Rams Rumors: Stafford was ‘tired of being really good individually and not good as a team’
By Blaine Grisak of DowntownRams
The Los Angeles Rams made a blockbuster move for Matthew Stafford in exchange for Jared Goff and draft picks. One of the biggest concerns about Stafford is that he’s only ever been to the playoffs three times and never won a playoff game. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky joined the Dale & Keefe show and he shed some light on one of the reasons why Stafford wanted out of Detroit.
Said Orlovsky:
“I think one of the reasons why he did ask out of Detroit and wanted to go somewhere else — and these are his words, not mine — is he’s tired of being really good individually and not good as a team. He’s accomplished a lot individually and had good stats, and I think he wants the opportunity to play with a competent football team that can actually go win the whole dang thing. That leads itself to wanting to be coached and wanting the pressure. That’s the kind of guy and player that Matthew is.”
What does this mean for the Rams?
This all lines up as to what many think. Stafford was a really good quarterback on a bad team that didn’t have a lot of help. In 12 years, Stafford has had a 100-yard rusher just 11 times. That is less than one per year. His most accomplished running back was a washed up Reggie Bush. Last season, the Lions had the 32nd ranked defense. The Lions have been a carousel for head coaches and arguably made a mistake firing Jim Caldwell for Matt Patricia.
The one year that Stafford did have support? The Lions went 11-5, tying their franchise record in wins. They ended up getting gipped out of a playoff win by the Dallas Cowboys.
You can’t blame Stafford for feeling this way and not wanting to go through yet another head coaching change. The Rams granted Steven Jackson and Torry Holt the same respect at the end of their careers. With the Rams, he gets defensive support led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. He’ll have an offensive supporting cast consisting of Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and Cam Akers. He’ll also be playing in the best offense he’s ever been in, led by head coach Sean McVay.
The Rams are going championship or bust with Stafford and it’s good to know that he’s up for the challenge.
