Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is enjoying a bounce-back 2023 campaign after injuries derailed him and the team in their Super Bowl defense 2022 season.
Stafford has been much healthier, and as of late has been lighting up the scoreboard as he pushes the Rams towards a surprise postseason berth. Very few people predicted the Rams to be 8-7 with a chance to clinch a postseason spot in Week 17.
But beyond Stafford’s strong 2023 season, one of the biggest reasons for the Rams success has been the overhaul of their offensive line. The front unit struggled mightily with both health and production in 2022, leading to a poor run game and Stafford’s injuries. But 2023 has been a different story.
The Rams jumped from the 27th ranked rushing offense in 2022 to 10th this season. They made the exact same leap with their passing offense. And as a token of appreciation, Stafford gifted each of his offensive lineman an extra large Plunge bathtub. He unveiled and explained the Christmas gift via Instagram:
“It was good. Every year it’s a challenge, right? You’re getting (OL) Rob Havenstein and (OL) Alaric Jackson the same gift and that’s tough, right? You’re trying to figure out who likes what and you can’t make everybody happy so figured I’d just freeze them out and see what happens.
“No, it’s cool. It’s an investment I guess in their career and their body. The guys are using them around here so you might as well take one home with you, but yeah really cool to get those plunges for those guys. Excited that they are excited about it really more than anything. It’s always a unique challenge trying to figure that out each year. Those guys keep me upright, create holes for everybody. And without those guys playing at that level, our offense couldn’t do anything. Just proud to be playing behind those guys and really appreciate all the work they put in.”
The Rams would not be where they are right now if not for the drastic improvements to the offensive line. Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, Alaric Jackson and Coleman Shelton — along with Joseph Noteboom — have made for a formidable front unit.
Stafford had the chance to thank them for what they’ve done this season, and it was clear the gift was appreciated by everyone who received it.
Rams’ Puka Nacua named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
Another part of the offense that has seen a surprising boost is the wide receiver core, thanks in large part to the emergence of rookie wideout Puka Nacua. He has been incredible all season, but had a career performance in Week 16 with nine catches for 164 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
That outing earned him both his fourth Rookie of the Week award and his first ever NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
