NFL Predictions: 2014 Winners and losers
NFC West
1st Place- Seattle Seahawks
2nd Place- Arizona Cardinals
3rd Place- San Francisco 49ers
4th Place- St. Louis Rams
The defending Super Bowl Champion Seahawks seem like they’re primed to become the first back-to-back winner since the Patriots in the mid 2000s. Talent on offense, defense and special teams is a pretty solid formula for success in the NFL. It’s impressive how Seattle has built a well-balanced roster in today’s NFL. With quarterback Russell Wilson making a leap and utilizing Percy Harvin’s skills for the entire season, the Seahawks offense has the potential to improve upon their ninth-ranked offense by DVOA. Defensively, there’s no reason for any drop-off in play. The core of their defensive unit returns led by CB Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas.
Yes, I’m picking the Cardinals to finish ahead of the 49ers. I do this with some trepidation because if anyone is equipped to overcome difficult obstacles it is San Francisco’s head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Niners defense didn’t just lose two quality players for a good chunk of this upcoming season, they lost two of the best at their position in outside linebacker Aldon Smith and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Defensive end Justin Smith is also 34 years and is in the midst of his decline. Superstar Patrick Willis can only be asked to cover up for so much.
The Cardinals also have the task of replacing two extremely good players on defense in linebackers Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby. The difference is Arizona has some uniquely talented players in safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Deone Bucannon that allow defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to cover up for these deficiencies with strategic adjustments.
Offensively, both of the division rivals will be able to attack defenses in a variety of ways. Arizona has given quarterback Carson Palmer the best set of weapons he’s ever had with Andre Ellington, Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, Ted Ginn Jr., John Carlson and Troy Niklas. It will be interesting to see if Harbaugh tries to get past the defensive shortcomings by opening up the offense or sticking with their ball control strategy. They drafted running back Carlos Hyde in the second round to compliment and eventually replace Frank Gore. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick gets a full season of wide receiver Michael Crabtree to go along with Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis, Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Vance McDonald, Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton.
I still like the overall direction the Rams are headed. I do wonder if this coaching staff will be the beneficiary of when it peaks. Jeff Fisher is entering season three in charge and has won seven games apiece in his first two seasons. Shaun Hill has the ability to replicate what injured quarterback Sam Bradford brought in previous seasons. If the St. Louis pass rush can hide the weaknesses of the defense, maybe they can pull off an unexpected jump.