When the Los Angeles Rams made the blockbuster trade to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions on Jan. 30, 2021, they had one goal in mind: to win the Super Bowl.
Now, one year later, the Rams are on the doorstep of completing their goal as they beat the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The cost for Stafford was high at two first-round picks along with Jared Goff and a third-rounder, but head coach Sean McVay has no regrets about it.
“What do you think the answer to that question is? Here’s what I would say, We went out and got him because we thought it was a chance to be able to get a great player of his magnitude,” McVay said. “Those things don’t come around often.
“What he’s done, he’s elevated everybody around him. He’s made me a better coach. He’s made his teammates better. He’s such a great person. I think you guys know from getting a chance to interact with him.”
Stafford, who spent the previous 12 years of his career with the Lions, was often criticized for his lack of playoff success.
However, football is a team sport and Stafford is finally showing just how great he can be with a good team around him.
“If you don’t root for this guy, something’s wrong with you. He’s a great competitor,” McVay said. “We’ve seen that, really, throughout the season. But I think it’s really been on display these last couple weeks.
“We talk about competitive greatness all the time. Being your best when your best was required. He embodied competitive greatness today. Love (QB) Matthew Stafford.”
Stafford is also proud to be a member of the Rams as he has been enjoying the playoff success this season for the first time in his career after being traded just one year ago.
“I was obviously excited. A lot of change was about to happen for me and my family,” Stafford said reflecting on the trade. “That was probably my biggest thought at the moment, was excitement to come play with this group of players and coaching staff. These guys worked so hard. At the same time knowing it’s going to be a big move and a lot of change. It’s been a great thing for us. Just happy that I’m here and happy to be part of it.”
Stafford finished the season with arguably the best statistical year of his 13-year career. He completed 67.2% of his passes while throwing for 4,886 yards along with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
In the three playoff games, he has added another 905 yards while throwing six touchdowns to only one interception while completing 72% of his throws.
