NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

• According to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Alex Marvez, Browns DL coach Tosh Lupoi has interviewed for the same position with the Cardinals. 

49ers

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, 49ers DE Dee Ford (hamstring) is expected to play next week in the divisional round, as well as LB Kwon Alexander (pec). 
• 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo was fined $7,017 for throwing a ball into the stands, though he is appealing. (Matt Maiocco)

Rams

• Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson writes the Rams moved on from DC Wade Phillips in an effort to become younger and more scheme-driven on defense. There was frustration at times the defense was over-reliant on fundamentals and didn’t do enough to attack weaknesses. 
• Robinson adds Phillips saw the move coming after Los Angeles fired DL coach Bill Johnson last year. 
• Robinson believes Rams HC Sean McVay wants a defense similar to New England that can change like a chameleon depending on the opponent after his experience in the Super Bowl. 
• McVay is planning to be more involved on the defensive side of the football going forward. 
• ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry says the Rams could make further changes to their defensive staff after naming a new defensive coordinator, or if current coaches end up leaving for positions in college. 
• The Rams will also move on from RB coach Skip Peete, electing not to renew his contract for 2020. (Robinson)

Seahawks

Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf has already proven he shouldn’t have lasted to the final pick of the second round in this past April’s draft. Metcalf put an exclamation mark on that in Sunday’s playoff game, however, dominating the Eagles with 160 receiving yards. Metcalf’s draft fall brought him to tears when it happened, but now he says he wouldn’t change a thing. 

“It’s great. I think falling to the second round was the best thing that happened to me because I’ve got the chip on my shoulder every time I play,” Metcalf said after the game via Pro Football Talk.

• Per ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said the goal is to get RB Marshawn Lynch more involved in the offense going forward. 
• Carroll said after Sunday’s game that DE Ezekiel Ansah suffered a stinger. (Curtis Crabtree)
• Carroll noted Seahawks G Mike Iupati didn’t play because the stinger he suffered a few weeks ago was still giving him issues. (Crabtree)
• The Seahawks should get WR Jaron Brown back this week. (Crabtree)