PFF: Stafford was 10th best deep passer in NFL last year…

PFF: Matthew Stafford was 10th-best deep passer in NFL last season

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

There was a noticeable difference in the Los Angeles Rams’ offense last season after Jared Goff was swapped out for Matthew Stafford. They became more of a dropback passing team using deeper drops and less play action and moving pockets.

Naturally, Stafford is a much more aggressive player than Goff, always willing to take a shot downfield. And Sean McVay entrusted Stafford to make those throws when the opportunity presented itself, often creating big plays.

Stafford had his share of interceptions on deep passes, but he was still one of the best quarterbacks in the league when it came to throwing the ball downfield. According to Pro Football Focus, Stafford was the 10th-best deep passer last season, averaging a league-best 19.0 yards per attempt and racking up 1,272 yards on deep throws.

The 14-year pro and reigning Super Bowl champion averaged 19 yards per attempt and racked up 1,272 yards from deep passes, both of which led the NFL’s starters last season.

The only thing pulling him down is his 29th-ranked turnover-worthy play rate: Only Washington’s Taylor Heinicke threw more turnover-worthy passes on deep throws last season.

If Stafford can cut down on the turnovers and improve his decision-making just a little bit in 2022, he’s going to put up even better numbers. Having Allen Robinson on the outside will help, too, with his big frame and wide catch radius.

Van Jefferson will remain one of the Rams’ deep threats, as well, and Odell Beckham Jr. still has a chance to return if they can come to an agreement on a contract. Stafford sure isn’t lacking playmakers on the outside.