Matthew Stafford faces his moment of truth on MNF

Player risks

Whether or not they’ve made decisions about their careers, many of the Rams players have invested in this gamble. After all, in the NFL it’s all for one and one for all, right? Okay, not exactly, but there is an undeniable dependant relationship between receivers and the quarterback throwing to them. For that matter, offensive linemen benefit from a quick trigger quarterback. And there is certainly a relationship between running the football and being an accurate passer, right?

For that matter, defenses who play on a team with a high-scoring offense can take chances and are not on the line to win games as often.  So yeah, I suppose that the fortunes of the team do impact the success, and careers, of players who compete for that team. But there were more risks involved than that.

To acquire Stafford, the Rams finances had to shrink the 2021 salary cap hits. To do that, the team found it necessary to go back to the team’s highly compensated veterans and restructure the way they were paid in order to bring down the 2021 Salary Cap expense. We all remember when the Rams did so, don’t we?

The Rams cleared cap space

Stafford brings change

And so, the Rams cleared the prerequisite space to bring Matthew Stafford aboard, all thanks to the willingness of so many players to accommodate the team’s need to shift money around. Did all agree? Well, not exactly. Michael Brockers, likely on the last professional football contract, was uncomfortable surrendering his salary. And so, the LA Rams traded him to the Detroit Lions.

WR Trishton Jackson, who made the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2020, was uncomfortable about the role he envisioned with the Rams offense this year and opted to sign on with the Minnesota Vikings.

It hasn’t all been about players leaving the team. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was released from the Cleveland Browns, sought out the LA Rams as a potential landing site. One reason? Catching passes from Matthew Stafford.

Okay, we’ve touched base about everyone who has a stake in the success of Matthew Stafford. Now, let’s show everyone what they’ve won