NFC West Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury said the opportunity to join Rams HC Sean McVay‘s staff when he was fired by Texas Tech in November of last year was something he was “very close” to accepting. 

“He’s done a phenomenal job, he’s a phenomenal person,” Kingsbury said, via Darren Urban. “One of the brightest minds in football. To learn under him and see how he operates day-to-day and be a part of that was definitely appealing.”

McVay said he had an “easy connection” with Kingsbury when they met three years ago. 

“When we got to know each other, he’s got a good vibe, he’s a great football coach, we both love football,” McVay said. “It was a pretty easy connection.”

• Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson was asked if his reps have had contract negotiations with the team about an extension: “I mean, I’m always up for contract negotiations. But no talks have happened just yet. I’m just looking forward to finishing the season off strong.” (Bob McManaman)

Rams

Rams QB Jared Goff admitted that their offense has “not been where it needs to be” and they need to raise the standard. 

“Our offensive has not been where it needs to be the last few weeks and I need to bring up the standard a little bit,” said Goff, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN. 

Rams RB Todd Gurley agrees with Goff about the need for the offense to improve.

“It’s definitely a great point. Like we always say, ‘The standard is the standard.’ We set the bar high, so anything less is unacceptable. I can definitely agree with him on that,” said Gurley, via Thiry. 

Seahawks

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that they’re “counting” DE Jadeveon Clowney to return for their matchup with the Vikings. 

“[W]e’re counting on him getting back,” Carroll said, via Pro Football Talk. “We are, we’re counting on him getting back, but he’s still got to make it. That’s a little twinge of optimism there again. He feels good about it and he wants to go. He’s going to try and make it.”