The veteran quarterback has been revived by the power of his gifted younger teammates.
The budding younger stars have gained focus and a piece ethic from their quarterback’s wealth of data and expertise.
The Los Angeles Rams have morphed right into a Tremendous Bowl contender behind the play of Matthew Stafford, who has by no means appeared higher whereas producing in addition to any sign caller all whereas in his seventeenth season.
However it’s a protection behind a pair of high-motor edge rushers in Jared Verse and Byron Younger that has turned the crew right into a well-rounded pressure, whereas main tackler Nate Landman has been the best addition at linebacker to a bunch that’s second within the NFL with 17.2 factors allowed per recreation.
There may be extra proof that Stafford has not operated in a vacuum. Puka Nacua has continued his climb to the highest of the broad receiver heap with the third-most receptions within the NFL at 72, whereas fellow wideout Davante Adams has a league-best 10 TD receptions.
Operating again Kyren Williams continues to develop with 750 dashing yards and 6 TDs, whereas second-year again Blake Corum is getting higher as effectively.
And the Rams’ secondary has benefited from the monster go rush with 10 interceptions to face as one in every of seven groups with double-digit picks.
Head coach Sean McVay has as soon as once more stayed forward of the curve with three-tight finish units on offense which have expanded the passing recreation, though essentially the most veteran performer on the place, Tyler Higbee, simply hit injured reserve.
The Rams nonetheless have a plethora of expertise at tight finish in Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and rookie Terrance Ferguson. All of that skill was McVay’s inspiration for getting as a lot of them on the sector as potential.
Along with Higbee happening IR this week with an ankle damage, security Quentin Lake (elbow) and proper sort out Rob Havenstein (ankle, knee) additionally had been designated to overlook no less than 4 weeks.
Accidents may be the one factor stopping the Rams from a deep playoff run, particularly with the passing recreation. When the Rams had accidents firstly of every of the previous two seasons, they struggled early. As each seasons progressed, and well being improved, they had been capable of put collectively runs that led to unlikely playoff berths.
Going again additional to 2022, Stafford was the one who was injured, lacking eight of the final 9 video games because the crew collapsed with a 5-12 report. It was the worst marketing campaign within the eight earlier seasons McVay has been the pinnacle coach in Los Angeles.
This week, the Rams are on a collision course with the reminiscences of that 2022 season, which McVay thought-about a time for private progress.
“It was a extremely difficult time (that) revealed numerous insecurities and shortcomings that I had and actually had for a very long time,” McVay stated in a media convention name this week. “It simply wasn’t revealed as a result of we didn’t have the outcomes that uncovered a few of the issues that I wanted to work on. … It forces you to look within the mirror and say, “What am I all about?’”
With Stafford out that season and losses piling up, the Rams added Baker Mayfield, who had been minimize free by the Carolina Panthers.
Towards all expectations, McVay and Mayfield shaped a partnership that led to 2 victories down the stretch. A type of was a two-touchdown comeback within the last 3:19 of a primetime recreation towards the Las Vegas Raiders that helped revive Mayfield’s profession.
Mayfield stated the brief stint in L.A. was “pivotal in my journey.” He ended up signing with the Buccaneers within the offseason and was named to consecutive Professional Bowls in his first two years at Tampa Bay.
“It helped me to search out the enjoyable in soccer once more, that pleasure,” Mayfield stated this week. “And simply attending to be taught from these (coaches).”
A two-time Tremendous Bowl participant and champion after the 2021 season, McVay additionally appeared to show a nook that season. He has his crew again towards the highest once more together with his new outlook.
Seeing Mayfield because the opponent this week will probably be a reminder of the roller-coaster experience it has been.
If 2022 was a valley for McVay and the Rams, 2025 has been a continued ascent for a coach and a quarterback in Stafford that know what it takes to win.
It has been a course of, however the Rams are certainly feeling younger once more.
