ESPN Insights just gave Rams fans one more reason to adore Matthew Stafford

The admiration of fans for Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is obvious. Not only has Stafford led LA to a record of 46-28 since arriving in 2021, but he boasts a rather impressive 5-2 postseason record in Horns. It's difficult to imagine a time before the girl-dad QB was putting on a passing clinic.

It's not that he is such a long-tenured veteran in Yellow and Gold. It's the face that Stafford has been so dazzling in the pocket; he has blinded fans to those who played the position before he arrived. Winning a Super Bowl for Los Angeles certainly helped, and he may be on the path to another Lombardi.

Head coach Sean McVay loves Stafford as his quarterback. And why wouldn't he? Like a fine wine or a painting by a master, he seems to improve with age. ESPN Insights shared one striking example, citing his 27 touchdown passes against the blitz this season. That is more than 22 other NFL teams accomplished in total TD passes this year.

Very impressive.

Matthew Stafford is seeking his second Super Bowl victory

It's not just his MVP-worthy season that has impressed NFL insiders and fans alike. Stafford has as much experience as any player on the football field, and perhaps even many coaches on the field. As such, he knows how to manipulate defenses with his eyes, his body language, and even the down and distance to keep defenses guessing.

But he seems to get stronger as the stakes escalate. Stafford seems to play even more proficiently as the games increase in urgency and importance. Unlike some players who wilt under the pressure of playoff competition, he galvanizes the entire offense to play better.

No defensive coordinator wants to face Stafford taking the football field with three minutes on the game clock and trying to preserve a one-score lead.

His ability to make defenses pay for blitzing him is simply one tool in the shed. He has a competitive streak that has compelled him to play with a dislocated shoulder.

He's that good.

He's that competitive.

The last time the LA Rams traveled across the country to face the 8-9 Carolina Panthers, Stafford was humbled by an error-prone performance. Don't expect a similar outcome in this game. While any playoff team is capable of winning, I suspect that the 37-year-old veteran quarterback is extremely focused for this one.

Don't expect LA to take Carolina too lightly in this one. But the Panthers may have gotten more than they bargained for by getting Stafford in Round 1 of the NFL Playoffs. Stafford won't lose twice to the same team by making mistakes.

And that gives Rams fans all the more reason to love Stafford. As always, thanks for reading.