NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams

Cardinals

Despite showing flashes of electric playmaking ability, the Dolphins were really never willing to use RB Kenyan Drake as more than a change of pace back under both HCs Adam Gase and Brian Flores. Miami finally dealt Drake to Arizona for a mid-round pick at the trade deadline this year.

“I feel like at the end of the day, they had a plan of how they wanted to go in a direction,” Drake said via Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic. “I feel like I didn’t fit in that plan. I just feel like when they put in a specific role, just playing third down, or coming out and being a receiving back, I felt like I could run and be a little bit more productive.”

In eight games with the Cardinals, the fourth-year runner blossomed with a bigger role in the desert like he believed he could. Drake hit double-digit carries in every game, while 643 of his 817 rushing yards and all eight of his touchdowns came after the trade. Drake is set to be a free agent this offseason, but he may not want to change things up too much. 

“I like it here. Yeah, I’d definitely consider staying here,” he said.

49ers

49ers DC Robert Saleh was one of the coaching candidates this offseason who found themselves without a head coaching position when the musical chairs stopped. Saleh interviewed with the Browns but was not Cleveland’s choice. However, given that he gets to coach in a Super Bowl in San Francisco and could be a top candidate again in 2021, he’s not stressing.

“God always has a plan,” Saleh said via Pro Football Talk. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that I was given by Cleveland, but being here with San Francisco is a hell of a deal, too. So I’m excited to be where I’m at.”

Rams

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions that Rams LT Andrew Whitworth has said he wants to keep playing, which could help Los Angeles feel comfortable with re-signing him as a free agent this year.