This week, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be selecting starting lineups consisting of the best players from each division. In this article, the NFC West offense is the focus.
2016 NFC West All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback: Russell Wilson (Seattle)
After making it to the super bowl in back to back seasons, Wilson and the Seahawks saw that streak come to an end this NFL postseason. However, Russell Wilson had a fantastic year, in which he was able to rejuvenate his young career by setting personal bests in several passing categories. He altered his mechanics, added a few situational routes with his receivers, and even changed his reads on a few different progressions. There were moments when he still seemed poised beyond his years, and his new-found chemistry with receiver Doug Baldwin (also on this list) definitely catapulted Seattle’s offense to new heights. Wilson will look to keep the positive momentum going into next season.
Running Back: Todd Gurley (L.A.)
Todd Gurley’s rookie season was a success. The rookie running back finished the season third in the league in rushing, behind only Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin. A knee injury that caused Gurley to slip in the 2015 NFL draft, had been the motivator for him to prove his doubters wrong. Even after missing the first three games of the season, Gurley still ran for 1,106 yards on the year. An effective power back with break-away speed, Gurley has only just gotten started, he will look to add to his totals this fall.
Wide Receiver: Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)
Entering his 13th NFL season, Larry Fitzgerald has aged like fine wine. His overall numbers may have diminished over the years, but he still makes an impact on a game that any quarterback would love to have. Fitzgerald is a great compliment to Arizona’s quarterback, Carson Palmer. After finally accruing talented receivers around Fitzgerald, the Cardinals allowed Palmer to be more comfortable in his progressions. Instead of just throwing it up to Fitzgerald every play, Palmer is able to read the defense properly and throw to the open receiver. Nonetheless, Larry Fitzgerald makes this list by default, as an all-time great.
Wide Receiver: Doug Baldwin (Seattle)
Doug Baldwin came out of nowhere to have a career year for Seattle. He finished the season with 78 catches, 1,069 yards, and 14 touchdowns. His connection with quarterback, Russell Wilson, developed exponentially throughout the year, and by season’s end the duo was firing on all cylinders. The loss of Jimmy Graham towards the second half of the season only created more targets for Baldwin in the Seahawks’ offense. This year, look for Seattle to find more ways to get Baldwin the ball in space now that they know his natural playmaking ways.
Slot Receiver: Tavon Austin (L.A.)
Tavon Austin is a speedster who can change pace with the best of them. He ended last season with 52 catches for 473 yards and five touchdowns, while carrying the ball 52 times for 434 yards and another four touchdowns. Austin also added 284 return yards and a touchdown on special teams. Needless to say, he makes for a talented slot receiver on any team. His penchant for rushing the ball just as much as he catches it means the Rams are trying to get him the ball in any way possible. After 10 total touchdowns in 2015, Austin will look to get even better in 2016.
Tight End: Jimmy Graham (Seattle)
After appearing in only 11 games last season due to injury, Graham amassed 605 yards on 48 catches and two touchdowns. He never really got going when he was healthy and playing last year, but Jimmy Graham is still considered to be the most talented tight end in the entire division. If all goes well with his recovery time, by training camp the fans could get to see their star tight end fully healthy for the first time in a Seahawks jersey. Graham’s talent is undeniable and even after a downtrodden season, he is still the best tight end west of the Mississippi River.
Left Tackle: Jared Veldheer (Arizona)
Jared Veldheer is entering his eighth season out of Hillsdale College. He has been a rock on the left side of the trenches for Arizona. The combination of him and Mike Iupati at left guard makes for a formidable duo on the offensive line. Once the Cardinals were able to establish a solid running game last season, their production never faltered, partly due to the strong play of Veldheer.
Left Guard: Mike Iupati (Arizona)
Iupati has played six seasons in the NFL, he was drafted out of Idaho University in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by San Francisco. He played his first five seasons with the 49ers before signing with Arizona ahead of the 2015 season. Iupati and fellow lineman, Jared Veldheer, form one of the strongest pairings on any frontline in the NFL. Particularly in the running game, Iupati can display his quickness and explosive hands to full effect. Look for him to be an impact player again for Arizona this fall.
Center: Tim Barnes (L.A.)
Tim Barnes started in all 16 games last season for the Rams. He is the voice of the offensive line, and his reliability makes it easy for teammates to depend on him. Barnes is entering his fifth season as a pro and with a solid run blocking foundation in place, Barnes is set to pave the way for Todd Gurley for years to come.
Right Guard: Rob Havenstein (L.A.)
Rob Havenstein is 6’7” and 320 pounds of muscle. He moves people around for a living. As a rookie last season, he helped solidify an offensive line in dire need of production and stability along the right side. The Rams went from 19th in total rushing in 2014 to 13th in total rushing in 2015. His second full season as a starter with the Rams will be an exciting one to watch.
Right Tackle: Joe Staley (S.F.)
Now entering his 10th NFL season, Joe Staley was drafted out of Central Michigan by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. Since being drafted however, he’s been the only image of stability for the franchise. A true “Pro’s pro” Staley has been a five time pro-bowler for the 49ers and looks to maintain his stature against the rest of the NFC West starting this September.
Now that the offense has been discussed, be sure to check out the NFC West All-Division defense and special teams.
