Fans of [**the Los Angeles Rams**](https://ramblinfan.com/) are sharp, which can sometimes lead to disagreements (cordial) between how the team runs things and how fans would like them to run things. It also leads to the aggregate working knowledge about the team among fans. The comments section is a constant reminder that fans are fully aware of the team, the coaches, and the players.
The the demands of 'tell me something I didn't already know,' becomes an ever-rising high bar. And that make the task of sharing the latest updates both very challenging and very rewarding. Discerning fans can use a good topic to start meaningful conversations.
But what about the other teams in the NFC West Division? There is no shortage of San Francisco 49ers fans appearing in Rams forums. But do Rams fans stay up to date about rival teams? At the risk of sharing already known information, let's examine the single greatest weakness of the other three NFC West Division teams.
(1) - Arizona Cardinals failure to address offense
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The Arizona Cardinals were not far off the mark in 2024. After two forgettable seasons in both 2022 and 2023, the Cardinals improved rapidly to an 8-9 record. But after coasting into their Week 11 BYE sporting an impressive 6-4 record, they lost five of the last seven games of the season to fall short of their playoff aspirations once again.
The Cardinals finished 12th in points scored in 2024 and 15th in points allowed. But that begs the question: Why did the team focus so heavily on defense in the offseason?
The Cardinals' front office paid TE Trey McBride and added backup QB Jacoby Brissett. But the teams lost some veterans on the offensive side of the football and tended to the defense. While it's a gamble that could pay off, it's a gamble all the same. And it's a question that Arizona Cardinals beat writer Kyler Burd is uncomfortable about.
Over 50 percent of polled Cardinals fans are uneasy over the Cardinals' offseason fixation on defense. And that typically spells trouble is afoot.
(2) 49ers do a soft reboot
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The San Francisco 49ers have had no trouble spending cash to get and retain players they felt were the best suited to achieve great things in their system. But after plummeting to a 6-11 record, the team had to face the cold, hard truth. It was time to spend less and think harder to build a cost-effective roster for 2025 and beyond.
That message was delivered [**loud and clear by 49ers GM John Lynch**](https://x.com/OurSf49ers/status/1899519982792482964) at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. And the 49ers were true to their word, either trading away, releasing, or simply not extending many elite players whose contributions were instrumental in getting the team into contention each season.
And at least one NFL veteran player was furious about it:
Yes, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is back. But how effective can he be with an entirely new roster to whip into shape? And can this team truly count on offensive weapons like RB Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk to deliver 17 games this season? The 49ers are trying to do a soft reboot ala the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 and 2024. It's simply not that easy to do.
(3) Will Seahawks offense click in 2025?
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After finishing 2024 with a 10-7 record, and boasting the 14th ranked offense last year, the Seattle Seahawks parted ways with QB Geno Smith, and WRs Ty Lockett and D.K Metcalf. The Seahawks offense will be led by QB Sam Darnold, and he will be throwing to former Rams WR Cooper Kupp, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba.
But retooling the entire offensive passing attack is not without significant risks. Can all of the new faces on the Seahawks roster click in 2025? I suppose it hinges on how healthy WR Cooper Kupp remains this season:
If Kupp stays healthy, he can be a one-man wrecking ball. But he has struggled to be healthy, which is what has led to his surprising release from the Rams this season. And then there is the fact that the Seahawks have committed to former journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold is entering his eighth NFL season, but he is only now coming off the best season of his career. Darnold has struggled before taking over the reins of the Minnesota Vikings offense under HC Kevin O'Connell.
Was that a one-hit wonder, or simply a sign of everything finally clicking for the quarterback? The Seahawks are gambling that it's the latter. I see it as the former.
Some view the transition from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold as an upgrade, if only on getting younger at quarterback. I don't agree, as there are many examples of teams that gamble on a quarterback who cannot replicate past success on new teams. Former Seahawks QB Russell Wilson struggled with the Broncos before getting released.
Quarterback production is heavily dependent on the offensive strategy and the quality of players around him. The Seahawks had a solid veteran in Geno Smith, in that Smith was able to do just enough to extend plays and find the open receiver. Even if Darnold eventually achieves that same rapport with his receivers, it will take time to get there.
The Rams have improved the depth of their roster. I'm not convinced that other NFC West Division teams have followed suit.
As always, thanks for reading.
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