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Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
Matthew Stafford has been front and center of the surprising turnaround for the Los Angeles Rams this season — going from a 5-12 Super Bowl hangover to 6-7 in 2023 and on the fringe of making the playoffs.
But for Rams head coach Sean McVay, engineering that rebirth on offense required some out-the-box thinking, including personnel changes that have helped his group stay healthy, and schematically leaning more on the running game and quick passing concepts.
Add to that finding diamonds in the rough in fifth-round receiver Puka Nacua and second-year running back Kyren Williams, and the result has been Stafford playing more efficient football in leading a productive offense for the Rams. In his 15th NFL season, the 35-year-old quarterback is one of the favorites to win Comeback Player of the Year.
“He’s a great player and you can see he’s feeling healthy,” McVay said. “I think he’s doing a great job of distributing the football. Guys are competing hard around him and for him, and he has got great command in what he’s seeing.”
A sprained right thumb forced Stafford to miss a road loss to Green Bay in Week 9. Since his return from the injury — a four-game stretch that included facing elite NFL defenses in the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens — Stafford has completed 61.3% of his passes for 992 yards, with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions for a 102.2 passer rating.
Stafford’s protection has been stout, as L.A.’s offensive line allowed just three sacks during that stretch. The Rams have won three of their past four games to sneak back into playoff position, averaging 30 points per game. Stafford was sacked 29 times in nine games last season before a bruised spinal cord cut short his year. He has been sacked just 22 times in 12 games played this season.
Improved continuity and chemistry up front have been critical. Los Angeles added second-round draft pick Steve Avila at…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/how-rams-changed-offensive-approach-to-keep-matthew-stafford-healthy-productive
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Publish date : 2023-12-13 00:09:56
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