5 urgent questions the Rams must answer as 2025 OTAs arrive

(1) - How much magic is left in starting QB Matthew Stafford?

Since arriving at the Rams, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford certainly has been impressive. In four seasons, he has completed 65.7 percent of his passes, thrown for 14,700 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 44 interceptions. He has led this team to a 5-2 postseason record, as well as to victory in Super Bowl LVI. But he is also 37 years old, and the Rams know that at some point his ability to compete at the NFL level will start to plummet.

In some ways, you may think that descent has already begun. Just check out the top passing touchdown leaders from 2024:

Matthew Stafford only threw for 20 touchdowns in 2024. And after throwing 41 touchdown passes in 2021, he has only managed to throw 54 touchdown passes over the next three seasons.

Is he feeling more pressure? Not really. Stafford was sacked 30 times in 2021. He has been sacked 29, 30, and 28 times respectively over the next three seasons. Some of the decline can be attributed to the Rams chaotic health of starting wide receivers, as Cooper Kupp struggled to stay healthy in both 2023 and 2024. But have the Rams resolved Stafford semi-touchdown drought in 2025? Time will tell.

The Rams pass offense will feature Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Tutu Atwell this season. While they bring new dimensions to the Rams offense individually, their combined efforts on simultaneous pass routes will almost certainly present Stafford with multiple open receivers. If the team needs more separation, the offense can pivot to a 12-personnel package that features TEs Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson as well.

Of course, the offense only works if Matthew Stafford is at his best. There are no sure things in life, so Stafford will remain a wildcard for this season's success. So, what can Stafford answer in OTAs? Namely, building instant chemistry with Adams, Nacua, and Atwell. As luck would have it, the chemistry between Stafford and Adams is already showing up.

It's a long season. But the sooner the Rams answer big questions, the sooner the team can change course to find corrections. The team has enjoyed success in both 2023 and 2024. But the bar of expectations is higher for 2025. That means that the answers to big questions have to come sooner.

As always, thanks for reading.

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