NFC West Race: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams, or Seahawks to Finish on Top?
The NFC West is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL in 2023. With four teams vying for the top spot, the race is expected to be tight until the end. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been the class of the NFC West in recent years, winning the division in 2019 and 2021. Quarterback Trey Lance is entering his second season as the starter and is expected to take another step forward in his development. With a strong defense led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the 49ers are poised to make another run at the Super Bowl.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals surprised many last season by winning 11 games and making the playoffs. Quarterback Kyler Murray is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, and he has a talented group of receivers to throw to, including DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown. The Cardinals also have a solid defense, led by edge rusher Chandler Jones and cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are coming off a Super Bowl victory, but they lost some key players in the offseason, including receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and linebacker Von Miller. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is still one of the best in the NFL, and he has a strong supporting cast in Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald. The Rams will need to find some new playmakers on defense if they want to repeat as champions.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are in a bit of a rebuilding mode after trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Drew Lock is expected to be the starter under center, and he will have a talented group of receivers to throw to, including Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. The Seahawks also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Bobby Wagner and safety Jamal Adams. It may take some time for the Seahawks to get back to contending, but they have the pieces in place to be a competitive team in the NFC West.
Vic Fangio’s Impact on the Philadelphia Eagles
Vic Fangio joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive consultant in 2023 after spending the previous four seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. Fangio is one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL, and he is expected to have a major impact on the Eagles’ defense.
Fangio’s defense is known for its aggressive style and its ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. He is expected to bring that same philosophy to Philadelphia, and it should help the Eagles improve on their 22nd-ranked defense from last season.
The Eagles have a talented group of defensive players, including Fletcher Cox, Darius Slay, and Haason Reddick. With Fangio’s guidance, they could be one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2023.
Conclusion
The NFC West is poised to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL in 2023. The 49ers, Cardinals, Rams, and Seahawks are all legitimate contenders, and it is likely that the division winner will not be decided until the final week of the regular season.
The Eagles are also expected to be a contender in the NFC East with the addition of Vic Fangio to their coaching staff. Fangio’s defensive expertise should help the Eagles improve on their defense and make them a legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl.