The NFL offseason is nearing its close as training camps will open at the end of this month. As we have done each of the last few years in July, it is time to go through the NFC West and rank the players at each position and each team in positions groups.
We start with the most important position on the field — quarterback.
Things look different in the division in 2022 because the Seattle Seahawks traded away Russell Wilson, who was the clear No. 1 at the position in the division.
Where does Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray rank?
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No. 1: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
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Stafford and Murray were ranked 2A and 2B last year behind Wilson. Stafford, who languished for over a decade with the Detroit Lions, never winning a playoff game, flourished in 2021. He had more passing yards than any season since 2012. He tied his career-high with 41 touchdown passes and led the Rams to a championship.
In terms of talent, Murray has the slight edge, but coming off his best season in years and Murray’s decline in play late in 2021, Stafford earns the title of best in the division.
No. 2: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
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Murray and Stafford were neck-and-neck in the first half of last season for MVP consideration. Murray was fantastic but then got hurt and had DeAndre Hopkins get hurt. The defense declined and Murray’s effectiveness declined.
The Cardinals won 11 games and made it to the postseason, and he improved his completion percentage, his yards per attempt and his interception percentage. However, he could not put the team on his shoulders late in the year. He is just behind Stafford.
No. 3: Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
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This is funny because he will not be the 49ers’ starting quarterback. He ranks higher than Trey Lance, who replaces him. Garoppolo will not be on the 49ers once the season begins, but he is still clearly the third-best quarterback in the division. He…
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