Coaching Carousel Heats Up in Arizona, Roster Decisions in L.A., and a Statement Win in Seattle
As the NFL postseason narrows its field, three NFC West teams are making headlines for very different reasons - from coaching searches to roster decisions and playoff dominance.
Cardinals Eyeing New Leadership with Joseph or Brady in the Mix
The Cardinals are closing in on their next head coach, and it’s coming down to two very different profiles: Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Joseph brings familiarity - he’s been in Arizona before and has deep experience leading NFL defenses. Brady, on the other hand, represents the new wave of offensive minds - young, innovative, and potentially the kind of fresh voice Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been seeking. According to reports, Brady fits the mold of the “dynamic young head coach” that Bidwill has been targeting.
With the franchise still in the midst of a rebuild and a need to develop consistency on both sides of the ball, the choice between a proven defensive leader and an up-and-coming offensive strategist could shape Arizona’s trajectory for years to come.
Rams’ Tutu Atwell Sits in Divisional Win - Special Teams the Deciding Factor
Tutu Atwell signed a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed deal last offseason - a move that signaled confidence in his potential. But when the Rams took the field for their Divisional Round matchup against the Bears, Atwell was on the inactive list.
Head coach Sean McVay explained the decision came down to special teams contributions.
“Really just when you’re talking about the amount of receivers and those guys’ ability to contribute on special teams is the simplest approach,” McVay said.
It’s a numbers game, especially in the playoffs, where every active roster spot has to serve a purpose. Atwell, despite his speed and explosiveness, doesn’t currently factor into the Rams’ special teams plans - and that tipped the scales.
As for the NFC Championship Game? McVay isn’t ready to commit either way.
“We’ll have to figure out exactly what our 48 looks like,” he said. “There is some flexibility and fluidity… Once we really dive into the prep and figure out what these game plans are on each side of the football, that really will affect the decision-making.”
McVay praised Atwell’s attitude throughout the week, calling him “a total stud” despite the tough situation. It’s not ideal for a player of Atwell’s caliber to be sidelined, but in playoff football, the smallest details - like special teams roles - can make the biggest difference.
Seahawks Put Together a Complete Performance in Blowout Win Over 49ers
Seattle didn’t just beat the 49ers - they dismantled them. The 41-6 victory in the Divisional Round was as comprehensive as it gets, and defensive lineman Leonard Williams summed it up best: “Really complementary football.”
All three phases - offense, defense, and special teams - were locked in. The kickoff unit set the tone early, the defense capitalized on field position and turnovers, and the offense did its job finishing drives.
“It’s easier said than done,” Williams admitted. “But I think every team says it wants to be a team that performs well in all three phases of football. And it’s truly one of the [first] times I’ve ever been on one that has been able to do that.”
That cohesion is something head coach Mike Macdonald has been quietly building throughout the season. Williams praised the culture Macdonald has created - one where players enjoy coming to work, and that energy translates to the field.
“When you make it a fun environment to be at work, guys work hard, guys are more connected, and guys are more locked in,” Williams said.
And it’s showing. The Seahawks are peaking at the right time - something every playoff team hopes for but few actually achieve.
“We started peaking toward the end of the season at the right time,” Williams said. “I felt like we just started getting better and better.”
On the injury front, Macdonald noted that quarterback Sam Darnold is still working through an oblique issue. He’ll be limited in practice this week, but the team is optimistic about his progress.
As the NFC Championship Game approaches, Seattle looks like a team with momentum and belief. The Rams are facing tough roster decisions.
And in Arizona, a franchise-altering coaching hire looms. The NFC West may not have sent all its teams deep into the playoffs, but the storylines coming out of this division are anything but quiet.