49ers vs Rams: A Renewed Rivalry for the Ages in the Making

The Los Angeles Rams have not been resting on their laurels this offseason. In fact, thus far in the NFC West, they have been the aggressors when it comes to offseason acquisitions before acquisitions can technically even take place (the new league year doesn't officially start until Wednesday). Those 'wink and nod' deals will ultimately result in a completely revamped secondary with Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, and Sam Shields patrolling the field, and all but guaranteeing the exit of Trumaine Johnson.

Meanwhile, about a thousand miles north of Los Angeles, the Seattle Seahawks and their bodacious and bombastic 'Legion of Boom' is all but dismantled. The likes of Michael Bennett, Jeremy Lane, and Richard Sherman: all unceremoniously ousted. Earl Thomas is reportedly available for trade. The futures of Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor, are both up in the air due to neck issues. Then you have Jimmy Graham and Sheldon Richardson who are both more than likely gone as free agents. We haven't even touched on the coaching turnover of Pete Carroll's staff. Yes, it's a new dawn in Seattle, and the writing on the wall says it's also a changing of the guard.

The Cardinals, well, cap issues aside, they'll be irrelevant until their new head coach figures out who their starting quarterback is going to be (sound familiar, 49er fans?).

In the constantly revolving door of NFL teams, this type of overnight change isn't uncommon. The Niners have been no stranger to change ever since Jim Harbaugh left over four years ago. In fact, I'm sure to most, it's been a refreshing start to the offseason just knowing the 49ers will have the same general manager, head coach, and quarterback to start the new season. All of which is to say there is a newfound sense of hope, even confidence, that the changes at 4949 Centennial Blvd (along with the shift of power and upheaval in the North) have created an opportunity to rise atop the NFC West hierarchy again.

Not so fast, say the Rams. Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan's former protege/assistant from their days in Washington says, "I'll see your Jimmy Garoppolo and raise you three pro bowl corners!" It's clear the Rams, having surprised everyone with their dramatic turnaround last year and who haven't taken their foot off the pedal since, are planning on being the new bullies of the division. They're being strategic, decisive, and aggressive this offseason and with very little cap room to do it.

How will Lynch/Shanahan up the ante?