Los Angeles Rams Have Their Man In Matthew Stafford And Just Maybe It’s A Super Connection For BothBy Jay Paris
Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay has a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford and McVay’s smile reveals his happiness.
“There’s nothing like getting out of the field and working with these guys,’’ McVay said. “You’ve heard me say it before but it all starts with the quarterback.’’
Which is why Stafford is the latest star to find his spotlight in L.A. and why ex-Rams quarterback Jared Goff was the bounty to help get him here from the Detroit Lions.
McVay longed for a big arm from his big guy behind center and he gets every bit of that with Stafford. The Rams are eager to stretch the field this season and Stafford’s ability to go deep went a long ways in making him attractive to the Rams.
The price was steep with a package which included two first-round picks and Goff. But the Rams counter that it’ll be a steal if Stafford leads to them to their second Super Bowl in four seasons.
Before looking ahead to February, Stafford, 33, needs to get up to speed with the Rams’ offense and bond with his fresh buddies wearing horns. That process took another step this week during the team’s offseason training activities.
“I’m just trying to learn as much as I can about our playbook and the way we want to operate as an offense, but also my teammates as well,’’ Stafford told reporters.
Stafford confirmed his thumb surgery in March went well and it didn’t restrict him in the workouts.
“Just a little quick fix and I feel way better,’’ he said.
The Rams are upbeat about Stafford and how he can expand their attack by connecting on chunk plays with speedy wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Tutu Atwell. But they also appreciate his veteran presence and how that can add to his contributions, too.
Stafford’s leadership skills will be reinforced when the Rams face adversity. For now Stafford is deciphering McVay’s offense, although McVay has said repeatedly it will a collaboration between him and Stafford.
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