Rams QB Faces Father Time Amid Contract Controversy

Rams QB Faces Father Time Amid Contract Controversy

 

As the LA Rams geared up for the 2024 NFL season, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford made his dissatisfaction clear, though he didn’t resort to skipping training camp like some players. Stafford demanded guaranteed money, regardless of his health status, and the Rams ultimately conceded, restructuring his contract to accelerate his guaranteed payments for 2024. This resolution ensured Stafford’s return, but it left lingering questions about his future.

 

 

 

 

 

When Stafford first joined the Rams, he led the team to a 12-5 season and a flawless 4-0 postseason run, culminating in a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20. Along the way, he helped Cooper Kupp approach historic single-season receiving records and later boosted rookie wideout Puka Nacua to record-breaking performances. There’s no denying Stafford’s skill.

 

 

 

 

 

However, the narrative isn’t entirely rosy. If Stafford is credited for the Rams’ Super Bowl success, he must also take responsibility for the team’s 22-18 record and 1-2 playoff performance in the seasons since. His production has visibly declined. In 2021, he averaged 255.3 passing yards per game and threw for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. In 2024, those numbers dropped to 235.1 yards per game, 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, despite taking fewer sacks.

 

 

 

 

 

At 37, Stafford is battling the inevitable effects of age. Despite playing through cracked ribs in Week 15, his declining stats are difficult to overlook. His performance fluctuated heavily in 2024, as shown in this breakdown:

 

 

 

• Weeks 1-7 (No Puka Nacua): 232 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game
• Weeks 8-14 (With Nacua Healthy): 273 yards and 2.3 touchdowns per game
• Weeks 15-20 (With Injuries): 198 yards and 1.0 touchdown per game

 

 

 

 

Even with Nacua’s help, Stafford’s average passing yards in 2024 ranked as the fourth-worst of his career. His early seasons with the Detroit Lions and his 2022 campaign were the only years that fared worse. Stafford’s regression is becoming harder to ignore, and the Rams may soon have to consider alternatives at quarterback.