2025 NFC West Breakdown: Coaching Battles and Quarterback Questions

In this episode:

* Arizona Cardinals: The team’s success hinges on Kyler Murray’s performance in his seventh year and the development of their unique defensive scheme under coach Jonathan Gannon.

* San Francisco 49ers: With concerns about receiver injuries and defensive line attrition, the hosts suggest hitting ‘pause’ on Super Bowl expectations.

* Los Angeles Rams: We know what Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford can do, but can their young, talented defensive line overcome a questionable secondary?

* Seattle Seahawks: In a ‘new era’ (no Geno, no DK) under coach Mike Macdonald, the team’s success depends on its defense starring while the offense navigates issues with its O-line and new quarterback, Sam Darnold.

* NFC West Outlook: The division is defined by its elite coaching matchups and is considered ultra-competitive, but every team faces significant ‘what if’ scenarios that make the outcome uncertain.

—

Timestamps:

0:00 - Arizona Cardinals: Is Kyler Murray a "Freakish Athlete"?

01:21 - Cardinals Offense & Kyler Murray's Career

03:51 - A Deeper Look at Murray's Stats

05:55 - What is the Plan for Marvin Harrison Jr.?

07:03 - Trey McBride's Role in the Offense

09:04 - Breaking Down the Cardinals' Unique Defense

10:58 - Key Defensive Players & Scheme

14:06 - Seattle Seahawks: The Post-Pete Carroll Seahawks

15:16 - Concerns Clint Kubiak, the Offensive Line, & a Declining Run Game

18:11 - Why the Defense MUST Be the Star of the Team

19:08 - Strengths & Additions in the Secondary

20:17 - San Francisco 49ers: Are the 49ers Still Super Bowl Contenders?

21:31 - Early Season Injury Concerns for the Offense 2

2:47 - Christian McCaffrey's Health & Importance

24:00 - The Return of Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh

26:16 - D-Line Attrition: A Major Concern

27:52 - Can Ricky Pearsall Step Up?

29:14 - Los Angeles Rams: Why the Rams are Division Favorites

29:43 - Analyzing Sean McVay's Offense

32:07 - Examining the Young Rams Defense & "Cheetah Package"

34:46 - Addressing the Problems with Run Defense

36:17 - The "Pass Rush Over Coverage" Philosophy

37:57 - NFC West Final Outlook: What Has This Division Lost?

39:03 - A Division of "What Ifs"

41:58 - Comparing the Division's Elite Coaches, McVay vs. Shanahan: A Coaching Style Breakdown

45:53 - Final Thoughts & Why the Pressure is On

—

» Join Felix and me each Wednesday as we dive deep into the game we love!

MatchQuarters is a reader-supported publication. So, make sure to subscribe.

—

© 2025 MatchQuarters | Cody Alexander | All rights reserved.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.matchquarters.com/subscribe