The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Houston Texans in the 2025 regular season opener, and C.J. Stroud shared strong thoughts on Matthew Stafford.
“I like his game,” Stroud told reporters on September 3. He does a good job of anticipation, no-look throws, moving guys with his eyes, coverage recognition. He can – I think he can put the ball in any spot, at any time, from any arm angle. Does a good job with bad pockets is something I’ve watched, too. So, yeah, he does a lot of great things, and, yeah, he’s a really good player.”
This is just the latest praise Stroud has offered for Stafford.
C.J. Stroud a Fan of Matthew Stafford
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff.
The Rams’ first opposing QB of the 2025 season previously suggested that Stafford could be among the ranks of Tom Brady during an appearance on the “Million Dollaz Worth of Game Podcast,” saying he was a “fan” of the “dawg” and added Stafford’s no-look skill to his own bag.
Stafford also made headlines with his comments about playing in the contest.
Stafford’s back injury took over as the dominant Rams narrative after his speculation over his future grew amid LA’s decision to allow the QB’s representatives to discuss his value with other teams this offseason.
As far as Stafford’s concerned, “whatever happens, happens.”
For the Rams, they made a noteworthy non-move with Stafford, not listing him on the injury report, which also drew attention.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford ‘Ready to Go Play’
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stafford self-reported back tightness that turned out to be an aggravated disc, which required special treatments and sidelined him during the Rams’ training camp. Amid outside concerns of a potential recurrence during the regular season, Stafford is unwavering.
“I’m going to go play in the game. Whatever happens, happens,” Stafford told reporters on September 3. “I’m playing like I always play. I got no issues with a physical game. Obviously, would love to stay as clean as possible, but I’m not thinking twice about that at all. I’m out there ready to go play.”
Stafford said “[I] feel good” when asked how his back has held up since returning to practice.
Rams head coach Sean McVay put most fears aside, declaring that Stafford would start in Week 1 against the Texans. But Stafford’s absence from the Rams’ first injury report was encouraging.
“#Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who missed most of camp while dealing with a back injury, isn’t listed on the team’s initial injury report and is expected to start Sunday’s opener vs. Houston,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero posted on X, underscoring the gravity of the storyline.
The Rams have other issues that compound the uncertainty around Stafford.
Matthew Stafford Faces Daunting Challenge in Week 1
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stafford’s health could be tested early, with the Rams facing a Texans team that logged the fourth-most sacks and was sixth against the pass. Moreover, Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson missed time in camp with blood clots.
Jackson is back in the lineup for the opener. But, like Stafford, he is at risk of recurrence and must fend off Texans defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
That is a daunting task for anyone.
Stafford has been good on the move.
“Stafford was productive when he had to leave the pocket last season, throwing eight touchdowns on passes from outside the pocket, tied for second most in the NFL,” ESPN’s research department wrote in an article published on August 31.
Still, at 37 and coming off a back injury, the Rams surely would prefer to keep Stafford upright. The Texans were middle of the pack in blitz rate, too, per Pro Football Reference.
The Rams trust their QB plan behind Stafford.
They have Jimmy Garoppolo, and 2023 fourth-round draft pick Stetson Bennett IV looked good during the preseason. Still, Stafford is a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, and he is essential to the Rams’ aspirations for the 2025 season.
Rival QB Doubles Down on Matthew Stafford Before Rams-Texans
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