I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong.
Stafford has thrown 17 touchdowns against 2 interceptions through seven games. Last night I checked to see how many QBs had matched numbers like that through their team’s first 7 games and I only got 2 QBs with 2 seasons each: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.
This morning, that number increased from 4 to 5.
Brady had 27 touchdowns and 2 INTs to start the season in 2007 (MVP), Rodgers had 18 TDs to 1 INT to start the season in 2014 and 20 to 2 in 2020 (both MVP seasons), and Brady had 20 TD to 1 INT to start the season in 2015 (second in MVP voting to Cam Newton’s 15-1 campaign).
Stafford hit 10 different receivers and found Davante Adams in the end zone three times. On one hand, he kept finding the end zone and avoided having to use Josh Karty in any important situations. On the other, Adams averaged 4.4 yards per target and the Rams were led in yards by Colby Parkinson.
Puka’s return will be welcome and only help Stafford’s case for fans to argue that he’s the best in the league right now. (Stafford won’t argue that he’s the best because he has never appeared to care what others think.)
The Jaguars do seem to be coming apart at the seems and might be lucky to turn their 4-1 start into a winning record by the end of the season. After the bye week, Stafford gets a 1-6 Saints defense ranked 27th in points allowed. That’s when the real season starts for the Rams.
Stafford’s case for MVP and the Rams for the NFC West title will not be won by beating the Jaguars in London, but by beating teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, Bucs, and Lions.
The Panthers are a surprising 4-3 (probably not much different than Jacksonville’s 4-3 though) and the Cardinals have lost all 5 games by 4 points or fewer. Stafford has put concerns about his back in the past, but what can the Rams do to put their best foot forward?
Given the caginess of the team in August, and guesses on the severity of Stafford’s back injury given his absences, his age, and past instances of similar situations, I assumed that at best he would have to be carefully monitored and limited on a week-to-week basis. Stafford’s case for MVP? Talk to me in 2 months if that’s still on the table. Stafford’s probability to be limited by a back injury?