I never said there wasn't truth in what you said. Just expanding on it to include more truths.
As for the bold I agree maybe we should start a thread with a poll discussing the possibility of Stafford retiring
Which QB should the Rams draft in the 1st Round next year?
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As for the bold I agree maybe we should start a thread with a poll discussing the possibility of Stafford retiring
I would have said the same thing about Aaron Donald before he called it quits.
Not eqivocable. A Defensive Tackle getting double (sometimes triple) teamed vs a Quarterback, being kept clean for the most part, trying to add Rings to further his Legacy.
They're not equal because Stafford has taken a massive amount more of beating over his time in the NFL than AD ever did. He's had a ton more injuries than AD ever did. He gets hit just as hard if not harder than AD did and usually more times a game. You see him being protected relatively well and forget 12 years in Detroit and that not every year in LA has been like this one. And even when he's got a clean pocket he'll still take little shots at the end of a major amount of plays.
Lets compare here actually
I could be reading the lists wrong but I'd say AD doesn't have shit on Stafford in injury problems over their career.
I know you know this but I think a few others might not realize I'm not advocating for him to retire. He's been a great Ram and I'd love for him to stay around forever. But the fact that people can't believe it's possible or wont' accept that it's possible is what I'm debating. Not whether he should or would retire.
The point is few, if any, saw it coming.
Plus Stafford will be 38 years old (Donald was 32) and has had far more injuries.
These guys have families and want to be as healthy as possible when they retire.
I'd understand if he'd want to continue playing. But, it's just as understandable if he did not.
On a side note, after this season if he continues, he may want more than what the team is willing to pay him.
Agreed, lots of good wideouts should be available late 1st early 2nd. Chris Bell and Germie Bernard seem like Rams-type wide receivers.
A better comparison to Matthew Stafford than Aaron Donald is Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. Why compare a QB to a DT? Cause theyre both Rams?
Am well aware of the FACT that Matt may WANT to retire after any season. This isnt a "hope against hope" thing, its a feeling i have that he doesn't want to.
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Its COMPLETELY understandable if he doesn't want to continue playing. Who said it wasnt???
My feeling, and prediction, is that he DOES want to continue playing. And playing for the Sean McVay Rams with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and COMPANY (Stud Offensive Line)
Classic Rams
Hall of Fame
Stafford said as long as he's having fun, and staying healthy is part of it. In 2022 he almost had a serious neck injury and in TC he was considered having a serious back injury. But we know Stafford is a warrior who seems almost indestructible because he'll play banged up. Donald in comparison missed his first games with injury in 2022 so he's been injuty-worry free and a lot less banged up. So I wouldn't compare.
Meanwhile back on our qb hunt I'm liking Sorsby a lot today. Not his fault his D is swiss cheese.
And wow Mateer and that comeback. Resilient dude.
Meanwhile back on our qb hunt I'm liking Sorsby a lot today. Not his fault his D is swiss cheese.
And wow Mateer and that comeback. Resilient dude.
You. At least the way I read it.
It's the only reason I responded.
All im saying is that i seriously doubt MVP of 2025 season Matthew Stafford WANTS to retire. Wasnt he looking for 2 or 3 years when he shopped around last offseason?
I don't know. But, that's another issue.
Both Stafford and the organization would have to come to terms on a new deal which may not be as easy as we might think.
IMO, it's not Stafford's or the team's performance that's most important in determining whether to draft a QB. It's his age, health, and plans for the future. It's a near certainty that whoever they draft wont be initially be as good as him, so they should ride him as long as they can.
If Stafford tells them he wants to play another 3 years, they can push back drafting QBotF and go with an established vet backup like they've done this year and last.
But if the team and Stafford agree that they want to take things year by year for health reasons or because he may want to retire, then getting an heir apparent now is wise, despite the fact that he's still playing at a high level.
Well thats another issue altogether. If Stafford wins SB (HOPE!!!!), tells Rams he wants 3 years 200 or im out o here, Rams decide to draft a guy in 1st Round instead, thats all well and good.
This is exactly why I don't speculate. AD retiring was a surprise for the fans, it was not a surprise for the team.
As long as Stafford plays I don't see Snead drafting a QB high. The plan will always be to surround Stafford with as much talent on both sides as possible.
Totally agree that being able to acquire the #1 pick and Draft Mendoza is completely worthwhile and should be done if attainable. Regardless of this year's outcome.
So how does Staffords injury history and contract holdout/dispute record compare to those two?
It was when he told them. But he gave them a lot more notice than us and they could plan arou d it.
Stafford’s had his injuries, more than Aaron. Brady lost a full year to an ACL. Main point is Brady played well past 40 and productive for the most part. Aaron played productive up til 40, then not so great IN his 40's. Stafford’s got another 3 elite years in him EASY with this Coach, this team.