I think it's too much to excuse Stafford on those plays that may not have been on him because he's got so many that are clearly on him. The first drive against SF for example. Rams are moving the ball and he chucks up a jump ball on first down that gets intercepted. There was no need to force anything in that situation and he just heaved into double coverage. It illustrates a serious lack of awareness. When you're on the road and now it's going to be a tough game, that's not a risk to take. When you know you're very dependent on getting a lead, it's stupid risk. When you've got more downs to play with, it's just unnecessary. A savvy QB knows when to take chances and when to fight for another day.
Stafford has been far too aggressive at the wrong times and he should know better than that. His apparent tunnel vision has been the most disappointing thing to me. I feared that might be an issue considering his history in Detroit. I'd hoped that he focused on his top receiver out of necessity but the Rams are NOT built that way. Kupp is turning into that but I think it's a mistake. Our team's success is based on scheme and mismatches so if Stafford is going to lock onto one guy most of the time, it seems like a failure to me.
Add the inexplicable accuracy issues to everything and as good as Stafford has looked at times, it's hard to imagine him playing at a high enough level to get us where we want. I do keep reminding myself that he's on pace for one of the best statistical seasons by a Rams QB ever. And, it's his first year in the system so there is some hope that these things can be worked out. But it's never good to trend downward as the season goes on. But, even Brady and Rodgers struggled at times with their new situations. Frustration level is at Defcon 1 but it isn't time to give up yet.
