The Los Angeles Rams have generated plenty of buzz this offseason with the acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford. After all, he will be joining an offense that already boasts one of the most talented receiving tandems in the league between Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. This didn’t go unnoticed by oddsmakers, with OlyBet adjusting Super Bowl futures from +2000 to +1100.
Stafford admits that the allure of joining a playoff-caliber team with such a strong supporting cast on offense was too good to pass up on. It is safe to say that the feeling is mutual given the early admiration from some of his new teammates.
The front office made quite an investment in order to make the deal come to fruition. Although the departure of quarterback Jared Goff was bittersweet for those that had experienced their fair share of trials and tribulations with him, there is no mistaking the newfound expectations that have come with the changes under center.
While Woods praised Goff for helping him revamp his career with the Rams, he admitted that he was among those excited for Stafford’s arrival during an appearance on Pro Football Talk:
“I was at home when I saw the news. Shocked and exciting at the same time. Shocked because of what we’ve been through with Jared Goff. Just our history, getting to the Super Bowl, being able to join L.A. and expand my receiving career with him and this offense,” Woods said. “But then being excited right away to add a guy like [Matthew] Stafford and seeing what he’s done in Detroit. Spreading the ball all around, high-caliber guy, finds ways to throw the ball whether its over the top, side-arm and really just a grit and grind kind of guy. I can’t wait to see what he brings to our offense.”
Woods added that building his rapport with Stafford both on and off the field will be a top priority this offseason:
“Literally, I want to say later that night I was on the phone with Stafford. Got to get in good, especially as a receiver in our offense you got to get the word in to your quarterback quick. Just bringing him aboard, letting him know we’re excited to have him in our offense. I got to get with him soon when I get back to L. A. and really just get this ball rolling. We want to get our timing down, first year with him and we want to look good.”
Woods’ excitement is certainly understandable considering what Stafford managed to accomplish during his time with the Detroit Lions. He is now set to join an offense with no shortage of firepower under the tutelage of one of the NFL’s premier offensive minds in head coach Sean McVay.
Woods and Kupp are an elite 1-2 punch that is capable of lining up anywhere on the field thanks to their versatility. This should pay some major dividends for Stafford given his reputation as a bona fide gunslinger.
The addition of DeSean Jackson also gives the Rams a true deep threat over the top, which they have been lacking since the departure of Brandin Cooks. Meanwhile, Van Jefferson and tight end Tyler Higbee could also be poised to serve as go-to options in the passing game.
