Cardinals surging in an underachieving year for the NFC West

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Kliff Kingsbury
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Kliff Kingsbury

What was supposed to be the most stacked division in the NFL has become a much less formidable obstacle for the Arizona Cardinals.

All throughout the offseason, a legion of NFL observers were unimpressed by the roster additions that were being made by the Arizona Cardinals.

While the acquisitions appeared to be solid ones, the Cards were still going to have to deal with the big, bad NFC West. How far could head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s squad expect to go in a division that also features the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers?

With the midway point of the 2021 campaign approaching, the NFC West seems to be much less formidable than many experts believed it would be. In fact, the only one of the three division rivals who seems to be on a level with Arizona is the Rams. What exactly is going on with Seattle and San Francisco?

Arizona Cardinals may once again be the team to beat in the NFC West

The major problem with the Seahawks up until this point has been the absence of the franchise’s superstar quarterback. Russell Wilson, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has been sidelined since he injured his finger in Week 5. Seattle has struggled with the awful Geno Smith leading the offense and has limped to a disappointing 2-5 record through seven weeks.

San Francisco starting passer Jimmy Garoppolo has also missed time, but his return from injury has not seemed to matter. The 29-year old veteran hasn’t played well, and Trey Lance (his rookie replacement) didn’t fare much better in his only pro start against the Cardinals in Week 5. The signal-caller issues, combined with a myriad of injuries at the running back position, have resulted in a 2-4 start for the struggling 49ers.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, is living up to the hype. The only club that head coach Sean McVay’s group has lost to thus far this season is the 7-1 Redbirds. The trade for Matt Stafford has worked out well, and the Rams defense ranks in the top seven in points allowed through seven matchups.

Of course, there’s still time for the Seahawks and the 49ers to right the ship. But for now, the Cards should be thoroughly enjoying their perch at the top of the NFC West. Fortunately, they may just have the talent to remain there.

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