Can Rans win another Super Bowl within Matthew Stafford's window?

As soon as the LA Rams decided after the 2022 NFL season to part ways with high-priced veterans, and stick with their 'weight-bearing walls,' of Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford, the team inadvertently set the timer to restock and reform a roster around their three veterans to compete in the NFL Playoffs. While that was an ambitious undertaking, the team had already starting the process by shedding several contributing veterans mid-season.

The tean released RB Darrell Henderson Jr., and practically the entire outside linebacker crew. Digging an even deeper hole, the Rams parted ways with ILB Bobby Wagner, and traded both WR Allen Robinson and DB Jalen Ramsey. While the team refused to call 2023 a rebuilding year, it certainly had many of the qualities of one.

And yet, the 2023 Rams roster, let by superb production from veteran QB Matthew Stafford, actually made it to the 2024 NFL Playoffs well ahead of schedule. But was that a good thing, or a bad thing?

Rams are playing football and Beat The Clock now

As much as we wish to ignore the facts, QB Matthew Stafford is 36 years old. He has been the "Timex," of the NFL. That is, he takes a licking and keeps on ticking. As a younger quarterback, that was a magnificent trademark of his legacy. But now, at 36, you have to wonder when it will all catch up to him.

Without any memo or public statement, the front office is thinking along those same lines. Why else would the team stock up on four running backs on the active roster but only play one? What other reasons can explain the team stocking three tight ends on the active roster, two tight ends on the practice squad, and one tight end on injured reserve, and yet insist on only playing one tight end on game day?

And then there was the uncharacteristic investment into an offensive line over the past two years.

The team is already preparing for that someday when the offense will need to rely on the running game, and can no longer count on another comeback performance of QB Matthew Stafford to seal the win.

Of course, the team is not really in shape for postseason competition right now. That's why this topic is relevant. The front office appears to have set up the offense to transition away from a superstar quarterback of Matthew Stafford's caliber, and run a far more balanced and unpredictable game plan. But Stafford's level of play keeps sucking the coaching staff into relying on his arm when the game is on the line.

The window for 2024 may have already closed on this team. Unlike 2023, a 7-1 run right now will only set the team at 8-6. In all likelihood, thanks to the team's losses to every NFL North team faced this year, the Rams may need to shoot for a record of 11-6 to ensure even a Wild Card berth.

Of course, there is always next year. But how many more next years does Stafford have in him? The Rams front office realizes that number is finite and small. Hopefully, the coaching staff realizes that as well. It's never too soon to implement a more robust running game. The team certainly has all of the pieces this season.

As long as the coaches have the willpower to do so.

As always, thanks for reading.

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