In the NFC West Report, we keep you covered on the San Francisco 49ers divisional rivals.
Three teams in the division fell in Week 2 while the other flexed its muscles in the "Windy City." The 49ers now sit tied for second in the NFC West, but they have an opportunity to knock off the first-place team this week in the desert. Meanwhile, the two-time defending conference champions are still winless.
If you only watched the 49ers loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, here's what you missed from the other games around the division.
Arizona Cardinals (2-0)
Week 2:48-23 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Notes:Carson Palmer and the Cardinals offense have yet to be stopped through two games, averaging a league-best 39.5 points per game. The veteran quarterback has led that charge, throwing for seven touchdowns and just one interception. Palmer's 124.4 passer rating ranks third in the NFL thus far. The offensive line deserves much of the credit, as Arizona is one of only two teams that has yet to allow a sack this season. Mind you, that protection has come without the services of guard Mike Iupati (knee injury) and tackle Bobby Massie (suspended for two games). It is possible that Iupati makes his Cardinals debut on Sunday versus the 49ers.
Against the Bears in Week 2, Palmer completed 17-of-24 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to Larry Fitzgerald. Journeyman running back Chris Johnson got the start in place of Andre Ellington (knee) and amassed 72 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, rookie running back David Johnson returned the opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown. The third-round pick from Northern Iowa is the first player in NFL history with a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown and kickoff-return touchdown in his first two games. On defense, Tony Jefferson and Patrick Peterson each tallied interceptions.
Week 3:Arizona hosts the San Francisco 49ers (1-1) on Sunday.
St. Louis Rams (1-1)
Week 2:24-10 loss to the Washington Redskins.
Notes:The Rams failed to maintain momentum from their Week 1 victory over the Seahawks. The offense that put up 34 points on Seattle was held to just 146 yards through the air and 67 yards on the ground versus Washington. St. Louis now ranks 31st in the league in total offense. Tre Mason, the team's leading rushing from 2014, returned from injury and carried the ball a team-high seven times for 26 yards.
Defensively, the Rams allowed rookie running back Matt Jones to rush for 123 yards and two scores. This after holding Marshawn Lynch to 73 yards in Week 1. St. Louis did continue to create pressure in the backfield with its elite front seven, sacking Kirk Cousins two times and recording seven tackles for loss. It is still unclear when 10th-overall pick Todd Gurley will make his NFL debut. The running back has seen his practice reps increase over the last couple of weeks.
Week 3:St. Louis hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) on Sunday.
Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
Week 2:27-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Notes:The Seahawks took a 17-16 lead into the fourth quarter in Green Bay but were outscored 11-0 in the final period to drop the rematch of last year's NFC title game. After rushing for 73 yards in Week 1, Lynch again produced modest results, rushing 15 times for 41 yards. Doug Baldin hauled in seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown while Jimmy Graham was only targeted twice all game. The Seahawks also committed two turnovers, one Russell Wilson interception and one Fred Jackson fumble. Bobby Wagner led the team with 12 tackles.
Seattle is now 0-2 for the first time since 2011.Through two weeks, the Seahawks rank 17th on defense and 19th on offense. The good news for the team, however, is that Pro Bowl safety Kam Chancellor ended his holdout on Wednesday. He is expected to play this week.
Week 3:Seattle hosts the Chicago Bears (0-2) on Sunday.
