Matthew Stafford has drawn plenty of praise, including from Los Angeles Rams coaches and teammates, who say the two-time Pro Bowler is playing at an MVP level. He is also playing at a historic level, particularly over the past two weeks.
So much so that the Rams took a moment to recognize their franchise passer as he continues to climb the all-time ranks.
On Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, he did it again.
Matthew Stafford Sets Rams Record
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams signals to his team against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stafford completed 75% of his passes for 281 yards and 4 touchdowns without any interceptions in the Rams’ win over the Saints in Week 9. He had a 182-5-0 line on 63.6% completion against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7.
The 9 TD passes in that window further cemented Stafford’s place in Rams franchise history.
“QB Matthew Stafford set a franchise record with nine passing touchdowns in a two-game span,” Los Angeles Rams PR announced in a post on X on November 2.
Stafford ranks fifth in passing yards and passer rating among starting QBs entering “Monday Night Football” between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. He leads the NFL in TD passes, while his interception rate is the third-best among qualifying QBs.
The Rams and Stafford explored other options this past offseason.
While they always appeared destined to strike a deal, and ultimately agreed to a two-year, $84 million pact, it has been justified by how Stafford has played so far this season.
Matthew Stafford Turns Heads With No-Look Pass
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Stafford has made it a habit at this point in his career, but the Rams star’s ability to connect with his playmakers is uncanny and shows up in unorthodox ways. Specifically, Stafford’s affinity for the no-look pass showed up against the Saints.
Moreover, the play was a deep pass to Davante Adams, who was more than 10 yards down the field and had yet to make his break before the ball was thrown.
Naturally, that led to more attention for Stafford, including from Rams head coach Sean McVay.
The former No. 1 overall pick of the 2009 draft by the Detroit Lions has now thrown for 2,147 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. McVay told reporters postgame that Stafford has “been outstanding” and was “in total command” against the Saints in Week 9.
Matthew Stafford Garnering MVP Love
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Stafford sits fourth in the MVP odds as of November 3, per Vegas Insider. However, teammate Quentin Lake expressed his sentiments that Stafford is playing at an MVP level on X after the Rams’ win over the Saints.
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins agrees, saying, “This is the best, most comfortable version of Stafford.”
Stafford even drew lofty comparisons.
“Much like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in their late 30s, Stafford has reached a point where his experience dwarfs that of younger defenders, making his offense a nightmare to defend,” Atkins wrote on November 3.
Atkins warns that this phase in a player’s career is “fleeting,” and underscores the Rams’ decision to bolster their roster with Adams and Terrance Ferguson.
Of course, Stafford and the Rams still have far larger goals to reach this season.
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