NFL Quarterly Review: NFC West

The NFL regular season is a quarter over, and with that, let’s take a look at how all the divisions stack up so far. Who are the MVPs, players who need to step up (let’s call them LVPs), players to watch going forward, and favorites to win the division crowns?

NFC WEST

MVP: Kevin Kolb

Sure, the Cardinals are 25th in the league in passing offense, and second last in total offense. And, sure, Kolb has only completed 62% of his passes. The Cardinals are 4-0, and that’s the only stat that really matters in the NFL. Kolb came in late in the game in Week 1, and has led the team to 4 straight victories. Sure, he hasn’t been great. But he’s put his team at the top of the division.

Somehow, Kolb has takend the Card to 4-0

LVP: Russell Wilson

I hate to write this. I was all-in on Wilson heading into the season. But let’s face facts: the Seahawks’ are sporting an anemic passing attack, and Wilson really hasn’t looked good at all. I mean Seattle should be 1-3 under Wilson (since we all know it should have been ruled an interception against Green Bay in Week 3).

Player to Watch: Patrick Peterson (and the rest of the Cards’ D)

The Cardinals are the surprise of the league so far, and as discussed it’s not because of the offense. While the offense has struggled, the defense has thrived and Peterson is the most athletic and entertaining player on that side of the ball, if not the best. The Cardinals will have to play efficient football to fend off San Francisco for the division crown. Peterson will play a big role on Arizona’s two best units—defense, and special teams—for the rest of the year.

Division Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis and the 9ers defense can be scary-good at times

I’m thinking the real 49ers are more similar to the team that out-muscled the Packers in Week1, and blanked the Jets in Week 4, than the ones that fell behind, and couldn’t catch up to the Vikings. The defense can be dominant at times, and the offense should be able to put up enough points to win 10+ games.

Division Dog: St. Louis Rams

The other three teams in this division sport a better defense than the Rams. Since St. Louis isn’t explosive enough to put up a ton of points against divisional opponents, they’ll likely fall to the bottom of the pile.