NFL: Report Card Grades In The NFC West For Week 2

At the end of the day, it’s all about securing the victory. While some teams had a tougher path than others, all four NFC West teams were successful. The performances weren’t perfect, but you can’t argue with the results. Regardless, let’s give out some Week 2 grades.

San Francisco 49ers – Offense – B

Aug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (10) rushes against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Mac Jones came off the bench and threw for three touchdown passes. It’s hard to knock that, especially when he was without George Kittle. Jones utilized Christian McCaffrey along with Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings while mixing in secondary options. McCaffrey had a solid day on the ground with 55 yards on 13 carries, but he’s also capable of more.

San Francisco 49ers – Defense – B-

Feb 10, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; A football with a San Francisco 49ers logo at the NFL Experience at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco came awfully close to letting Spencer Rattler beat them. Rattler threw for three touchdown passes while Alvin Kamara added 99 yards on the ground. They failed to force a turnover while only generating three sacks. Against a novice quarterback, the 49ers have to do better.

San Francisco 49ers – Coaching – B+

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

It’s not easy to manage the offense without George Kittle and with Brock Purdy, but the 49ers were able to do so today. The victory came on the road and they made plays on defense when they need. Once they get back to full strength, it’s going to be easier to evaluate San Francisco, but the coaching staff deserves some credit for getting Jones ready to go and for him looking very good in the process.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

San Francisco 49ers – Overall – B

Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Each team recovered a fumble and neither team threw an interception. With three sacks each, it was a relatively quiet game. The 49ers made plays when they had and came out with a road victory. Christian McCaffrey had another solid game, even if he made more of an impact as receiver. Perhaps more importantly, the move from Jake Moody to Eddy Piniero at kicker seemingly worked as the latter was perfect on both field goals although he missed one of three extra point attempts.

Arizona Cardinals – Offense – C+

Oct 21, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Los Angeles Chargers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Running the ball didn’t exactly work as James Conner gained just 34 yards on 11 carries while Trey Benson added 14 with three carries. Kyler Murray failed to make much of an impact throwing for just 220 yards and a touchdown although he did run for 32 yards. Marvin Harrison needs to be more involved, two catches for 27 yards, and Trey McBride is a beast.

Arizona Cardinals – Defense – B

Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) walks off the field after the win against the Carolina Panthers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The game was book ended by two of Arizona’s three sacks as the Cardinals were victorious. Initially we had a Josh Sweat sack and forced fumble that led to an Arizona touchdown and then a Calais Campbell sack ended things. Bryce Young threw for three touchdowns and 328 yards as the Cardinals defense got soft with a big lead that they almost blew. They did hold Chuba Hubbard to just 38 yards on 10 carries.

Arizona Cardinals – Coaching – C+

Apr 26, 2019; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals logo during a press conference at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A big lead almost disappeared on the Cardinals and that epic collapse would have not gone well. Marvin Harrison needs to get more involved and the chemistry has to improve between him and Kyler Murray. Will a choice have to be made between James Conner and Trey Benson?

Arizona Cardinals – Overall – C+

Trey McBride
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Trey McBride continues to a beast, and that helps give the offense an identity. A second receiver, assuming Marvin Harrison makes use of his talent, needs to develop. Trey Benson should be unleashed more. Aside from getting soft, the defense contributed a touchdown and two key sacks to this victory.

Seattle Seahawks – Offense – A-

Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball during the first half against San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

There’s a lot to feel good about here. Sam Darnold realized he had other receivers, Cooper Kupp caught seven passes for 90 yards but he didn’t forget about Jaxon Smith-Njigba as he caught eight passes for 103 yards. Troy Horton and AJ Barner caught touchdowns as Kenneth Walker rushed for 105 yards. It’s hard to find much fault there. The only issue is two interceptions from Darnold.

Seattle Seahawks – Defense – B+

Aug 25, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; General overall view of Seattle Seahawks logo at CenturyLink Field during a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle did exactly what they needed to in ensuring that Aaron Rodgers didn’t beat them. They picked Rodgers off twice, and should have had a third, while picking up three sacks. After throwing for four touchdowns last week, Rodgers was limited to just two and 203 passing yards while Pittsburgh only had 72 yards on the ground.

Seattle Seahawks – Coaching – A-

Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a TV timeout during the second half against San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The offensive game plan looked much better this week. Sam Darnold looked comfortable, Cooper Kupp was involved, and the defense kept Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense from making an impact.

Seattle Seahawks – Overall – A-

Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) hands the ball off to Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Coming off a loss at home, this was a tough spot for the Seahawks. Instead, they traveled east for the early start and won by two touchdowns. They took advantage of rookie Keldon Johnson not understanding the kickoff rules for a special teams touchdown that changed the complexion of the game. This was a game needed by Sam Darnold and company.

Los Angeles Rams – Offense – A-

5. Matthew Stafford
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

This is an offense that could be scary. Matthew Stafford hasn’t lost a step as far as getting the ball downfield. It also helps that Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are both ready and able to assist. Nacua had 91 receiving and 45 rushing yards while Adams finished with 106 yards. Kyren Williams had a solid game with 66 yards with Blake Corum a bright spot gaining 44 yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Los Angeles Rams – Defense – B+

Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; A general overall view of the Los Angeles Rams logo at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While they didn’t get an interception off Cam Ward, the Rams did sack the rookie five times. Ward managed just 175 passing yards, which did include a highlight reel touchdown pass across the field, as the Rams never let the Titans truly get back into the game in the second half.

Los Angeles Rams – Coaching – A-

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay smiles after his team scores a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during their playoff game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale.

After a home victory to begin the season, this could have been a letdown. The Rams had to travel almost cross-country to face a rookie quarterback and they didn’t let up. Seeing Davante Adams and Blake Corum get involved this week should continue to pay dividends.

Los Angeles Rams – Overall – B+

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; The Los Angeles Rams logo is seen at midfield at SoFi Stadium before a game between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It was a strong two touchdown victory for the Rams on the road to improve to 2-0. They outscored the Titans 23-6 in the second half, and that’s what good teams do. Five sacks and two receivers each with more than 100 yards shows the potential of this offense.