NFL Network’s Kurt Warner breaks down LA Rams QB Stafford
By Bret Stuter
The rest of the story
And yet the Kurt Warner analysis doesn’t end there. Warner points out that Stafford will roll the dice, taking chances and let the random chance determine the outcome of the play. It’s a risk factor that was clearly there in the Lions’ offensive playbook. In the Rams system, the offense typically has a greater window of separation.
But with confidence comes the risk of overconfidence. And thankfully, Kurt Warner is not just a marionette simply echoing a message from another source. He is a straight-shooter and spends part three in this three-part Study Ball series focusing on unnecessary risks taken by Stafford.
The Rams receivers will be pushed hard with Stafford under center. In the past, the Rams receivers could pretty much count on who would likely be targetted based upon the progression. That will absolutely change in the Rams offense this year.
All summed up, the Rams offense will be more dangerous and unpredictable. Stafford will clearly unlock all pages of the Sean McVay offensive playbook this year. Clearly, that will place a lot of pressure on the defense all over the field for the entire game.
But it will also place more pressure on the Rams receivers. All receivers are options on each play. Stafford makes instant decisions, which will force the receiver to be engaged on all offensive plays, and be ready to win contested catches. Matthew Stafford will find plenty of separation in the Rams offense. But the Rams receivers will need to up their game to ensure that the offense is getting all of the juice out of Stafford’s arm in the Rams offense.
Plenty to love, but it will take some time to gel. That will serve the LA Rams well, because Stafford should be getting red hot at the end of the 2021 NFL season, right when the Rams need to be playing their best.