 Rams have claimed victory in three consecutive contests, including wins over the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. This week, they’re hosting the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. The 2-6 Dolphins have been considerably more effective since getting a healthy Tua Tagovailoa back at quarterback.

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Cardinals DC Nick Rallis likes to blitz and bank on Budda Baker

Arizona Cardinals DC Nick Rallis is afforded the ability to blitz thanks to the sure open field tackling of safety Budda Baker

Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has determined that using blitz is the optimal way to frustrate opponents in the pass game. Still, the Cardinals haven’t been perfect against the pass, but safety Budda Baker has done diligence, making open field tackles to stifle offensive drives.


NFL trade deadline rumors hinted that Baker would be shipped off to another franchise. However, a move of that magnitude would drastically change the dynamic of the Cardinals defense.

Amongst NFL teams, the Cardinals rank No. 2 in blitz percentage and No. 4 with a 41.2 blitz percentage on third downs. Rallis has accepted that traditional man coverage and a pass rush without the extras will not work for his personnel group. So, like the good coaches in the NFL do, Rallis has made adjustments.

With Rallis sending extra defenders on the blitz, Baker has been asked to cover ground, and this has led to an increase in his tackle totals. Baker has 91 tackles this season and ranks No. 2 in that category amongst all NFL players. If not for Baker, where really would the Cardinals be?

On Sunday versus the New York Jets, expect Rallis to blitz quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Baker to be in on many tackles versus the Jets’ wide receivers. If the Jets fall into down and distance the Cardinals will have a chance to tally up a few sacks and continue their winning streak.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

ESPN NFL expert has depressing prediction for 49ers season

Coming off their bye week, the 49ers currently sit with a 4-4 record on the season.

With the stretch run of the NFL season looming, ESPN released a flurry of midseason predictions for multiple teams, including playoff and Most Valuable Player predictions.

When it came to the 49ers, NFL draft analyst Matt Miller had a dim outlook for the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Miller predicted the 49ers to miss the playoffs, saying it looks like a “lost year” for the 49ers. Miller pointed to the injuries of Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers’ defensive struggles as reason why the San Francisco could miss the postseason.

Via ESPN:

A season decimated by injuries will end with the reigning NFC champions missing the postseason and keeping the Super Bowl hangover trend alive for the losing team. Sitting at 4-4 after a bye week, the 49ers are without Brandon Aiyuk for the season and still have Christian McCaffrey on the sideline (though he could return this week). Their defense suddenly can’t make key stops, either. This looks like a lost year in the Bay. — Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst

Read the full list of predictions from ESPN here. 

With their 4-4 record, the 49ers sit behind the Los Angeles Rams (4-4) and the Arizona Cardinals (5-4). While the Rams and 49ers have the same record, the Rams hold a tiebreaker over the 49ers due to their win in Los Angeles in Week 3. In a tight divisional race, the 49ers still play one more game against the Cardinals, Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

During the second half of the season, the 49ers play a tough schedule with games against the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Detriot Lions. Along with hanging in the division, the 49ers will need to pick off some of their tougher opponents to secure a spot in the postseason.

While the 49ers have stumbled out of the gate, Miller’s prediction of the 49ers being on the outside of the playoff dance would be a major surprise for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, despite injuries. During the second half of the season, the 49ers will welcome back reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, likely improving their outlook on a tough 2024 campaign.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon is on a mission to win the NFC West

Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon has ignited a passion within the team locker room, one that might yield them the NFC West in 2024.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has ignited both a change in locker room enthusiasm and team identity in his first year. Having coached in and around the NFL for nearly two decades, Gannon has Cardinals’ fans hoping for a playoff berth in 2024.



There was evidently an intangible void needed to be filled by new leadership for the Cardinals franchise. Before Gannon, quarterback Kyler Murray wasn’t being optimized, often forced to run fancy RPO schemes under former coach Kliff Kingsbury. The most noticeable change for Gannon is his strategy to put Murray under center, using 13 personnel to neutralize the opponent’s pass defense, and create play-action opportunities in the pass game.

