NFC West Bulks Up

In recent years the NFC West has been known mostly for being…… well, terrible.  And when there have been flashes of success (see Cardinals circa 2008) it’s been done with offense.  Last year, the 49ers began to change that perception, and in 2012 they will return ALL ELEVEN STARTERS from the league’s 2nd ranked defense.

Now the rest of the division is poised to follow their lead.

Arizona made great strides defensively under the guidance of first-year DC Ray Horton, St. Louis hired Jeff Fisher to bring his defense-first mentality to the Rams to go along with talented youngsters like Chris Long and James Laurinaitis, and Seattle finished 7th in points allowed last season with a young and improving core.

Today, St. Louis added another piece to their front four by giving former Dolphin DE Kendall Langford a 4-year, $24 million deal.  Hours later, the Seahawks were able to secure the services of Titans DT Jason Jones, whom the Rams were looking at as well.

Jones’ deal is interesting.  No financial terms have been disclosed, but it’s a one year contract, rare for a 25 year old player who is regarded around the league as a rising player.  But Jones felt he was used out of position most of the last 2 season at DE, when his true value is as a disruptive, penetrating, interior pass-rusher from the tackle position.  It’s a potential steal for the Seahawks who were unabashed in their desire to improve their pass rush this off season.  They get a guy who is literally playing for his financial future, at a position of need.  If his sometimes-balky knees don’t hold up, or if he simply doesn’t play up to his potential, there’s no long-term commitment.  If he breaks out in a big way, they could sign him long-term or even place the franchise tag on him in a year when the only other candidate would possibly be Chris Clemons, who turns 31 in October.

National pundits will probably continue to ignore this year’s off season moves in the NFC West,  but don’t look now, it may be on the verge of becoming one of the better top-to-bottom defensive divisions in the league.