The NFC West is turning out to be one of the most competitive divisions this season, with teams locked in a tight battle as only two games separate the top from the bottom. This fierce contest has seen stellar quarterback performances that could tilt the balance in the race for the playoffs. Combining individual brilliance with strategic gameplays, quarterbacks in this division have delivered some of the most thrilling matchups thus far.
NFC West Quarterbacks Shine
The spotlight in the NFC West firmly rests on its quarterbacks, with Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy leading their respective teams with remarkable performances. In a commendable show of skill, these quarterbacks posted an average passer rating of 117.2 during Week 14, showcasing their effectiveness and ability to lead their teams with precision.
Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, playing pivotal roles for their teams, managed to achieve over 130 in passer ratings during their home victories in Week 14. Stafford's performance, in particular, stood out as he reached a passer rating of 132.6 in a nail-biting 44-42 win against the Buffalo Bills. This marked his sixth game this season with a passer rating over 100 and his third over 120, underscoring his consistency and high-level execution.
A Stellar Show By Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy's contribution to his team's success can hardly be overstated. Achieving a staggering 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears, Purdy demonstrated an exceptional ability to read the field and execute big plays. His 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate is a testament to his willingness and capability to seize critical moments and deliver when it counts the most.
Kyler Murray Under Pressure
While Kyler Murray continues to showcase his potential with a 4.8% Big-Time Throw rate within the division, he faces challenges under pressure. Since the beginning of November, Murray has been sacked 12 times, a concerning figure that translates to a sack rate of 7.3%. Against the Jets last month, Murray threw for 266 yards, a testament to his resilience and ability to stay focused despite the evident pressure from opposition defenses.
Geno Smith's Remarkable Efficiency
Geno Smith, the quarterback who spearheads Seattle's offense, has maintained efficiency with a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of just 2.2%. Smith’s poise under pressure was evident during a recent four-game winning streak, during which his pressure rate decreased significantly from 41% to 32.7%. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, one of Smith’s key targets, leads Seattle with 75 catches for 911 yards, proving to be an indispensable asset in their aerial attack.
Matthew Stafford’s Stellar Control
Stafford has been particularly adept at maintaining possession for the Rams, avoiding interceptions since Week 10. During the past four games, he has managed eight Big-Time Throws coupled with only one Turnover-Worthy Play, a balance that speaks volumes of his exceptional decision-making skills. Under Stafford’s leadership, the Rams rank 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14, highlighting the multifaceted strength of their offensive lineup.
Rushing Efficiency and Offensive Impact
The ground game has proven equally essential, with Kyren Williams crossing the 1,000 rushing yard mark this season and scoring 12 touchdowns. Such output from the backfield provides the Rams with the robust and versatile offense needed to challenge their NFC West rivals. The 49ers, though currently 14th in EPA per rush, remain competitive, showcasing their persistence and strategic adaptability on both offense and defense.
As the NFC West teams inch closer to the end of the regular season, it remains to be seen which team will emerge at the helm. However, one thing is certain: the division boasts talented quarterbacks whose performances have already lit up numerous games this season, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion to an already gripping contest.