The NFC West has shaped up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season. With just two games separating the top from the bottom, each team is battling rigorously to secure standing in this tightly contested group. Central to this drama are the division's quarterbacks: Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy—all of whom have shown exceptional skills in recent weeks.
Standout Quarterback Performances
Week 14 shone a spotlight on the division's quarterback prowess, with an average passer rating of 117.2. Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy were particularly impressive, both posting ratings in excess of 130. Stafford delivered a phenomenal performance in the Rams’ 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, recording a passer rating of 132.6. This achievement marked his sixth game this season with a rating over 100 and the third over 120.
Brock Purdy also dazzled in his outing against the Chicago Bears, achieving a passer rating of 145.4. With a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.0%, Purdy has consistently demonstrated his ability to make crucial plays when it counts.
Kyler Murray's Challenges and Achievements
Kyler Murray has had his share of highs and lows throughout the season. While his Big-Time Throw rate stands at an impressive 4.8%, he has struggled with protection, being sacked 12 times since the start of November—a 7.3% sack rate. Nonetheless, he managed to throw for 266 yards against the Jets last month, highlighting his enduring talent under pressure.
Geno Smith's Consistency
Geno Smith has been a steady force for Seattle, boasting a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of just 2.2%. A key factor in his consistency has been the reduction in the pressure he faces. During a recent four-game win streak, his pressure rate reduced significantly from 41% to 32.7%. This has undoubtedly helped Smith maintain composure on the field, benefitting the Seahawks' efforts in the divisional race.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as a crucial target for Smith, leading Seattle with 75 catches for 911 yards. This solid connection has been instrumental in the Seahawks' offense, keeping them competitive in close games.
Rams Show Consistent Offensive Strategy
The Los Angeles Rams have relied on Matthew Stafford's experience and a balanced offensive approach to maintain their competitive edge. Remarkably, Stafford has not thrown an interception since Week 10, showcasing his discipline and command on the field. In the last four games alone, Stafford has executed eight Big-Time Throws compared to only one Turnover-Worthy Play.
The Rams are operating at a reasonable level of efficiency, ranking 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. This balanced approach has been key in their recent victories.
A significant contributor to this offensive consistency is Kyren Williams, who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season, scoring an impressive 12 touchdowns. With Williams leading the charge in the ground game, the Rams have a versatile attack that keeps defenses guessing.
As the NFC West race continues to heat up, the performances of these quarterbacks will be under intense scrutiny. Each possesses unique abilities that could tip the scales in favor of their teams. Fans can expect a thrilling continuation of this rivalry as the season progresses toward its climax.