Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff.
The Los Angeles Rams have Super Bowl aspirations, and they most likely need two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford in the lineup to get there. In that regard, the Rams’ “biggest problem” is the uncertainty, not just about Stafford, but also his supporting cast.
Specifically, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon cited “a hurting Matthew Stafford and his linchpins” as the Rams’ greatest obstacle.
The good news is Stafford is healthy, but the question of how long looms large over the Rams.
Matthew Stafford, Alaric Jackson’s Health Called Rams’ ‘Biggest Problem’
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams on the field during organized team activities.
Stafford missed training camp with a back injury. He technically missed the preseason, too, though he was unlikely to play anyway. Stafford has returned to the practice field, and both he and Rams head coach Sean McVay noted he has no limitations.
Gagnon remains unconvinced that the Rams are completely out of the woods with Stafford or Jackson, who missed time in camp with blood clots, his second such experience in his career.
Stafford also lost his No. 1 wide receiver, though the Rams replaced him accordingly.
“Left tackle Alaric Jackson has been dealing with blood clot issues all summer, and his now-former go-to receiver, Cooper Kupp, finds himself representing a division rival in Seattle.
Jackson at less than 100 percent and the loss of Kupp could make it extra hard on the 37-year-old Stafford, who is well beyond his prime and has been battling disc issues with his back throughout the offseason,” Gagnon wrote on September 5.
“Stafford and Jackson do look as though they’ll be good to go for Sunday’s opener against Houston, and the QB at least has Davante Adams to work with instead of Kupp. Still, these are ailments that could easily linger well into the season, which the Rams can’t afford.”
The Rams are 2-7 in games that Stafford has missed since his arrival via trade from the Detroit Lions, excluding regular-season finales in 2023 and 2024.
For the Rams, keeping Stafford upright is paramount to success.
Rams OC Touts Matthew Stafford’s ‘Muscle Memory’
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams passes the ball during Organized Team Activities.
Stafford’s time off has not led to much rust, and Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is confident in the QB’s ability to hit the ground running in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
LaFleur said it was “awesome” to have Stafford back on the field as the QB chases 60,000 career passing yards.
“It’s like me swinging a club after six months, right? It just makes sense,” LaFleur joked with reporters on September 4. “He could take as much time off as he wants. It’s just such muscle memory. And I say that, – he’s not going to say it like that.
“All the little things that he thinks about as a quarterback, whether it be mentally or physically, and how he’s throwing and his footwork and all those things, none of it’s easy, by any means. But he sure makes it look easy, and having that time off and getting his body right and all that. So, again, another question probably for him in terms of where he feels, but sure happy he’s back.”
Keeping Jackson on the field will go a long way toward keeping Stafford healthy, and the Rams can enter Week 1 encouraged with both players in the lineup.