Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws during the first quarter against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford’s no-look passes have already captured the attention of NFL fans. However, Stafford recently revealed that his former Detroit Lions teammate, Calvin Johnson, played an important role in developing his unconventional throwing technique.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Stafford explained how his efforts to find ways to target Johnson without revealing his intentions to opposing defenses helped inspire the signature move.
“How do I not look at Calvin and still throw it to Calvin?” Stafford said. “You know that was kind of how it started and then you know I think with the way that coach allows me to have some freedom here just tried to know what the defense is doing hey. I know what we're doing on offense. I'm trying to find ways to make a good play better or a play that might be a little bit uphill to make it work, and so it's a natural thing.
“I don't think about it before the snap. I catch the ball, I understand what the defense is in, I try to move guys if I need to move guys, and sometimes you don't, but you know, one one yesterday tried to peel a corner off of a flat route for us and ended up working, and we scored a Touchdown on it, so I'm happy to do them when they work, when they don't.”
Stafford spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions, where he developed a strong connection with Johnson. The former wide receiver’s extraordinary ability to win contested catches made him one of Stafford’s most dependable targets.
However, Stafford’s latest revelation comes after another significant week for the Rams quarterback. Los Angeles defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 35-21 in Week 7. The win improved their season record to 3-4 and kept their hopes of returning to the playoff race alive.