Updated NFC West standings ahead of Seattle Seahawks versus Lions in Week 2

Well, the start of the 2023 NFL regular season did not go as planned for the Seattle Seahawks. A lifeless performance led to an upset as the Los Angeles Rams had their way in Week 1, completely dominating on both sides of the ball. The good news is, there are 17 other regular season games left.

The bad news, however, Seattle looked like the worst team in the division. Even the Arizona Cardinals, one of the worst, if not, the worst team in the NFL, played with more passion and juice in Week 1. They fought till the very end against a scrappy Washington team, and one could argue, that if it weren't for the strip-sack fumble returned for a touchdown, the Cardinals could be 0-1.

As for the reigning NFC West Champions, the San Francisco 49ers picked up where they left off with a healthy Brock Prudy. In what was considered to be one of the better matchups of the weekend, the 49ers dominated the Steelers on the road in all three phases of the game. The Steelers picked up their first first down with under 2 minutes left in the second half. Purdy looked sharp and the 49ers looked scary.

NFC West Standings ahead of Seahawks Week 2 game

Granted, Week 1 could be a funky week. I do not believe a win or loss in the season opener will determine how the remainder of the year is going to play out. But, for the Seahawks in particular, it appeared obvious that the ghosts from last year's defense were still present. They need to get it cleaned up quickly before this season gets out of hand.

The Los Angeles Rams are in foreign territory. For the first time under Sean McVay, their roster is sprinkled with a bunch of rookies. A poor cap situation has forced the Rams to keep all of their draft picks on the roster, and quite frankly, to start a majority of them. But, that didn't hold them back in a surprising Week 1 performance, which featured 5th-round rookie WR Puka Nacua, who caught a team-high 10 catches for 119 yards. Let's see how this young team performs against their kryptonite, the 49ers, in Week 2.

It appears as if the 49ers were aware of all the doubt surrounding their current QB room. After an abysmal failure with the Trey Lance project, many scrutinized the 49ers for never really giving him a chance. However, the 49ers felt that they found their guy in Purdy. That conviction was stood upon in Week 1 as Brock Purdy looked very good post-UCL surgery. Nick Bosa's holdout didn't seem to have that much of an impact on his play or the collective play of their defense. They put an end to the Kenny Pickett hype train, as they made him look very pedestrian. Impressive performance for San Francisco in Week 1.

The gritty Arizona Cardinals almost walked away as winners in Week 1. I'm not quite sure what to make of this team. Are they going to resemble Detriot from two years ago? An inferior opponent in pretty much every game, but a team that simply will not stop fighting? Or, if a couple more losses pile up, will they fold like laundry and enter tank mode for Caleb Williams? It will be interesting to see how the remainder of September plays out for them. With that said, I do not like their chances against an angry Giants team in Week 2.

Although it was just one game, many are already selling their Seattle Seahawks stock. Listen, I get it. They got embarrassed on their home turf against the Rams. But, let's just call a spade a spade. They simply overlooked the Rams and paid the price. Defensive woes from last year still remain prevalent, but with Devon Witherspoon making his debut and the eventual return of Jamal Adams, I still have faith. Going up against a confident Detriot team in Ford Field is a tough task, but there is no doubt in mind that Pete Carroll will have these boys ready. I expect a much better performance all around and Seattle to be the one biting off kneecaps.

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