Revealing The 2014 All-NFC West Roster: Quarterback And Running Back

Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Although the scent of training camp is slowly starting to creep into the air, there is still quite a bit of time before fans get a taste of “real football.” While training camp battles and fantasy football drafts might man the majority of headlines headed into the preseason, there is another category that will stir up plenty of conversation; the projections. Preseason power rankings, 2014 stat projections, and way-too-early Super Bowl predictions are only a handful of the harmlessly fun “guesstimations” for the upcoming season. Another, although possibly the most debate-inspiring of them all, are the All-[insert group] rosters.

In the spirit of the offseason, all 32 NFL sites within the FanSided Network banded together to compose a comprehensive list off 2014 All-Division rosters. Obviously, the included an All-NFC West squad; arguably the best division in the league. After the voted were cast and some heated debate “broke the ties,” the editors for 12th Man Rising, Niner Noise, and Raising Zona were able to come to a majority agreement on our final list. However, instead of ruining the fun by announcing the entire list in a single lump sum piece, we’ll introduce the final group in a series of sections. Up first: The Offensive Backfield.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Aside from the AFC West and AFC East, there was dlikely no easier choice for the starting divisional quarterback than in the NFC West. Russell Wilson is fresh off his first Super Bowl victory, capping off an impressively consistent season in the backfield for the Seahawks. While he may not have the flash of Colin Kaepernick, the experience of Carson Palmer, or the prototypical size and pedigree of Sam Bradford, the second-year signal caller demonstrated all the skill necessary to win “the big one” on the highest stage in professional football.

Running Back: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Much like selecting the quarterback, Marshawn Lynch was a no-brainer for the All-NFC West backfield. “Beast Mode” forced more missed tackles than any player in football last season, helping him to reach 1,200+ yards rushing and 12 touchdowns during his 2013 regular season campaign. Despite limited help on the outside leading to stacked boxes on an every-game basis, Lynch carried the Seattle Seahawks all the way to the Super Bowl, including two 100+ yard performances leading up to the blowout victory over the Denver Broncos. Frank Gore, Zac Stacy, and Andre Ellington are all wonderful options for their respective teams, but they are not Marshawn Lynch…

Next, we’ll take a look at the rest of the All-NFC West skill positions, including the best wide receivers and tight end in the division. Have any guesses to who might make the cut? Let us know in the comment section!