There is also a growing physicality on the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals. Having recorded six sacks in Week 9, Gannon and Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis are producing a swarming presence through various shell coverages and blitz schemes. 

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The New York Jets will need to study long and hard to assure their past protection can handle the Cardinals blitz in week 10. Gannon however has his eyes set on advancing to 6-4 and furthering the momentum owner Michael Bidwell knew he could inspire when he hired him.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

Around the NFC West: Rams trade veteran CB for little return

The NFC West received a shake-up during Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Not only did the Arizona Cardinals acquire outside linebacker Baron Browning, but the Los Angeles Rams traded cornerback Tre’Davious White and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round selection. The Seattle Seahawks watched their divisional competitors admit a mistake on Tuesday.

Rams general manager Les Snead signed White to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in the offseason with $3.25 million guaranteed at signing. White also received up to $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. The low-risk, high-reward gamble did not pay dividends.

White has allowed 12 completions on 18 targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The former Pro Bowl cornerback has forfeited 178 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed a passer rating of 138.4 when targeting White this season.

The Rams eventually benched the aging, struggling White in favor of cornerbacks like Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 26-20 in overtime this past Sunday. The divisional rematch is scheduled for the Week 18 regular-season finale. It will perhaps be a decisive contest in a tight-knit NFC West. It’s a shame White won’t be in coverage.

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Around the NFC West: Cardinals move for pass rusher signals intent

Around the NFC West: Cardinals move for pass rusher signals intent

The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly sit atop the NFC West after nine completed weeks. Our beloved Seattle Seahawks are a dead-last 4-5, but remain one game outside the division lead in a tight-knit quartet. The Cardinals made a move at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline that signals their aggressive intent for the remainder of the season.

Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort acquired pass rusher Baron Browning from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Browning has appeared in just five contests this season, totaling five pressures and zero sacks. Playing time had been difficult to come by in Denver due to their depth on the edge.

The Cardinals have recorded a middling 21 sacks in nine games this year. The results have been somewhat encouraging considering head coach Jonathan Gannon has lost both Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari to season-ending injuries. Rushing the passer was a massive concern after finishing 30th in sacks last season with just 33 quarterback takedowns.

Browning has accumulated 11 career sacks and 82 pressures. The former Ohio State standout earned a career-best grade of 73.5 from Pro Football Focus after totaling five sacks and 35 pressures last season. Browning should immediately help the Cardinals on the defensive line.

The Seahawks’ struggling offensive line has another productive pass rusher in the division. The Seahawks and Cardinals are scheduled to play in Weeks 12 and 14. The Cardinals believe they can capture the NFC West.

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Zaven Collins helps Cardinals sack Bears QB Caleb Williams 6 times

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked six times in the Arizona Cardinals’ 29-9 win on Sunday.

The Arizona Cardinals sacked Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams six times in their 29-9 home win on Sunday.  

Now at 5-4, the Cardinals are finding themselves defensively, helping to complement a thriving offensive attack.

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has worked in tandem with head coach Jonathan Gannon to produce more quarterback pressures this season, an area the Cardinals have struggled in over the last few years. Well, after producing a high volume of sacks on Sunday, the Cardinals seem to have found something in their defensive playbook.

Rallis is using a scheme that heavily depends on the athleticism of safeties Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker to cover ground. The use of man blitz, and Cover 1 robber schemes, creates tight windows for quarterbacks to throw in while simultaneously lessening the time quarterbacks have to make decisions in the pocket.

Gannon was well prepared to rattle Williams Sunday, a rookie not fully familiar with the shell coverage concepts used in the NFL. Williams felt the pocket collapsing all game long, and with the large deficit on the scoreboard, the one-dimensional Bears offense made it easy for the Cardinals to unleash the pressure.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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