The 2019 preseason is finally over, and the Seattle Seahawks have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic. Let’s take a look at the rest of the division, and see where the other three teams stand.
Arizona Cardinals
2019 preseason record: 1-3
All eyes will be on the first overall pick Kyler Murray in Week 1 as he takes the field under center for the Cardinals. This preseason, Murray showed plenty of potential, even if he didn’t light up the scoreboard with a single touchdown. He allowed no turnovers and displayed accuracy, mobility, and a solid pocket presence – something Arizona desperately needs. Rookie wide receiver KeeSean Johnson looks to be a top target for Murray, exploding onto the scene after fellow rookies Hakeem Butler and Andy Isabella disappointed during the preseason.
Nevertheless, the offensive line is still a concern, as they have struggled on both the pass protection and run-blocking fronts. The run defense has also proved worrisome for fans, as the unit is incredibly young and missing a number of starters (including cornerback Patrick Peterson). In all, despite the addition of an exciting young signal-caller, this is a team that still needs some work.
Los Angeles Rams
2019 preseason record: 2-2
The Rams have a number of questions heading into the 2019 season, not the least of which concerns the health of star running back Todd Gurley. Although he is reportedly feeling good, expect to see him get fewer touches this year, as Los Angeles plans to have him split duties with Malcolm Brown and rookie Darrell Henderson, Jr.
The passing game looks solid behind starters Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods, neither of whom played during the preseason. Rookie Nsimba Webster out of Eastern Washington was in the top three Rams receivers for each of their four games, allowing him to crack the depth chart along with backups Mike Thomas and Josh Reynolds.
Linebacker depth, however, looks a little shaky for the Rams after Josh Carraway tore his Achilles tendon a week ago and is reportedly out for the season and Micah Kiser’s left pectoral injury is keeping him out indefinitely. The team must rely on former Washington Husky Cory Littleton, Clay Matthews, and Bryce Hager to hold down the fort.
San Francisco 49ers
2019 preseason record: 3-1
The 49ers had a good preseason overall despite an abysmal Week 2 performance from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in his first game since tearing his ACL early last season. Garoppolo turned things around and looked sharp in Week 3, but the 49ers still kept three quarterbacks on the roster after Saturday’s cuts.
San Francisco took a serious blow last week as they placed running back Jerick McKinnon on season-ending injured reserve for the second year in a row due to complications with his own ACL recovery. Their offensive line depth is also in question, with backup tackle Shon Coleman suffering a significant ankle injury and some poor showings across the board.
The 49ers have plenty to look forward to, however – second overall pick Nick Bosa is slated to be ready for Week 1, along with fellow defensive end Dee Ford and linebacker Kwon Alexander, and the young wide receiver corps (including second-rounder Deebo Samuel) look like a seriously talented unit.
