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ramBRO
There were so few plays to be had for either offense in that game. That late throw to a wide-open Cooks really...REALLY hurt. But like Baldy said...Stafford's mental processing and arm talent could be a crucial difference-maker for McVay's offense.
I find it amazing that people buy this narrative. Not that Stafford will be good, we know that. It's the nature of the difference.
Stafford is a 13 year vet. If he's not better than a 5th year player, then he's useless. He's savvy, and seen and done a lot.
But no one who saw the 5th year Stafford talked about this magical processing speed. Experience made him better. Which is what people should expect.
And this other myth, that the superbowl got down to 2-3 plays by Goff. No it got down to the entire Rams offense being outcoached and outplayed for 4 quarters. And of course the story of McVay just not being able to adjust to a particular defensive attack. That superbowl was not one thing or one player.
And again look at Stafford as a 5th or 6th year veteran. Look at Stafford's first playoff game. I think one of the main differences between Stafford now and in 2014 is precisely the experience factor. He's just not the same qb he was in his 6th year.
And if you look at their one playoff game that year, they had the chance to win it in a final drive with 2:32 remaining, but the qb fumbled on that drive. Before that they had a chance to put it away with a drive that started at 12:21 in the 4th quarter. At that point they were leading 20-17. That drive ended on a delay of game penalty and they had to punt.
Stafford is not that qb anymore and so what he brings to the Rams is not just physical talent but years of qb experience, at the "seen it all" level. I even think that Stafford being that experienced helps McVay, who will listen to Stafford and not just dictate to him. I expect much more of a constructive and creative collaboration between qb and coach.
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