Matthew Stafford was voted to the Professional Bowl this season, however the Rams veteran quarterback stopped regarding himself in regards to the recognition greater than a decade in the past.
In 2011, the then third-year professional handed for greater than 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Detroit Lions.
Stafford thought he had an opportunity to make the NFC roster, however Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Cam Newton received extra votes.
“Wasn’t even shut,” Stafford mentioned, chuckling, on Wednesday. “So at that time, I sort of reserved myself to simply go play, have enjoyable and no matter occurs, occurs.
“However it’s cool to be part of it.”
Stafford, who additionally was voted to the Professional Bowl in 2014 and 2023, is a number one contender for maybe the NFL’s most prestigious award — most beneficial participant.
Stafford, 37, has handed for a league-leading 4,179 yards and 40 touchdowns, with 5 interceptions, whereas main a Rams staff that’s 11-4 and presently seeded No. 6 within the NFC going into Monday evening’s sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Rams are averaging 30.5 factors and 396.7 yards per sport, each tops within the NFL. They rank second in passing (270.5 yards per sport) and fifth in speeding (126.3 yards per sport).
In final Thursday’s 38-37 time beyond regulation loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Stafford handed for 457 yards and three touchdowns. But he was outdueled by fellow Professional Bowl choose Sam Darnold, who led a landing drive in time beyond regulation and capped it with a game-winning two-point conversion move.
Stafford is getting ready to face a Falcons protection that ranks 14th total, however eighth in opposition to the move, giving up 195.1 yards per sport.
Requested if he was stunned that Stafford has solely been voted to the Professional Bowl 3 times, Rams coach Sean McVay mentioned sure, including that there have been “plenty of layers to the Professional Bowl stuff.”
“You discuss to the actual soccer individuals. … I believe he’s seen as a man that’s probably the greatest ever to do it,” McVay mentioned. “I believe that’s been very properly acknowledged this yr however I believe it’s in all probability overdue.”
Stafford has “elevated” everyone round him for the reason that Rams traded for him in 2021, McVay mentioned.
“One of the best half about Matthew is, he’s received this nice humility,” McVay mentioned, including, “What he cares about are the respect of his teammates, his coaches and the individuals he’s enjoying in opposition to. And I believe if you discuss to those that know, hes received nice respect and admiration for the best way that he competes, the best way he goes about it and what sort of participant he’s.”
And many others.
Receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) are making “good progress,” however McVay didn’t present a definitive replace on their standing for the sport in opposition to the Falcons. … The Rams opened the 21-day window for cornerback Roger McCreary (hip) to return from injured reserve. McVay mentioned “most definitely” that the Rams will open the 21-day window for security Quentin Lake (elbow) subsequent week to return from injured reserve. Lake is predicted to be prepared for the playoffs, or presumably for the ultimate sport in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals. … The Rams are off Thursday. They’re anticipated to apply Friday at SoFi Stadium, and Saturday at their Woodland Hills facility.
