Elmgrovegnome
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Matt Stafford Traded to Rams
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Tano
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Says you
Elmgrovegnome
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Tano
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And how many other wins does he have. He does get a lot of his stats in garbage time.
But, but he only gets stats in garbage time
BonifayRam
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7 ways Rams offense will improve with Matthew Stafford
By Kyle Madson /January 31, 2021
Matthew Stafford trade will give Los Angeles Rams big upgrade (usatoday.com)
The Rams and Lions on Saturday agreed to a deal that will send quarterback Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles in exchange for Jared Goff and a trio of draft picks.
While two first-round picks and a third-round pick seem like a lot to give up for a 12-year veteran signal caller who’s never won a playoff game in three trips and has a sub-.500 record as a starter, Stafford offers a significant upgrade under center for the Rams. In fact, depending on how the offseason shakes out, he should make them the favorites to win the NFC West.
A number of things will stand out as improvements with Stafford calling signals for LA, but these seven ways Stafford is better than Goff will immediately make the Rams Super Bowl contenders.
Deep throws
One of Stafford’s best qualities is his arm strength. He put that big arm to use last season and put together an excellent season on throws beyond 20 yards. He went 28-of-67 (41.8 percent) on those throws with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. A 41.8 percent completion rate is well above the likes of Patrick Mahomes (35.6 percent) and Russell Wilson (38.2 percent), and right there with Aaron Rodgers (41.6 percent). Goff, by comparison, was 13-of-43 (30.2 percent) on those throws with three touchdowns and two interceptions. A McVay offense that can consistently take the top off a defense could be lethal.
Efficiency
Yards aren’t the end-all quarterback stat since so much of it rides on game script and things outside of the quarterback’s control, Stafford managed to throw for more yards than Goff last season on fewer attempts. He tied for ninth in the NFL last season with 7.7 yards per attempt, while Goff finished tied for 20th with Patriots QB Cam Newton at 7.2 yards per attempt. It stands to reason Stafford’s efficiency will only improve under Sean McVay, which will make the Rams offense more formidable thanks to his added ability to stretch the field vertically.
Under pressure
One of the biggest issues for Goff last season was his ability to deal with pressure. When facing heat from defenses, Goff completed only 44.4 percent of his throws for four touchdowns and seven interceptions, and he saw his yards-per-attempt drop to an abysmal 4.3. Stafford was the polar opposite. His completion rate was just 50.4 percent, but his YPA stayed at 7.6 while he tossed eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. Having a quarterback who can deliver with defenders in his face will make LA much more difficult to defend.
More touchdowns
Stafford wasn’t elite in the touchdown category a year ago, but he was better than what the Rams rolled out. His touchdown rate was 4.9 percent – middle of the pack in the NFL – while Goff’s came in at 3.6 percent. That was 26th out of 35 eligible quarterbacks. While there are a number of factors that go into touchdowns, it’s a positive for the Rams that their new quarterback turns far more of his throws into touchdowns.
Fewer interceptions
One of the things that stands out on Stafford’s stat sheet is the number of interceptions. The only seasons he’s been under double digits were the two where he played eight or fewer games. He threw the ball a ton though because of a Lions club that so often played from behind, and so rarely had any semblance of a rushing attack. His interception rate last season came in at 1.9 percent, good for 15th in the league. Goff’s was 2.4 percent. Fewer throws turning into giveaways is always a plus, and a stellar Rams defense to go with a strong running game should help Stafford see a dip in those turnover numbers.
Play action
Stafford was excellent on play action last year, but the Lions offense didn’t run it nearly as much as a team like the Rams. Goff had 172 attempts off play action, while Stafford had only 105. The low number of play-action throws for Stafford is especially perplexing considering how good he was in those situations. He completed 70-of-105 (66.7 percent) with three touchdowns and one interception, while churning out an excellent 9.1 yards per attempt. Goff was fine in play action and actually had a better touchdown rate, but his YPA was lower at 8.0 and his interception rate was much worse. Putting Stafford in 170-plus play-action drop backs should give the Rams offense a significant boost.
Game-winning drives
This isn’t a definitive statistic that indicates a player is better than another, but Stafford authored four game-winning drives last season, giving him 38 across his 12 seasons. Ideally the Rams won’t be in a position where they need a ton of game-winning drives, but Stafford’s ability to orchestrate them has been consistent and well-documented. As long as the game’s within a score, the Rams will have a chance with Stafford.
