Since their bye week, the Los Angeles Rams have won three of their last four games, and quarterback Matthew Stafford has played a major role in the team’s surge back into playoff contention.
Stafford has completed 61.3 percent of his passes for 992 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just two interceptions over the last four games. Stafford appears to be in his twilight years rather than the quarterback who guided the Rams to a Super Bowl just two years ago after throwing eight touchdowns to seven interceptions to start the season.
Rams coach Sean McVay made sure to treat veteran signal-caller Stafford with the respect he so richly deserves, even in the midst of his recent hot streak.
Yes, he has performed similarly to Matthew, McVay told reporters on Monday. He’s clearly in good health and plays like a great player. He’s doing an excellent job, in my opinion, of passing the football. Guys are vying for him and around him, and he has excellent control over what he observes.
“These have definitely been two of the upper echelon defenses. I think he’s played really well when you look at the fourth quarter in Seattle and then the last 12 quarters when you combine Arizona, Cleveland and yesterday against Baltimore. He’s given us a chance to play really well on the offensive side of the football and when he’s doing that good things happen.”
After a dismal 3-6 start to the season, the Rams were all but done, but with Stafford’s comeback and a light schedule left for the end of the season, there is now a very real chance to make the playoffs.
Not only is this development fantastic for the Rams, but it’s also fantastic for Stafford individually. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback is demonstrating that he still has a lot left in the tank despite recent injury concerns and reports of his retirement.