Is Rams QB Matthew Stafford playing his best ball yet?
Matthew Stafford wasn’t in most top-10 lists when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, but winning a Super Bowl and then having one of your best seasons at age 35 will raise your stock. In their latest QB rankings, ProFootballFocus ranked Stafford as the 7th-best quarterback in the NFL, putting him right near the top-tier of QBs in the NFL today and going strong at age 36.
Something something about fine wines getting better with age. Stafford had a fantastic season at age 35. His 83.8 passing grade in the regular season ranked seventh in the league, while his 32 big-time throws were the fifth most and his 2.1% turnover-worthy play rate placed second, behind only Prescott.
Stafford has long had one of the best arms in the league, and even if that total arm talent is going down slightly, he’s making up for it with wisdom, creativity and craftiness.
Stafford ranked second among NFC quarterbacks, behind Dak Prescott who was ranked sixth. Yes, that means that PFF’s top-5 quarterbacks are all in the AFC and shows why it is such a great opportunity for any team in the NFC that has a decent quarterback to be able to get to the Super Bowl and possibly win it all in 2025.
One of Stafford’s most interesting career facts is how beneficial he’s proven as a partner for some of the game’s top receivers.
With the Detroit Lions, Stafford teamed up with Calvin Johnson to make history and break some records. Johnson had 122 catches for 1,964 yards in 2012. Then on the Rams, Stafford helped Cooper Kupp win Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Then Stafford helped Puka Nacua set rookie records with 105 catches for 1,485 yards.
This isn’t even mentioning all of the other great receiver seasons that Stafford has played a part in over the course of his career.
There’s no quarterback in the NFC who has a clear advantage over what the Rams have with Stafford in 2024. Maybe that perception will change in six months, but for now he’s earned his place in the top-10.
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