NFC West Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

Cardinals first-round QB Kyler Murray‘s time in college with HC Kliff Kingsbury helped give him a head start on the Cardinals’ playbook. Veteran WR Larry Fitzgerald says Murray already knows it better than anyone.

“Is it true? I’d say obviously I’m more familiar with it,” Murray said via AZCentral.com’s Bob McManaman. “Coach Kingsbury obviously knows it the best. But yeah, obviously with [Fitzgerald] being a veteran and not having to come to every OTA and stuff like that and me being there every day, studying every day, yes, I do know it better. But that’s my job.”

Rams

Rams QB Jared Goff says that while he’s thought about a contract extension with the Rams, he’s more focused on doing what he has to do on the field and letting that part take care of itself.

“You definitely think about it,” Goff said via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. “But at the same time, I know that none of that is even possible without playing on the field, and being available on the field. I’ll just continue to do what I’ve been doing the last few years, and hopefully it will take care of itself.”

There has been some speculation that the Rams could allow Goff to walk after his contract expires, with the reasoning being Goff is more of a replaceable cog in HC Sean McVay‘s offense rather than the key engine. McVay has heard that thought and disagrees. 

“Any of the things or narratives that are out there – Jared Goff, as long as I’m fortunate enough to be in this role, hopefully this guy is stuck with me for a long time,” McVay said. “He’s an outstanding leader. People make a deal about this system, (but) he’s the reason why (it works). Our players are the reason why the system is what it is, because (Goff) can do so many different things. … He’s got true ownership, a great ability to communicate with his teammates, and with him leading the way, we feel really good.”

Seahawks

• Seahawks OT Germain Ifedi said he had “no real reaction” to team declining his fifth-year option and believes it is not always “best for the player.” (Bob Condotta)
• Ifedi added that he feels the “best he has in years” after having had sports hernia surgery prior to last year’s training camp. 
• Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said fifth-round LB Ben Burr-Kirven had sports hernia surgery six weeks ago, while second-round S Marquise Blair is dealing with a hamstring injury. (Bob Condotta)
• Carroll said Seahawks’ second-year TE Will Dissly on schedule to be fully recovered from a torn patella tendon and may be “full go” a few weeks into training camp. (Bob Condotta)
• Carroll mentioned that they expect LB Mychal Kendricks to play this season but did not elaborate on his legal situation: “We do expect him to be on the team this year.” (Brady Henderson)
• According to Carroll, Kendricks is “real optimistic” about his lawsuit regarding insider trading: “He’s real optimistic about how things are going.”
• Carroll confirmed that Seahawks LB Shaquem Griffin‘s primary role is at strongside linebacker in their base defense and weakside linebacker in their nickel set.