My confession about Matthew Stafford

[AvengerRam]

When I'm right, I'm not shy about saying I was right. When I'm wrong, I'm not too proud to say I was wrong.

I was wrong about Matthew Stafford.

When the subject of trading for Stafford first came up, I was, in a word, apathetic. I viewed Stafford the prospect of acquiring Stafford as a lateral move that would not be worth the expense of draft choices, and I said as much.

Then the trade happened, and I was compelled to take a closer look. What I found is that I really didn't know that much about Stafford.

Sure, I knew his background, had a general idea of his stats and his winning percentage, and I had seen him play a handful of times over the years (including the Rams last trip to Detroit, which I attended). But I really didn't focus on him in great detail until after the Rams made the deal.

When I started looking at his film, I saw a QB who is clearly superior to Jared Goff in terms of pocket awareness, footwork/resetting the pocket, release speed and arm strength. I also was overwhelmed by praise he received from former teammates and talent evaluators, who lauded his football IQ, his work ethic, his team approach and his community involvement. This was echoed in the sentiments of Sean McVay, who is reportedly ecstatic about his new QB, and oddsmakers, who have put the Rams near the top of the list of Super Bowl contenders for 2021.

I then started looking more carefully at the context of his career. I was amazed a just how poor his run support has been over his career (the average leading rusher for the Lions during his tenure had around 600 yards). I confirmed that he has played on some very poor defensive teams, which forced him to play catch-up far too often.

So, in the end, I realized that I was wrong about Stafford. He is a much better QB than I realized, and there is a lot of reason to be excited about this trade.

Sorry it took me so long to get with the program!

 

[JonRam99]

I was feeling the same. After several great Rams seasons (including a SB run) with Goff at the helm, I guess I was shocked and alarmed too -- why give up all those picks for a lateral move, for a guy who's never sniffed the SB?
But yeah I'm seeing the light, I think it was kinda like the merciful hand of the NFL putting Stafford on a better team, which we are clearly. Our run support for Stafford will be superior, our D is top notch with 2 future HOFers (ya I think Ramsey's getting a green jacket), our coaching is superior (as evidenced by the prodigious McVay coaching tree), so I'm drinkin da Koolaid.

Welcome to LA Matthew Stafford!

 

[btfd16]

I was feeling the same. After several great Rams seasons (including a SB run) with Goff at the helm, I guess I was shocked and alarmed too -- why give up all those picks for a lateral move, for a guy who's never sniffed the SB?
But yeah I'm seeing the light, I think it was kinda like the merciful hand of the NFL putting Stafford on a better team, which we are clearly. Our run support for Stafford will be superior, our D is top notch with 2 future HOFers (ya I think Ramsey's getting a green jacket), our coaching is superior (as evidenced by the prodigious McVay coaching tree), so I'm drinkin da Koolaid.

Welcome to LA Matthew Stafford!

Ramsey's winning the Masters? Talk about a dual sport athlete.

 

[Angry Ram]

After the initial shock wore off I got hype. The first thing I think of when I see MS is that year where he had the most GW drives.

 

[PressureD41]

Whats his golf handicap LMAO

 

[PressureD41]

I truly believe within the next 3 years we should be able to the Super Bowl w/ our roster currently.

I think people & media underestimate how bad it was for Stafford in Detroit. Had a WR or 2 but the rest of the roster was garbage.

 

[JonRam99]

GREEN GOLD WHATEVER

 

[ottoman89]

When I'm right, I'm not shy about saying I was right. When I'm wrong, I'm not too proud to say I was wrong.

I was wrong about Matthew Stafford.

When the subject of trading for Stafford first came up, I was, in a word, apathetic. I viewed Stafford the prospect of acquiring Stafford as a lateral move that would not be worth the expense of draft choices, and I said as much.

Then the trade happened, and I was compelled to take a closer look. What I found is that I really didn't know that much about Stafford.

Sure, I knew his background, had a general idea of his stats and his winning percentage, and I had seen him play a handful of times over the years (including the Rams last trip to Detroit, which I attended). But I really didn't focus on him in great detail until after the Rams made the deal.

