The NFC West is loaded full of talent on both sides of the ball. On offense, this division is dominated by the rushing game but there are some new players to teams that will help develop some highly efficient passing offenses. Here is the 2020 NFC West All-Division Team for the offense.
2020 NFC West All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Several older quarterbacks are deteriorating as well as several new quarterbacks still developing. Russell Wilson is entering into the prime of his NFL career and he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Last season, Wilson passed for 4,110 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only five interceptions on 341 completions (out of 516 passing attempts). In his eight years in the league, Wilson has been selected to six Pro Bowls.
Wilson is one of the most elite quarterbacks as he possesses an excellent combination of throwing and running skills. Last season, he rushed for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and 17 first downs on 75 rushes. His ability to throw the ball with power and throw on the run makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
Running back: Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
Chris Carson is a back that is coming into his own as he is entering his fourth season in the league. Last season, Carson rushed for 1,230 yards and seven touchdowns on 278 carries. He was also a threat in the receiving game as he had 37 receptions for 266 yards, two touchdowns, and 10 first downs. He made his first Pro Bowl this past season as an alternate. The Seattle Seahawks had the fourth-ranked rushing offense (137.5 rushing yards per game) this past season. Expect Carson to elevate himself as one of the top backs as enters into the last year of his contract.
Wide receiver: DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals found their number one receiver in DeAndre Hopkins without giving up a first-round pick. Hopkins remains one of the NFL’s most elite wide receivers. In the last two seasons, Hopkins has 229 receptions for 2,737 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 153 first downs with an average of 12.5 yards per reception. He will now have the challenge of working with a new team with more talent at the wide receiver position. Hopkins will also now go against some of the more efficient pass defenses in the entire NFL. But he is talented enough to still be the best receiver in the division and one of the top receivers in the league.
Wide receiver: Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
The 2018 season was a difficult one for Cooper Kupp as he had to watch his Los Angeles Rams lose in Super Bowl LI as he was recovering from a torn MCL. This past season, Kupp made a serious comeback by catching 94 receptions for 1,161 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kupp and Robert Woods were two of the most explosive duos in the league in 2019. Now that Kupp has experienced a high amount of success, he will look for consistency going into his fourth season in the league.
Slot receiver: Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals got more dangerous at receiver with the addition of Hopkins this off-season. Arizona had a dangerous receiving corps with the combination of Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. In his second season, Kirk caught 68 receptions for 709 yards and three touchdowns. He was one of the more productive receivers in-and-out and the red zone for the Cardinals. And Kirk will get more favorable mismatches due to the extra coverage on Hopkins.
Tight end: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
For the past two seasons, George Kittle has emerged as one of the NFL’s most explosive and dynamic tight ends. Last season, Kittle caught 85 receptions for 1,053 yards, five touchdowns, and 53 first downs. Kittle ranked fourth among tight ends in receptions, third in receiving yards, and second in first downs last season. He is the perfect tool for the San Francisco 49ers short passing game and focuses on winning key matchups. Kittle continues to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
Left tackle: Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams was traded from the Washington Football Team during the off-season and now finally plays for a Super Bowl contending team. For seven consecutive seasons (2012-2018), Williams has been selected to the Pro Bowl. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has the fifth-best overall grade (90.8) from 2015 to 2018. He is one of the most well-balanced tackles in the league in pass protection and run blocking. The 49ers style of offensive play fully complements the versatility and consistency that Williams possesses.
Left guard: Justin Pugh, Arizona Cardinals
Justin Pugh started his career with the New York Giants and remained as one of the more consistent blockers. After two seasons of injuries, Pugh was looking for a new home to rebound his NFL career. Last season, Pugh played one of his best seasons of his career in his second season with Arizona. Pugh started 14 games at left guard and two at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Pugh graded at 82.2 in his pass blocking, which is the ninth highest among guards.
Center: Weston Richburg, San Francisco 49ers
The entire NFC West has not been consistent with their play at the center position. Weston Richburg has been the only center in the entire division that has consistently been at least average. He is a highly efficient run blocker which works great for the schemes of the 49ers offense.
Right guard: J.R. Sweezy, Arizona Cardinals
J.R. Sweezy is a player who is no stranger to playing in the NFC West. He spent five of his seven NFL seasons playing for the Seahawks. Now, as he enters the final season of his contract, he is going into his second season with the Cardinals. Last season was the first time that Sweezy played and started a full season since 2014. Sweezy also received his best pass blocking grade since the 2013 season, when he was with the Seattle Seahawks. Arizona will rely on him to be a consistent offensive lineman as they look to develop a deep passing game.
Right tackle: Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers made a nice pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and got a solid tackle with the ninth overall pick. Mike McGlinchey has played and started in 28 games for the 49ers in his first two seasons in the league. Last season the 49ers came up just short of winning their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. McGlinchey is also looking for his first Pro Bowl appearance, but he remains one of the most consistent run-blocking tackles in the league.
Click here for a breakdown of the 2020 NFC West All-Division Team on defense and special teams.
2020 NFC West Main Photo
