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NFC West: How Good Is the 49ers’ Own Division in 2016?

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals

Offensive Points: 61 (No. 5)

Offensive Yards: 760 (No. 11)

Defensive Points Allowed: 30 (No. 5)

Defensive Yards Allowed: 669 (No. 13)

Had it not been for an amazing and stunning Week 1 loss to the Tom-Brady-less New England Patriots in Week 1, the Cardinals would be sitting pretty atop the NFC West after two weeks.

Exactly where most people projected them to be.

Arizona is in win-now mode. It makes sense, considering the age factor for aging quarterback Carson Palmer and veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. They want their rings.

Fitzgerald isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He already has 162 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. And Pro Football Focus gave him a top-mark 85.5 grade in Week 2.

Oh, and that guy David Johnson is a pretty good running back as well.

The defense, on paper, looks mean. And the addition of linebacker Chandler Jones this offseason is certainly a boost. But the number of yards given up to a Patriots passing offense led by quarterback Jimmy Garappolo, as well as 300-plus yards to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, doesn’t quite suggest elite.

And if Palmer was to go down with a serious injury? Disaster.

Next: Los Angeles Rams