When I started looking at his film, I saw a QB who is clearly superior to Jared Goff in terms of pocket awareness, footwork/resetting the pocket, release speed and arm strength. I also was overwhelmed by praise he received from former teammates and talent evaluators, who lauded his football IQ, his work ethic, his team approach and his community involvement. This was echoed in the sentiments of Sean McVay, who is reportedly ecstatic about his new QB, and oddsmakers, who have put the Rams near the top of the list of Super Bowl contenders for 2021.

I then started looking more carefully at the context of his career. I was amazed a just how poor his run support has been over his career (the average leading rusher for the Lions during his tenure had around 600 yards). I confirmed that he has played on some very poor defensive teams, which forced him to play catch-up far too often.

So, in the end, I realized that I was wrong about Stafford. He is a much better QB than I realized, and there is a lot of reason to be excited about this trade.

Sorry it took me so long to get with the program!

Loved your post. And I figured it'd take time, but knew people who weren't as excited at first like some of us were, would eventually get excited and see why we are too!

 

[BriansRams]

He's an upgrade that is for sure! Love it. SB here we come. This season.

 

[CGI_Ram]

We are in for a fun ride.

As Rams fans we know first hand how mid market teams player’s don’t get the national recognition they deserve during their careers. Bruce, Jackson, etc.

Stafford...who knows what happens now paired up with McVay and the strong team we have.

 

[CoachAllred]

When the subject of trading for Stafford first came up, I was, in a word, apathetic. I viewed Stafford the prospect of acquiring Stafford as a lateral move
Then the trade happened, and I was compelled to take a closer look. What I found is that I really didn't know that much about Stafford.

Same. I honestly don't think I have watched a Lions game since Barry Sanders.
you're not in this boat alone AvengerRam.

 

[FrantikRam]

The QB winzzzz crowd will hate this so, look away.

Brett Favre played on better teams for a better organization, so yes, he had a Super Bowl win and two appearances, along with a ton of playoff wins.

But Favre had his most efficient and arguably best season of his career at age 40 with the Vikings.

I always loved Favre and watched a lot of Vikings games that year - he looked different. Better. He had never played with someone like AP before.

This is what I see for Stafford coming to the Rams. Yes, he's not as good as Favre - but he's as good as Favre was at age 39

 

[PhillyRam]

When I'm right, I'm not shy about saying I was right. When I'm wrong, I'm not too proud to say I was wrong.

I was wrong about Matthew Stafford.

When the subject of trading for Stafford first came up, I was, in a word, apathetic. I viewed Stafford the prospect of acquiring Stafford as a lateral move that would not be worth the expense of draft choices, and I said as much.

Then the trade happened, and I was compelled to take a closer look. What I found is that I really didn't know that much about Stafford.

Sure, I knew his background, had a general idea of his stats and his winning percentage, and I had seen him play a handful of times over the years (including the Rams last trip to Detroit, which I attended). But I really didn't focus on him in great detail until after the Rams made the deal.

When I started looking at his film, I saw a QB who is clearly superior to Jared Goff in terms of pocket awareness, footwork/resetting the pocket, release speed and arm strength. I also was overwhelmed by praise he received from former teammates and talent evaluators, who lauded his football IQ, his work ethic, his team approach and his community involvement. This was echoed in the sentiments of Sean McVay, who is reportedly ecstatic about his new QB, and oddsmakers, who have put the Rams near the top of the list of Super Bowl contenders for 2021.

I then started looking more carefully at the context of his career. I was amazed a just how poor his run support has been over his career (the average leading rusher for the Lions during his tenure had around 600 yards). I confirmed that he has played on some very poor defensive teams, which forced him to play catch-up far too often.

So, in the end, I realized that I was wrong about Stafford. He is a much better QB than I realized, and there is a lot of reason to be excited about this trade.

Sorry it took me so long to get with the program!

I am looking at it as a 4 yr window.... Nowadays that's a lifetime since even good high draft picks only stick around that long anymore like JJ.

However, I would be much more estatic if he was just a few yrs younger. A 30 yr old Stafford and this would be a slam dunk.