By Kyle Madson /January 31, 2021
Matthew Stafford trade will give Los Angeles Rams big upgrade (usatoday.com)
The Rams and Lions on Saturday agreed to a deal that will send quarterback Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles in exchange for Jared Goff and a trio of draft picks.
While two first-round picks and a third-round pick seem like a lot to give up for a 12-year veteran signal caller who’s never won a playoff game in three trips and has a sub-.500 record as a starter, Stafford offers a significant upgrade under center for the Rams. In fact, depending on how the offseason shakes out, he should make them the favorites to win the NFC West.
A number of things will stand out as improvements with Stafford calling signals for LA, but these seven ways Stafford is better than Goff will immediately make the Rams Super Bowl contenders.
Deep throws
One of Stafford’s best qualities is his arm strength. He put that big arm to use last season and put together an excellent season on throws beyond 20 yards. He went 28-of-67 (41.8 percent) on those throws with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. A 41.8 percent completion rate is well above the likes of Patrick Mahomes (35.6 percent) and Russell Wilson (38.2 percent), and right there with Aaron Rodgers (41.6 percent). Goff, by comparison, was 13-of-43 (30.2 percent) on those throws with three touchdowns and two interceptions. A McVay offense that can consistently take the top off a defense could be lethal.
Efficiency
Yards aren’t the end-all quarterback stat since so much of it rides on game script and things outside of the quarterback’s control, Stafford managed to throw for more yards than Goff last season on fewer attempts. He tied for ninth in the NFL last season with 7.7 yards per attempt, while Goff finished tied for 20th with Patriots QB Cam Newton at 7.2 yards per attempt. It stands to reason Stafford’s efficiency will only improve under Sean McVay, which will make the Rams offense more formidable thanks to his added ability to stretch the field vertically.
Under pressure
One of the biggest issues for Goff last season was his ability to deal with pressure. When facing heat from defenses, Goff completed only 44.4 percent of his throws for four touchdowns and seven interceptions, and he saw his yards-per-attempt drop to an abysmal 4.3. Stafford was the polar opposite. His completion rate was just 50.4 percent, but his YPA stayed at 7.6 while he tossed eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. Having a quarterback who can deliver with defenders in his face will make LA much more difficult to defend.
More touchdowns
Stafford wasn’t elite in the touchdown category a year ago, but he was better than what the Rams rolled out. His touchdown rate was 4.9 percent – middle of the pack in the NFL – while Goff’s came in at 3.6 percent. That was 26th out of 35 eligible quarterbacks. While there are a number of factors that go into touchdowns, it’s a positive for the Rams that their new quarterback turns far more of his throws into touchdowns.
Fewer interceptions
One of the things that stands out on Stafford’s stat sheet is the number of interceptions. The only seasons he’s been under double digits were the two where he played eight or fewer games. He threw the ball a ton though because of a Lions club that so often played from behind, and so rarely had any semblance of a rushing attack. His interception rate last season came in at 1.9 percent, good for 15th in the league. Goff’s was 2.4 percent. Fewer throws turning into giveaways is always a plus, and a stellar Rams defense to go with a strong running game should help Stafford see a dip in those turnover numbers.
Play action
Stafford was excellent on play action last year, but the Lions offense didn’t run it nearly as much as a team like the Rams. Goff had 172 attempts off play action, while Stafford had only 105. The low number of play-action throws for Stafford is especially perplexing considering how good he was in those situations. He completed 70-of-105 (66.7 percent) with three touchdowns and one interception, while churning out an excellent 9.1 yards per attempt. Goff was fine in play action and actually had a better touchdown rate, but his YPA was lower at 8.0 and his interception rate was much worse. Putting Stafford in 170-plus play-action drop backs should give the Rams offense a significant boost.
Game-winning drives
This isn’t a definitive statistic that indicates a player is better than another, but Stafford authored four game-winning drives last season, giving him 38 across his 12 seasons. Ideally the Rams won’t be in a position where they need a ton of game-winning drives, but Stafford’s ability to orchestrate them has been consistent and well-documented. As long as the game’s within a score, the Rams will have a chance with Stafford.
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MachS
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Stafford hurt his back in 2019 missed half the year. Came back last year in 2020 and played all 16 games. I'd say its a non issue.
Ramit
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So the other 21 players on the field don't matter? Just Goff and McVay?
My point is that that is in no way at all a Goff stat. Its a rams-team-under-McVay stat.
Case in point: Rams, with Goff under center, led the Dolphins 7-0 at halftime in week 11 (i believe) under fisher. They lost that game.
One player can certainly elevate a team to a win or sink them to a loss in certain situations i.e. the Russell Wilson pick in the endzone to lose the SB.
