NFL update, NFC West Player Performance Partition (Part 2)
This is a continuation of the previous article, discussing players and coaches in the NFC West that are getting worse, and also those that are getting better. In this part, we will look at the more positive, with the rising stars of the NFC West.
First of all, we have Brian Westbrook. Now what this San Francisco 49ers runningback lacks for in playing time he makes up for with incredible performances when he plays.
The 49ers did not think that Westbrook would be a suitable runningback to replace Frank Gore. But when he went down last week against the Arizona Cardinals, Westbrook stepped in and took over. In his first game in a while, Westbrook rushed for 23 carries
for 136 yards. That’s the same as about how many passing yards the Cardinals QB, Derek Anderson, had.
Westbrook led the 49ers to a win over Arizona, 27-6, which also led to San Francisco signing the free agent. Westbrook was let go from the Philadelphia Eagles because of his tendency to become injured. Let’s just hope that it won’t be a problem for him with
the 49ers.
Next on the list we have St. Louis Rams quarterback, Sam Bradford. Even though he was already playing well, Bradford touched the sky when he led the Rams to their first road victory of the season. And I forgot to mention, Bradford is a
rookie. That’s right, rookie, as in no past professional experience.
Rams’ fans just won’t get tired of reading about Bradford, seeing as he is the first rookie in the history of the NFL to throw for at least 300 yards, three TDs, and, even more impressively, no interceptions on the road. He had a completion percentage of
just under 60% and completed 22 passes out of 37 attempts for 308 yards, with the longest being for 45 yards. Not bad for a rookie, at least.
Last but certainly not least, we have Rams defensive end, Chris Long. Now I know what everyone is thinking. Who the heck is Chris Long? Even though defensive ends and tackles don’t get the praise they deserve, it’s a good idea to take a look at one of the
best.
Long came through when the Rams needed him the most in their game against the Denver Broncos. Before Long stepped up, the Broncos were ahead by double digits, which he reduced to just three, sacking the quarterback on the first down and also on the fourth.
It was a big step for Long to take, and he did absolutely exceptional. The #72 three-year veteran had only those two tackles in the game, but they were the ones that mattered the most.
There are only five games left in the season, four for the Eagles and Houston Texans. But with those five games comes a chance to get better for the ones that are playing poorly, and just as likely to bring down those that are playing better.
Players and coaches alike must remember to stay on top of their game. Change things around if they aren’t working for you. Try some new players in practice. Have a coffee once in a while. This is no time to goof off people, the Super Bowl is coming!
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