Now I just hope he is not entering the phase of his career wear he gets banged up a lot, playing hurt, missing some games etc...

That's why I would like to see the OL become the priority over this offseason and going forward. And it has to with the investment made in Stafford.

 

[CoachAllred]

I confirmed that he has played on some very poor defensive teams, which forced him to play catch-up far too often.

NFL Fourth Quarter Comebacks Career Leaders (since 1950) | Pro-Football-Reference.com

1. Tom Brady (46), 2. Peyton Manning (43), 3. Ben Roethlisberger (41), 4. Matt Ryan (38), 5. Drew Brees (36),

www.pro-football-reference.com

NFL Fourth Quarter Comebacks Career Leaders (since 1960)

You and most everybody in this forum are Ram Lifers. For better for worse.
I sure as heck haven't agreed on the teams direction many times over the years.
But I always come back, suck it up and hope for the best.
Doesn't matter when you join. Just as long as you're with us brother.
Go Rams!!

 

[MachS]

GREEN GOLD WHATEVER

View: https://youtu.be/rL2Mn3oZoMQ

 

[CoachAllred]

I think it was kinda like the merciful hand of the NFL putting Stafford on a better team

From what I have read Stafford is beyond Stoked about playing for the Rams.
The Rams were by far the team he most wanted to play for.
IMHO I think Stafford, who is all ready known for his excellent work ethic is going to
be working harder this offseason than he ever has.
And you take all of that and throw him in a room with McVay???
Oh it's on!! It's on like Donkey Kong!!

 

[Corbin]

NFL Fourth Quarter Comebacks Career Leaders (since 1960)


View attachment 44059

You and most everybody in this forum are Ram Lifers. For better for worse.
I sure as heck haven't agreed on the teams direction many times over the years.
But I always come back, suck it up and hope for the best.
Doesn't matter when you join. Just as long as you're with us brother.
Go Rams!!

Interesting list to see.

Compared to 6 with Goff. Yes I know the years in league are different but no where on pace to be close to Stafford.

However the one I will forever love Goff for is the NFCCG in NEw Orleans! That was a hell of a game!!!

The one the will forever be pisssed at him for is the SB. But plenty of fault to go around for that one. But man he missed a ton of shit that game. Smh.

 

[CoachAllred]

Interesting list to see.

Compared to 6 with Goff. Yes I know the years in league are different but no where on pace to be close to Stafford.

However the one I will forever love Goff for is the NFCCG in NEw Orleans! That was a hell of a game!!!

The one the will forever be pisssed at him for is the SB. But plenty of fault to go around for that one. But man he missed a ton of shit that game. Smh.

Stafford had 4 last year alone. Of course it doesn't hurt that their defense wasn't hitting on much.
Don't think Goff has had any where near the amount of yearly opportunities that Detroit gave Stafford.

 

[PARAM]

Interesting list to see.

Compared to 6 with Goff. Yes I know the years in league are different but no where on pace to be close to Stafford.

However the one I will forever love Goff for is the NFCCG in NEw Orleans! That was a hell of a game!!!

The one the will forever be pisssed at him for is the SB. But plenty of fault to go around for that one. But man he missed a ton of shit that game. Smh.

Well we have to keep in mind, Jared Goff only has 6 comebacks but besides his rookie year, he's only had just 26 chances, so he's 6 for 26 Stafford has had 122 opportunities. Stafford has a slight edge in percentage of comebacks.

Having said that, I love the fact that the Rams won't offer him many opportunities so either way....less opportunities; capable of doing it......it's good for the Rams.

 

[1maGoh]

Well we have to keep in mind, Jared Goff only has 6 comebacks but besides his rookie year, he's only had just 26 chances, so he's 6 for 26 Stafford has had 122 opportunities. Stafford has a slight edge in percentage of comebacks.

Having said that, I love the fact that the Rams won't offer him many opportunities so either way....less opportunities; capable of doing it......it's good for the Rams.

I was going to say something similar. The teams have been up at the half in what is it not 43 games or something? Doesn't seem like Goff had a lot of changes for fourth quarter comebacks. Not that he took advantage of many that he did have but still.