The Los Angeles Rams have fully embraced the Super Bowl hype that has come with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s arrival.
After all, Stafford proved to be an elite talent in a mediocre system with the Detroit Lions. Despite failing to win a single playoff game, the former Lions gunslinger put up monster numbers and countless highlights for fas to marvel at through the years.
Meanwhile, it could be argued that the Rams’ winning system that was established by head coach Sean McVay was plagued by underwhelming play from Jared Goff under center. While they still managed to win in the postseason and make a Super Bowl, there still seemed to be one more ingredient missing.
The pairing of McVay and Stafford has made for an intriguing recipe for success in L.A. It has not taken the latter very long to make quite an impression on his new staff, via Albert Breer of The MMQB:
“Bro, this dude’s a bad MF-er,” he said, laughing. “Whatever people say about him, as good as it can be, he’s even better than advertised. It makes sense to him. The guy’s ability to see the game, his ability to draw on his experiences, the feel that he has, it’s pretty special and unique. And man, his feel for people, his authentic way of connecting with his teammates, his coaches, this guy, it’s great being around him.”
McVay has been understandably giddy about Stafford’s abilities ever since his acquisition. However, it appears seeing it firsthand during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp has helped put in perspective just how good he really is.
This is an encouraging sign for Rams fans and a scary prospect for opponents in the 2021 NFL season. If McVay’s system was making up for Goff’s shortcomings all this time, there is no telling what a player of Stafford’s caliber is going to be able to do if he stays healthy.
Not only that, but L.A. put an emphasis on shoring up the firepower on offense with the addition of wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Tutu Atwell. Stafford’s connection with wide receiver Cooper Kupp at practice has already made its rounds on social media and the emergence of running back Cam Akers indicates that a well-balanced approach is currently in the works.
Perhaps most importantly, is the fact that teams will now have a full offseason to get acclimated and make the necessary changes leading up to the regular season. This is a change McVay and Stafford should benefit from more than most.
