As the NFC West heads deeper into the season, the competition tightens with a mere two games separating the top team from the bottom. Within this fiercely contested division, the performances of quarterbacks Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy stand out, showcasing a fascinating array of skills and statistics.
Quarterback Dominance in Week 14
Week 14 proved to be a banner week for NFC West quarterbacks, achieving an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. This collective performance highlights the depth of talent across the division, setting a high bar for quarterback prowess.
Leading the pack, Matthew Stafford delivered a stellar performance, achieving a passer rating of 132.6 during a thrilling 44-42 win against the Buffalo Bills. This marked Stafford’s sixth game this season with a passer rating exceeding 100 and his third surpassing 120, showcasing his consistent excellence under pressure. In the most recent streak of games, Stafford has demonstrated remarkable precision, executing eight Big-Time Throws compared to a single Turnover-Worthy Play, all while maintaining an interception-free record since Week 10.
On a similar note, San Francisco's Brock Purdy turned heads with a nearly flawless performance against the Chicago Bears, posting a rating of 145.4. His season continues to highlight his potential as a rising star, with a commendable 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate contributing to his growing reputation.
Kyler Murray and Geno Smith: Balancing Between Brilliance and Pressure
Arizona's Kyler Murray, known for his dynamic play, exhibits a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.8% within the division. Despite his high-risk playstyle, challenges have mounted, reflected in his sack count. Since November, Murray has been sacked 12 times, corresponding to a sack rate of 7.3%. Notwithstanding these pressures, Murray managed to showcase his arm strength with a solid 266-yard performance against the Jets last month.
For Seattle, Geno Smith’s season encapsulates a blend of resilience and adaptation. Throughout a formidable four-game winning streak, Smith reduced his pressure rate from 41% to 32.7%, demonstrating his growing composure and adaptability in the pocket. Despite a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2%, Smith's collaboration with top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the Seahawks with 75 catches for 911 yards, underscores his effectiveness under duress.
The Ground Game and Team Efficiencies
As quarterbacks command the air, the ground game adds another dimension to the divisional dynamics. The Los Angeles Rams, buoyed by Matthew Stafford’s leadership, exhibit balance by ranking 15th in EPA per drop back and an impressive 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. Complementing their air attack, Kyren Williams has emerged as a powerhouse on the ground, exceeding 1,000 rushing yards and contributing 12 touchdowns to the Rams' offensive arsenal.
Conversely, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves placed 14th in EPA per rush. Despite this middle-tier ranking, the 49ers remain a potent force, capable of turning routine plays into game-changing moments through strategic execution and precision.
As the NFC West hurtles toward its endgame, the quarterback performances will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point. With each game carrying high stakes, the intricate play between quarterbacks and their supporting casts can shift the balance within the division. The race remains relentless, with each team poised to make a compelling case for supremacy as the season unfolds.