NFC West: What Needs Fixing For Each Team in 2021?

It’s the final installment of an eight-part series taking a look at the biggest issue facing each team in the eight divisions.

Last up is the NFC West, which has seen three different winners in as many years as well and in two instances, the team reached the Super Bowl. But the Los Angeles Rams were humbled by the Patriots in Atlanta (LIII) and the San Francisco 49ers collapsed in the fourth quarter vs. the Chiefs (LIV).

This offseason has already seen some big names join the quartet in this division.

NOTE: 2020 win-loss records include playoffs                                                                     

Seattle Seahawks (12-5)

The main focus this offseason in the Pacific Northwest has been less about improving the team and more about the status of quarterback Russell Wilson. The nine-year veteran hardly seems happy with the direction of the franchise and has been the subject of trade rumors. Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider need to make major improvements to the offensive line. Acquiring guard Gabe Jackson via trade was a good start.

Los Angeles Rams (11-7)

The club was involved in arguably the biggest trade of the offseason as they gave up picks and quarterback Jared Goff to get Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions. In the early stages of free agency, the club has seen numerous defensive departures and opted to deal defensive tackle Michael Brockers to the Lions as well. New coordinator Raheem Morris takes over a unit that will be looking to restock a depleted secondary.

Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

It’s been an offseason of key additions for this team. The list adding defensive and J.J. Watt, dealing for center Rodney Hudson and signing wide receiver A.J. Green. But the team still has to prove that it can deal with their division rivals on a consistent basis. All told, the club has dropped eight consecutive games to the Los Angeles Rams. And dating back to 2018, the Cardinals are a combined 5-13 vs. their NFC West rivals.

San Francisco 49ers (6-10)

From a disastrous 4-12 finish to a 13-3 mark and an appearance in the Super Bowl to an injury-plagued of a campaign that resulted in a 6-10 record and last-place in the division this past season. Left tackle Trent Williams just got a huge payday and the team signed veteran center Alex Mack (Falcons). The real concern here is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has struggled to stay healthy and remains turnover-prone.