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Rams coach Sean McVay is happy the issues with the contract of quarterback Matthew Stafford have been solved. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Rams coach Sean McVay flashed his trademark smile when reporting Tuesday that quarterback Matthew Stafford was in camp, but this wasn’t a celebratory moment.
This was more of a sigh of relief.
Stafford had the Rams by the you-know-what, and he knew it. The Rams also knew it, which is why they had no choice but to modify his contract to ensure he would be present the next day at the first workout of their training camp at Loyola Marymount.
To keep their most important player from holding out, the Rams allowed themselves to be held up, and as much as McVay tried to portray the negotiations with Stafford as positively as he could, the Rams couldn’t be pleased with how the situation unfolded.
“Ultimately,” McVay said, “all we can do is the next right thing.”
Read more: Rams avoid training camp turmoil by adjusting contract of quarterback Matthew Stafford
In this case, that meant doing everything in their power so that Stetson Bennett wouldn’t be their starting quarterback in Week 1 in Detroit.
The Rams may be spared that disaster scenario, but that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. They were a surprising 10-7 last season, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily trending in the right direction.
They don’t have Aaron Donald anymore.
Donald’s absence was a complete afterthought Tuesday, as McVay spent virtually his entire 15-minute news conference answering questions about his quarterback.
“That’s all you had?” McVay joked. “You guys suck.”
Months from now, McVay could be wishing his quarterback’s contract status was his greatest concern.
Donald was one of the most dominant forces in NFL history, and his importance to the Rams’ defense can’t be overstated. The All-Pro tackle often attracted two or three blockers at a time, which created openings for his teammates.
How good is second-year…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/column-now-matthew-stafford-deal-101541740.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-07-24 10:15:41
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