Why Rams QB Matthew Stafford is off to the best start of his career
Matthew Stafford has been considered one of the NFL’s top talents since being selected first overall in the 2009 draft. The 17th-year pro ranks among the top 10 all-time in several passing categories.
But the Rams’ star quarterback has never finished a season No. 1 in passing yards.
Stafford, 37, came close several times during his 12-season tenure with the Detroit Lions. He finished third behind Drew Brees and Tom Brady in 2011, second behind Brees in 2012, third behind Peyton Manning and Brees in 2013 and third behind Brady and Philip Rivers in 2017.
And in 2021, his first season with the Rams, he was third behind Brady and Justin Herbert.
Could this be the year Stafford finishes on top?
Stafford will enter Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens with a league-leading 1,503 passing yards.
He is second in touchdowns (11), attempts (183) and completions (122). Stafford had two passes intercepted.
Through five games, Stafford is off to his best start since 2021, when he passed for 1,587 yards and 12 touchdowns, with three interceptions.
Would Stafford like to add a so-called passing title to his illustrious CV?
“I don’t think about it too much,” Stafford said Wednesday before practice, adding, “Maybe another time when I’m done playing this game.
“But no, I’m just trying to get us in the end zone and score as many points as possible.”
The Rams (3-2) are coming off a 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers, a game Stafford had the Rams poised to possibly win until running back Kyren Williams was stopped on a fourth-and-1 play at the 49ers 11-yard line.
Stafford passed for 389 yards and three touchdowns.
“He’s done a great job putting us in good positions,” coach Sean McVay said, adding, “He’s playing the way we think he’s capable of.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leaves the field after a victory against the Houston Texans on September 8.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Stafford and receiver Puka Nacua are doing their part to shine.
Nacua leads the NFL with 52 catches and 599 receiving yards. He passed for two touchdowns and also scored on a 45-yard run.
Stafford said Nacua’s versatility sets him apart.
“If you’re a defense and you’re going against him…you’ve got to defend every blade of grass,” Stafford said. “Are we going to give it to him? Are we going to throw it to him? Is he going to lead a block for us in a running game? Or is he going to slide into the flat, grab it and run for another 15 minutes. [yards].”
Receiver Davante Adams also helped Stafford in his first season with the Rams. The two clashed when Stafford played for the Lions, Adams for the Green Bay Packers.
“I just had a ton of respect and admiration for his game,” Stafford said of Adams, who has 22 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns. “That hasn’t changed. It’s only grown since he’s been here. As good a player as he is, he’s an even better teammate.”
The Rams had three days off after the loss to the 49ers.
Stafford, a father of four daughters, said he uses something called a mini-bye to recharge his batteries.
“I make sure that when I go to my daughters’ soccer games, I’m seated and not standing too much, to preserve my legs,” he said with a laugh. “If we’re painting pumpkins, I try not to get my hands too dirty. I rest as much as I can…
“But I appreciate them, especially as I get older and my career gets longer. It’s important to use those moments, whenever you can, to try to feel as good as you can. I’ve done that as best I can and I feel refreshed and ready to come back and try to get this thing going again.”
Etc.
Linebacker Omar Speights (ankle), tight end Tyler Higbee (hip) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle) did not practice. Safety Kam Kinchens (knee), linebacker Nate Landman (ankle) and tight end Colby Parkinson (concussion) were limited. … Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) did not practice, according to the Ravens injury report.
