Aftershocks of the Stafford-Goff trade will last for years

Matthew Stafford:

Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has played very well, so well he’s put himself in the early NFL MVP conversation. He has already earned a place amidst the Hall of Fame discussion and if he finishes his career strong with the Rams he will solidify his status in Canton. So far this season he is fourth in passing with 1,838 yards, third in passing touchdowns with 16 scores, second with a QB rating of 116.6, and eighth in completion accuracy at 69.5 percent.

He has just four interceptions and ranks at the top of the league with a QBR 75.0. The Rams offense ranks sixth in points per game with just under 30. It would have been understandable for his performance to dip early this year, due to the unfamiliarity with the Rams offense. But he has definitely hit the floor running.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp is a big part of the reason for Stafford’s success as he leads the team’s receivers with 46 catches, 653 yards,  and seven touchdowns. To be fair, Kupp is having the best NFL season of his career. He leads the league in touchdown receptions, and he is second in receiving yards.  The difference? Well, I think you know the reason, right?

Stafford just threw four touchdowns against the New York Giants this past week. His best performance this season remains the game that he played against the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Tampa Buccaneers, when he also threw for four touchdowns and 343 yards.  His worst game was his only loss, a game (37-20) against the undefeated and division-leading Arizona Cardinals. He still managed to throw two touchdowns with 343 yards.

Somehow, it feels as though his best is yet to come.  Even though Matthew Stafford had spent his entire NFL career on one team, the Detroit Lions, he has been incredibly efficient in the Rams offense. Stafford came into a great situation and has made it better for the entire team. He seems to be a natural fit for the LA Rams offense.