Shifting our gaze from the NFC South to the NFC West, we delve into the heart of one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. With two of the last three Super Bowl representatives hailing from this dynamic group, the NFC West promises another season of high-stakes showdowns and intense rivalries. As we embark on our offseason overview series, we’ll dissect the biggest remaining questions facing each team in this fiercely contested division. From perennial contenders to rising challengers, the NFC West is primed to deliver another thrilling chapter in the NFL saga.
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest Remaining Question: How soon can Marvin Harrison Jr. establish himself as a WR1?
One of the paramount questions lingering around the team is the timeline for Marvin Harrison Jr. to assert himself as a WR1. Currently thrust into the role due to a lack of talent, Harrison Jr. represents a significant investment for the team, touted as one of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in college football. The transition to a WR1 can be gradual for young receivers, and the team’s success may hinge on how swiftly Harrison Jr. adapts. His emergence as a reliable target is crucial for quarterback Kyler Murray’s development and the team’s competitiveness within the conference. Utilizing his skills effectively, especially as the primary target, could be instrumental in advancing the team’s offensive prowess. Despite his undeniable talent, the pressing question remains: how long until Harrison Jr. assumes the role of the dominant wide receiver they envision him to be?
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest Remaining Question: Can Ryan Grubb’s Elite Play Calling Translate to the NFL?
The Seattle Seahawks boast a roster brimming with talent, featuring stars like Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Yet, despite their prowess, the team has struggled with offensive consistency in recent seasons. Enter Ryan Grubb, tasked with revamping the Seahawks’ offense and bringing a new level of cohesion. While some coaches have made successful transitions from college to the NFL, such as Kliff Kingsbury, the challenge remains significant. Can Grubb’s innovative play calling and strategic vision translate to tangible results on the field, unlocking the full potential of Seattle’s offensive firepower?
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest Remaining Question: Can the Rams’ Defensive Front be Efficient Without Aaron Donald?
The departure of Aaron Donald presents a significant challenge for the Los Angeles Rams, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Donald’s impact transcended statistics: his presence alone demanded attention from opposing offenses and reshaped game plans. With Donald’s absence looming large, the Rams must find a way to fill the void left by the perennial Pro Bowler. For head coach Sean McVay, this marks the first time in his coaching tenure with the Rams that he won’t have Donald anchoring the defense. In his absence, the spotlight shifts to emerging talents like Kobie Turner, who is entering his second year, and rookie Braden Fiske.
Turner showed promise in his rookie campaign, tallying nine sacks, albeit benefiting from playing alongside Donald, who drew significant attention from blockers. The question now becomes: Can Turner and Fiske step up and fill the void left by Donald’s departure? The Rams’ success on defense hinges on their ability to disrupt opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage. If Turner and Fiske can establish themselves as disruptive forces in the interior, it could open opportunities for the Rams’ defensive playmakers at the second and third levels.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Remaining Question: Can the 49ers Remain a Dominant Team in the NFC?
Since 2021, the San Francisco 49ers have been a dominant force in the NFC, consistently competing at the league’s highest levels. Despite reaching three consecutive NFC title games and making a Super Bowl appearance, the ultimate prize has remained elusive. As they enter the 2024 season, the 49ers retain much of the core that secured them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, looming over their success is the impending contract situation of quarterback Brock Purdy. With talks of a significant extension for Purdy on the horizon, the 49ers face a pivotal moment in their quest for sustained competitiveness. The challenge lies in maintaining their elite status in the NFC, especially with the potential financial constraints of a lucrative Purdy contract.