However, when its such a big number, such as 36-0 or 40-0, that is definitely a product of the entire rams team as players + staff than it is indicative of any one person.
In fact, if it is indicative of a person, that person is McVay—not Goff.
Tano
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If we lose in the first round because of lousy QB play in the playoffs which Stafford has shown he hasn't played well in, then it is not a win for me.
Tano
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If Goff played as poorly as some of you have indicated, then there is no way Goff could have gone 36-0 at halftime.
A bad QB play in the second half will result in losses.
Goff has shown time and again that he plays better in the second half.
Yes he played poorly in some games in the first half, but he always came back to play much better in the second half.
Elmgrovegnome
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I can't love this enough. This gets forgotten by RoD members every year as they wallow in dismay over what will the Rams ever be able to do? Oh no! We are going to "Suck again" because of this cap!
Tano
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It still freaks me out that one play will end his career with the Rams. Back issues can come back at any time.
Ask Kershaw.
BonifayRam
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Elmgrovegnome
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If they can convince enough players that Stafford puts them over the top and into the Super Bowl, and that the window will start closing in three years, I would think that the desire to win it all (especially after seeing AD crying on the sideline), then much of this may happen.
MachS
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First game ever as a ROOKIE, down 24-3.. in a 5 wide set. Sees defense show a zero blitz look, walks to the line and audibles out if the play. Gets the ball outside immediately on a quick throw and it goes for a TD. Wow the irony.
Whad'ya know?
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Those are the ones you want.
Looks like you are shopping at a Smart & Final Extra.
I know where to get mine. I just had to do some research.
Tano
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Who has said that we will suck. No - we have said that we will be hampered by it.
Not resigning Saffold due to CAP issues sucked big time and our OL has suffered because of it.
We can always make CAP room but we can't get the ONE or TWO players to put us over the top.
We needed a center and/or inside linebacker last year to put us over the top.
We have both or even possibly either one - we go to the super bowl. I am that convinced about it.
But we did not have the CAP room to get either.
Allen2McVay
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A point on cap space and restructurings.
The Rams can create a lot of 2021 cap space by restructuring the contracts of Donald, Ramsey, Woods and Kupp (some combination of the four, or possibly all of them).
If you type in one of their names and the word ‘contract’ you will see the details by year. All four have large cap hits, with a high amount being Salary.
If the Rams simply reclassify a significant portion of the Salary to Bonus, the 2021 cap hit decreases.
For example, if you reclass $16M of salary-to-bonus, and the player has four years left on his deal, that creates $12M of 2021 cap space. The player gets the same $16M (no change for him) but the Rams get to spread out the same $16M over four years for cap purposes.
The payment is all in 2021. Only the cap hit changes.
Now it’s not all positive because the cap hit is increased in the future years. In the example above, by $4M each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
If the Rams are focused on trying to win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons (seems clear), this is what I think they will have to do to first get down to the cap, and then to do some business.
The Rams can create a lot of 2021 cap space by restructuring the contracts of Donald, Ramsey, Woods and Kupp (some combination of the four, or possibly all of them).
If you type in one of their names and the word ‘contract’ you will see the details by year. All four have large cap hits, with a high amount being Salary.
If the Rams simply reclassify a significant portion of the Salary to Bonus, the 2021 cap hit decreases.
For example, if you reclass $16M of salary-to-bonus, and the player has four years left on his deal, that creates $12M of 2021 cap space. The player gets the same $16M (no change for him) but the Rams get to spread out the same $16M over four years for cap purposes.
The payment is all in 2021. Only the cap hit changes.
Now it’s not all positive because the cap hit is increased in the future years. In the example above, by $4M each year in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
If the Rams are focused on trying to win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons (seems clear), this is what I think they will have to do to first get down to the cap, and then to do some business.
I think it helps us short term. We get a little cap relief and a better qb we hope, but it hurts us long term I we move on from Stafford in two years we have little draft ammo. I f we resign him we have no ammo. If Wolford is the guy for the future we have to draft that guy with a second or third rounder. Its happened but an unlikely event. Think this move was a win now, reset the McVay offense, sell seats and compete with the Chargers Dodgers and Lakers for the hearts and minds. We might see Whitworth cut or restructured. I would convert him into a coach spreading out some of his remaining for five years and off the cap books. He is such a big presence on the field. It would probably take some recognition on his part that he's nearing the ned. We still need to address online and an burner wr. Hopefully this deal will help to keep most of the def FAs this year.
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