NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury praised OLBs coach Charlie Bullen for the production from his group of players. 

โ€œItโ€™s not about who gets there, itโ€™s just about getting there,โ€ Kingsbury said, via Darren Urban of the teamโ€™s official site.

Kingsbury mentioned that he did not expect Cardinals OLB Dennis Gardeckโ€˜s quick ascent up the depth chart this season. 

โ€œI donโ€™t think any of us saw this coming from Gardeck except maybe the offensive line who had to go against him on scout team the last couple of years,โ€ Kingsbury said.

Gardeck said he is comfortable playing his role in the Cardinalsโ€™ defensive system. 

โ€œIโ€™ll take whatever opportunity I can to get out on the field,โ€ Gardeck said. โ€œI think the packages I am in fit my skillset very well. (Defensive coordinator) Vance (Joseph) talked about being a star in your role โ€ฆ and whatever your role is, you do it to the best of your ability. Iโ€™m not worried about how else they can use me. Thatโ€™s their job. My job is to be the best the way they are using me.โ€

49ers

  • Matt Barrows of The Athletic writes that the 49ersโ€™ biggest offseason need will become left tackle if they are unable to re-sign Trent Williams this offseason. 
  • Barrows mentions that the 49ersโ€™ second-largest need is at defensive end given they will likely release Dee Ford, leaving Nick Bosa as the organizationโ€™s only edge rusher under contract. 
  • Barrows views the cornerback position as the third-highest priority for the 49ers to address this offseason, considering that Jason Verrett, Richard Sherman, Kโ€™Waun Williams, and Dontae Johnson are impending free agents.
  • Regarding 49ers DC Robert Saleh being a likely head coaching candidate, Barrows points out that Saleh could bring 49ersโ€™ offensive assistants Mike McDaniel or Mike LaFleur with him as his offensive coordinator.
  • Barrows names four possible replacements for the 49ers at defensive coordinator, including Broncos HC Vic Fangio, Falconsโ€™ interim HC Raheem Morris, Chargers DC Gus Bradley and former Falcons HC Dan Quinn
  • 49ers RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday but the hope is heโ€™ll be able to ramp up later in the week and play. (Nick Wagoner)
  • Shanahan does not expect OL Ben Garland to return from injured reserve before the season is over. (Wagoner)

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said it is important to โ€œget on a streakโ€ in December in order to carry momentum into the postseason. 

โ€œI donโ€™t think thereโ€™s a better time to get on a streak than in December when youโ€™re playing meaningful games and trying to carry some momentum into January, so I do think itโ€™s important,โ€ McVay said, via Gary Klein of the LA Times. 

McVay feels that the Rams are showing โ€œsigns of consistency,โ€ but must win their third consecutive game in Week 15. 

โ€œWeโ€™re seeing signs of consistency over the last couple of weeks, and now letโ€™s see if we can get our third win in row,โ€ McVay said.

  • Rams DC Brandon Staley said he is humbled by the head coaching buzz from around the league: โ€œItโ€™s humbling any time youโ€™re considered in those conversations. I think thatโ€™s what youโ€™re after as a competitor, to be recognized among your peers, coaches and players as someone who is doing a good job.โ€ (Eric Williams)

Seahawks

  • Per Pro Football Talkโ€™s Curtis Crabtree, Seahawks HC Pete Carroll says WR Josh Gordon โ€œfeels like heโ€™s ready to jump on a practice field,โ€ which is good considering Gordon is eligible to start practicing next week: โ€œThis is a really important week for him to finish it up.โ€

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