S10E35: Return of the McCaffery (NFC West Preview)

It’s the NFC West preview and four gangs are battling it out for control of this turf. We’ve got multiple contenders, players moving in-division this offseason, returning heroes hoping to avoid injury and older vets hoping for one last bite at the apple. The 49ers are suffering from the injury bug already in their WR room but will hope with a long-term deal in place for Purdy, CMC returning from injury and Robert Salah back in town to handle their defence they can contend for the Lombardi this year. Will the fall off in their defensive talent hold them back? Will Purdy show himself worthy of his big contract? Will CMCs legs be able to hold up this year? A lot of potential, but a lot of pitfalls as well. The Cardinals have added a lot of defensive talent (Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson etc.) to maybe finally shore up that side of the ball, but an underwhelming rookie season from Marvin Harrisson Jr leaves question marks at the wide receiver position. Yes, Trey McBride is a stud TE, but will depth at pass catcher and an aging running back room hold them back? The Rams have a fantastic team on paper, at least on offence. Stafford throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, with Williams leading the backfield sounds like you’re onto a winner. But Stafford is still nursing a back injury, Adams is a year older, and their O-Line is not a strength. Can old man Stafford hold up to punishment? Their defence is strong up front with Verse and Turner, but the defensive backfield is lacking. Can the high-powered offence keep them ahead when it looks like teams may be able to go deep against them with ease? Better hope that pass rush gets home! The Seahawks have a new look. Sam Darnold leading a Klint Kubiak offence. Strong running game, improved line (hopefully), a very exciting young defence that hits hard and can create turnovers (stop me if this is sounding familiar to any seahawks from the late 2000s/early 2010s). There is a lot to be excited about here, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but can Darnold maintain his midseason form from last season and avoid the late season collapse again? Is Cooper Kupp (just moved over from divisional rival LA Rams) going to contribute or is he washed? Have all the changes on the line done enough to protect a QB that has previously been caught seeing ghosts? We also talk news, contract disputes, trade requests, injuries and signings. All this and much more in your one-stop shop for news, views and overreactions to all things NFL, the All Four Quarters podcast!