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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jess Root

Ranking the starting QBs in the NFC West

We have reached the time of year when we look at the NFC West and rank the teams by position. We start with the starting quarterbacks in the division. All four teams have their franchise quarterbacks.

How do they rank?

No. 4: Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Wait. Garoppolo is the worst starter in the division? How is this possible when Kyler Murray has yet to play an NFL snap? Well, this is admittedly a little homerish, but Garoppolo still hasn’t accomplished much in the NFL.

Yes, he won five starts in 2017 after he was traded to San Francisco, but he is coming off an ACL tear and, even in his 5-0 run in 2017, he only threw seven touchdown passes to go with five picks.

He does play for Kyle Shanahan, who got Nick Mullens to look like a decent NFL QB, so the system is there. However, the upside of Murray is intriguing and Garoppolo still has never started more than five games in a season.

No. 3: Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Murray comes in as the No. 1 pick in the draft and a lot of hype from the front office, coaches and his teammates. It is hard not to believe that he will light the league up as a rookie. He has the tools and he will be in an offense that will showcase his skills. Yes, it is a tad homerish, but he comes in probably better than Garoppolo.

No. 2: Jared Goff, Rams

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Some will downplay his success following his rookie season to coach Sean McVay, but he has been very productive. He has the arm talent. He has taken the Rams to two division titles and a Super Bowl. Is he a system quarterback? Is Tom Brady? If he keeps winning and putting up big numbers, does it really matter?

No. 1: Russell Wilson, Seahawks

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

This is a no-brainer. Wilson has put up incredible production. He has missed the playoffs only once in his career. He is incredibly consistent. He is clutch. He is a leader. He is a winner. He has a Super Bowl title and two Super Bowl appearances. He finds the end zone. He is a top-five QB in the league. He is the player Cardinals fans would like to see Kyler Murray become.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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