The Los Angeles Rams reached the NFL playoffs despite being counted out by many this season. LA almost upset the Detroit Lions on the road during the Wild Card round, losing by one point in a competitive 24-23 affair. Now questions are being asked about quarterback Matthew Stafford's future with Los Angeles. Rams head coach Sean McVay commented on LA's commitment to Stafford, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.
“Sean McVay said the Rams are committed to Matthew Stafford ‘100%' and if it was otherwise ‘that would be a good way to get me really riled up,'” Klein wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Matthew Stafford's performance in Rams' loss vs. Lions
Stafford performed well despite suffering an injury scare in the Wild Card game. Stafford threw for 376 yards to go along with two touchdowns on 25-36 passing.
McVay is a big fan of Stafford. He addressed Stafford's performance following the defeat.
“I wouldn't want anyone else as our quarterback other than Matthew Stafford,” McVay told reporters, via the Rams account on X (formerly Twitter). “He was outstanding, gritty, he was gutsy. Tough throw after tough throw… We just came up a little bit short in the red area. But he certainly gave us a chance.
“We would have never been in this situation without Matthew Stafford's leadership, his guidance, his resilience. He was one of the main catalysts for what was right about this football team. I know he will be excited about coming back next year.”
Stafford's 2023 season
Again, the Rams upset the odds in 2023. Stafford's performance went a long way in helping Los Angeles reach the playoffs.
The Rams quarterback ultimately threw for 3,965 yards. He added 24 touchdowns through the air. The Rams went 9-6 in games Stafford played in.
Following his quality effort during the regular season, Stafford was selected to the Pro Bowl team. Despite Stafford carving out an impressive career, it was just his second Pro Bowl selection.
Although Stafford has not always earned many accolades, he's been a reliable quarterback throughout his time in the NFL. He was often overlooked during his time with the Lions despite performing quite well.
Stafford has started to receive more attention with the Rams, but one can make the case he is still underrated. At the very least, Stafford has a major fan in Sean McVay.