2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Training Camp 2016: NFC West Preview

The NFC West division last season finished with no surprises. The standings were predictable, and judging by the 2016 offseason, there is little indication that there will be a dramatic change. Each team added potential to their roster, but it’s unclear if that will have a huge effect overall.

Arizona Cardinals – The rich get richer

If any team improved in the NFC West, it’s the Cardinals. On paper, it doesn’t seem like much, but one of the few flaws the Cardinals had last year was their pass rush. The addition of Chandler Jones was huge, and acquiring him from the New England Patriots didn’t cost much. They also drafted defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, and if he lives up to the hype, the Cardinals’ defense has become that much scarier.

Quarterback Carson Palmer would have appreciated if the Cardinals focused on the offensive line. They brought in veteran guard Evan Mathis and drafted Missouri center Evan Boehm in the fourth round, but they won’t improve the offensive line immediately. Other than that, the Cardinals have kept their core players and have one of the best coaches in NFL with Bruce Arians, so expect them to be on top of the NFC West once again.

Los Angeles Rams – Gambling on Goff

It was clear that the Rams weren’t going anywhere with Case Keenum as the starting quarterback. Instead, the Rams decided to trade the farm to draft Jared Goff. He does have potential, but it’s going to take some time before we find out if Goff is the Rams’ true franchise quarterback. If he can contribute at a high level right away, it wouldn’t be too surprising for the Rams to finish in second place in the division and nab a wild card spot. Unfortunately, that’s a big “if.” Goff is sure to have some growing pains, and it’s a lot to ask for in a rookie.

Meanwhile, most of the Rams’ offseason consisted of retaining key players while letting a few get away. They still have concerns on the offensive line. They have yet to find a true No. 1 wide receiver, and now the Rams have depth issues in the secondary. Finding a franchise quarterback was a huge need, but acquiring Goff left the team with other noticeable holes.

San Francisco 49ers – Abandoned offense

The 49ers were awful last season, and earned the seventh overall pick to prove it. Their horrid offense was the main reason for their fall down the standings, which resulted in another head coach leaving San Francisco. Instead, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was hired in hopes of reviving the offense. However, the quarterback drama continues starring Colin Kaepernick, who has made it no secret that he wants out of San Francisco. Kelly insists that he will be the starter for the 2016 season. Blaine Gabbert took the lead last season with mixed results. If Kaepernick holds out, the 49ers will need to stick with Gabbert. They also didn’t upgrade at wide receiver or provide sufficient running back depth. It’s not looking good for 49ers on the offensive side of the football.

Their offseason wasn’t all bad though. They seriously needed help on their defensive front, and drafted a steal in DeForest Buckner. Linebacker Michael Wilhoite coming back was bigger than what people gave it credit for, especially if he comes back with a vengeance. That’s pretty much it. It’s safe to say they will likely end up in the bottom of the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks – Quiet offseason will cost them

The Seahawks’ gameplan for the offseason should have been upgrading their offensive line, which they didn’t do. In fact, they lost their best offensive lineman in Russell Okung. They did bring in J’Marcus Webb and Bradley Sowell, who are hardly improvements. They also decided to take a risk in drafting NFL combine specialist Germain Ifedi. The Seahawks will also be without the services Marshawn Lynch due to retirement.

Quite possibly the most interesting signee was cornerback Brandon Browner. He is a talented cover corner, but his over-aggressive nature often draws too many penalties. Still, by retaining Jeremy Lane and keeping the “Legion of Boom” still intact, teams cannot take the Seahawks’ defense lightly. The loss of Bruce Irvin will be felt though.

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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