NFC West Week 9 Division Recap

The NFC West had a week to forget as the Seahawks, Rams, and Cardinals all lost. Not only did they lose, all three teams were completely outplayed as they combined to be outscored 84-6. The only team that had a good week was the 49ers as they moved back to first in the NFC West following their bye week and a Seahawks loss.

Green Bay Packers 20, Los Angeles Rams 3

Photo Credit: David Zalubowski, AP Photo

This game had an important storyline coming in as Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was a game-time decision. He was eventually ruled out because of a UCL sprain, which led to a battle between quarterbacks Brett Rypien and Jordan Love.

Both offenses started out slow as neither team scored in the first quarter. Green Bay opened the scoring early in the second off a three-yard rushing touchdown by running back Aaron Jones. Following an exchange of four punts, the Rams got the ball back on their own ten-yard line. From there Rypien and the Rams drove down to Green Bay’s 34-yard line where kicker Lucas Havrisik drilled a 52-yard field goal making it a 7-3 game.

The second half began with very sloppy play by both teams. The Rams forced a Green Bay fumble which eventually led to a punt from the Packers’ 36-yard line. Green Bay committed another turnover the following drive with Aaron Jones fumbling near mid-field. The Rams added to the miscues with a 49-yard field goal missed by Lucas Havrisik. The Packers finally scored again with 2:13 left in the third quarter with a 26-yard field goal by Anders Carlson making it 10-3 Packers.

The Packers pulled away in the fourth scoring 10 unanswered points, starting with a 26-yard Carlson field goal and ending with a 20-yard touchdown catch by tight end Luke Musgrave dropping the Rams to 3-6.

Cleveland Browns 27, Arizona Cardinals 0

Photo Credit: Jason Miller, Getty Images

With the Cardinals starting rookie quarterback Clayton Tune this game was dominated by defense early. In the first quarter, there were four punts, one turnover on downs, and zero points scored. With 14:19 left in the second quarter, the Browns picked up the first point of the game from a 30-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal.

Tune’s struggles continue the Cardinals’ next offensive drive as he was intercepted by cornerback Denzel Ward. Following the interception the Browns went 11 plays, 49 yards, with their drive ending in an 11-yard Amari Cooper receiving touchdown. After exchanging three punts the Browns started their final offensive possession of the first half which ended in a 45-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins giving the Browns a 13-0 lead.

The second half began slow with three punts but changed quickly as Tune committed his second turnover following a fumble forced by Cleveland’s defense.

It took the Browns only three plays after the fumble recovery as their drive ended with a 5-yard touchdown reception to David Njoku giving the Browns a commanding 20-0 lead. The Browns put the game out of reach with 7:52 left in the fourth quarter as running back Kareem Hurt got a three-yard rushing touchdown making the game 27-0.

The scoring ended there as Browns completely dominated the Cardinals holding them to 58 total yards while the Browns had 326 dropping the Cardinals to a league-worst 1-8.

Baltimore Ravens 37, Seattle Seahawks 3

The theme of low-scoring first quarters continued in the Seahawks game where both teams combined for five punts and zero points. The first score of the game occurred with 13:08 left in the second with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Ravens’ running back Gus Edwards. Each defense forced a turnover on their next two drives.

The Ravens intercepted quarterback Geno Smith and the Seahawks forced quarterback Lamar Jackson to fumble. Then after a Seahawks’ three and out the Ravens began their next drive at their own 16-yard line. After going 11 plays, 84 yards this Ravens possession ended in another rushing touchdown by Gus Edwards his second of the day.

The Seahawks did respond on the subsequent drive after a 50-yard completion to DK Metcalf as their offense stalled out as they settled for a 33-yard field goal by Jason Myers. Then to finish out the first half, Justin Tucker made a 37-yard field goal to give the Ravens a 17-3 lead.

It didn’t take long for the Ravens to build on their lead as Justin Tucker made a 45-yard field goal two minutes and twelve seconds into the second half making it 20-3 Ravens. Seattle’s offensive struggles continued in the second half as they went three and out on their first offensive possession. The Ravens finished the game scoring 17 unanswered points from touchdowns by running back Keaton Mitchell and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. handing Seattle their third loss of the season moving them to 5-3.

San Francisco 49ers Bye Week

The San Francisco 49ers are on a much-needed bye this week as they’re currently on a three-game losing streak. The main reason for the losing streak is their struggling offense. Over their past three games, the 49ers have scored only 17 points in each game. Part of this is due to the injuries they’re currently facing with wide receiver Deebo Samuel out with a shoulder injury. Nevertheless, turnovers have been a major issue as well with quarterback Brock Purdy throwing three touchdowns and five interceptions in the past three games. The 49ers look to turn the tide next week on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Deebo Samuel is expected to return, and the 49ers will be bringing a revamped defensive line following another move at the trade deadline. The 49ers traded for defensive lineman Chase Young continuing to strengthen the strongest part of their team. Following a loss today by the Seahawks the 49ers regained the number one spot in the NFC West.

NFC West Standings

1.San Francisco 49ers (5-3)

2.Seattle Seahawks (5-3)

3.Los Angeles Rams (3-6)

4.Arizona Cardinals (1-8)