NFL-NFC West Win Totals

 The NFC West is the fome of the NFC Defending Conference Champion San Francisco Niners,The division has at least 2 playoff teams in each of the last 4 seasons. The Niners have won the division the past 3 seasons.They are the only team in the division this year with a double digit projection win total.Let examine the entire division and see how they stack up in 2024.

The San Francisco 49ers have a projected win total of 11.5. The Niners record was 12-5 in 2023. The team loss in the Super Bowl to the two time Champion Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 25-22 in OT. The team is relatively intact a in position to dominate the National Conference. Over the past 3 seasons,the Niners have averaged  11.6 wins. They have a potent offense and a top 5 defense.While their schedule in 2024 includes the Kansas City Cheifs,Miami Dolphins,Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, they would be a slight underdog in 3 of those games because they will be on the road. They are 18-8 on the road over the last 3 years for a win percentage of 69.2%. The Niners go over 11.5 barely.

The Los Angeles Rams are projected at 8.5. The Rams have QB Matthew Stafford who is showing no signs of slowing down. The dynamic duo of Cooper Kupp and Puca Nacua put fear into any secondary. The retirement of Aaron Donald will weaken the defense so most games will be shootouts. As long as Stafford is healthy and has a slight threat of a run game,the Rams will be in most contests.The Rams should win 3 of the 4 games they play against the NFC North. I see 3 wins in their division as well. The Rams will edge by the projected total of 8.5.

The Seattle Seahawks are projected at 7.5. The rebuilding is finally reached Seattle. It was supposed to start when QB Russell Wilson left and was traded to the Denver Broncos.Nobody told QB Geno Smith and he proceeded to have two seasons where he led them to consecutive 9-8 seasons.The problem for the Seahawks have been the defense and penalties. The hire of Leslie Frazier as defensive cordinactor will improve some of the problem. However the hirer of Head Coach Mike MacDonald will take time to pay dividends. The Seahawks fall short of the 7.5 and go under.

The Arizona Cardinals are projected at 7.5. At first glance, you may think this is an overstimation of the Cardinals who finished with consecutive 4-13 records. The defense showed flashes of improvement and the addition of WR Marvin Harrison Jr, is part of the optomism. If QB Kyler Murray can avoid injury, a eight or nine game win total is within reach. The potential wins on the schedule include the Minnesota Vikings,Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots. The team is capable of two upsets as they play AFC East opponents,  New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.Don 't see playoffs but do see improvement. Cardinals over 7.5.

Check out the clip of the NFC West Win Total.

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History and Why So Long

This past two weeks, there have been several notable accomplishments in the world of sports. The Florida Marlins hired Kim Ng as the first woman to become an MLB general manager. She has been in the conversation for GM jobs for more than a decade. She has interviewed for more than 6 teams since 2015.Ng was an assistant GM with the New York Yankees during a 4 year period. Under that tenure, the Yankees won 3 World Series and 4 AL pennants.

Last night. the NFL set history by having an all Black officiating crew during the Monday Night Football game between the Buccaneers and the Rams. Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge  Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed. The 1st Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler ,hired by the NFL in 1965.

                                                Now the Question. Why so long?

MLB was started in 1869 and is 151 years old. NFL hired it's 1st official of color 55 years ago. So it took collectively 206 years to find a qualify woman and 6 African Americans to run a baseball organization and officiate a professional football game. Studies have shown that the most successful organizations are the ones that embrace and advocate diversity. While accepting change is a not easy it is a necessity. Too often the same people get another chance after failing while another group gets overlooked and told you just missed the cut.

"It's easy to stay sleep but it is hard to be awoke." A quote from Sade Mims.  This statement challenges decision makers to accept the responsibility to make opportunities equal to all qualified applicants. 

                                                              What's the solution?

A resume that is gender and color free. No mention on the application of sexual orientation or ethnic origin. If these characteristics are removed, the decision makers are now looking at the educational history and the professional accomplishments of the job seekers. HR fact checks the applicant and ask them to submit to an assessment test. Then you get the best candidates going before a panel that will make the final decision. If someone is close but does not get the position, tell them what they can do to put them over the top when they apply again. The progressively thinking companies have manager training courses. They are able to institute a pipeline that levels the playing field for women and minorities.  A management team should be reflective of their clientele. If a business caters to 40% women patrons, the managerial and corporate team should have a representation that is fairly indicative of that clientele. These practices work in corporate America and Professional Sports.  You just have to be awoke to use them. 

The historical events of the past 2 weeks should not take another 206 years to happen again. 😎

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