Los Angeles Rams star Matthew Stafford and Atlanta Falcons backup Kirk Cousins are seemingly at different points in their career. But Stafford’s former teammate T.J. Hockenson, now of the Minnesota Vikings, offered a noteworthy comparison featuring the two QBs.
Hockenson played with Stafford on the Detroit Lions from 2019 through the 2020 season. He played with Cousins on the Vikings from 2022 through 2023.
However, Hockenson’s comparison was how J.J. McCarthy is a mix of both of his former QBs.
“J.J. is a lot like Staff [Matthew Stafford] and a little like Kirk [Cousins],” Hockenson said, per the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer, in comments published on August 31. “Just depends on the routes and what we’re doing. ‘I want you here at this time, but on the same hand I want you to get open. I’m going to trust you.’”
McCarthy missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus, but he and Stafford share similar physical builds and are strong-armed passers. This offseason has been about McCarthy learning to be more like Cousins, whose greatest strength has been his accuracy.
Matthew Stafford’s Back Issue Remains Rams’ ‘Biggest Concern’
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stafford dealt with a back injury that robbed him of the bulk of training camp and all of the preseason, in which he was already unlikely to play. Still, having the Rams QB’s name mentioned in the same breath as Cousins, who lost his starting job to Michael Penix, would seem ominous.
Cousins returned from a torn Achilles suffered in 2023 last season and did not look like the four-time Pro Bowler he was, particularly after suffering another injury during the campaign.
Stafford sought the assistance of specialists, including special rehab chambers, during camp.
The back injury remains a source of intrigue even after his encouraging return to practice.
“Biggest concern: Matthew Stafford’s back,” ESPN’s Sarah Barshop wrote on August 31. “The Rams quarterback, entering his 17th season, is dealing with an aggravated disk in his back and missed nearly the first month of training camp. Though Stafford could still play in the Rams’ season opener against the Texans, there’s a chance this back injury is something the quarterback and the Rams will have to manage all season.”
However, Rams head coach Sean McVay maintained confidence that Stafford, who ranked No. 20 on The Athletic’s “25 most intriguing players” list, would be back on the field in time for Week 1 and said the QB had no limitations upon returning to practice in late August.
Potential Matthew Stafford Replacement Takes Lumps
GettyArch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the Goodyear Cotton Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Rams have been heavily linked to Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, whose future in the NFL is yet to be determined, as a potential replacement for Stafford. The sophomore QB got his first opening-day start against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Manning struggled, completing 17 of 30 passes for 117 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 14-7 loss.
Manning’s stock as the No. 1 QB, and potentially overall pick, in the 2026 draft is in question.
That was before he played the Buckeyes. There is a lot of season left in both leagues, but the Rams’ long-term future at quarterback does not include Stafford, and it may not include Manning either when all is said and done.
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