Perhaps the most star-studded matchup of Week 3 is set to take place at SoFi Stadium between the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This showdown will be headlined by the quarterbacks leading these high-powered offenses in Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady. The Rams are going to have an opportunity to make a major statement with a win over the defending Super Bowl champs.
However, it is no secret that Brady is known for performing rather well in big games and boasting a supporting cast like the one the Bucs have gives them good reason to be confident. Regardless, it is a chance for this team to show that there is some merit to the championship hype they generated during the offseason.
Quarterback battles are never won directly since it is on the defense to find a way to contain the opposition. Stafford is focused on beating the guys that will be in front of him rather than on the sidelines, via Stu Jackson of the team’s official website:
“Obviously not that way,” Stafford said Wednesday, when asked how he looks at Sunday’s game. “I’m going against a great defense that’s played about as good as any in defense in the league. The last year, year and a half, playing really good ball. It’s two teams that are playing good football right now going against each other, and I’m excited about it. It’s a big challenge for us. They’ve obviously won a bunch of games here recently and have a bunch of talent on the team. We have to go out there and play our best football.”
While their meetings have come few and far in between, Stafford praised Brady for all that he has accomplished throughout his career:
Stafford said he’s met Brady “a few times” and talked to him a few times “here and there” and “really enjoyed his company” when he’s had the chance to interact with him off the field.
“Just ton of respect for what he’s done, what he’s been able to do, both on and off field,” Stafford said.
There is clearly a sense of mutual respect between both of these talented teams. Even head coach Bruce Arians went in-depth about how much he thoroughly enjoys watching Stafford throw the ball, even in warm-ups.
While Stafford may not be locked in on Brady during their matchup, there is no question that the defense will. Even if he is on a new team, this group still has a bone to pick for the loss he handed them in Super Bowl LIII.
