Even Rams fans will admit Matthew Stafford looked his age in dismal season debut

In 2025, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford put up the best season of his career. But in Week 1's 27-7 defeat against the 49ers, he looked fully the part of a 38-year-old. His pocket presence never showed up. He was a pedestrian 15-of-25 for 155 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. Simply put, Stafford looked old.

While backup Stetson Bennett was only in for 3:29 to finish out the game, he finished 2-of-3 for 13 yards, while adding a nine-yard scamper. Bennett looked much more energetic and focused.

No one is calling for Stafford to retire, or hinting he should hand off the baton. What was on full display in Week 1 is how LA's play-calling has to transform to align with the new reality.

Running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams were effective, rushing a combined 21 times for 95 yards and a touchdown. That works out to 4.5 yards per carry. If the Rams hadn't been playing from behind, leaning on those two would have been a fine option for a team that seemed to be sleepwalking through the entire game.

Matthew Stafford may need more help this season

This was not one of Stafford's better games - that much was obvious. The offensive line did its job by not allowing a sack. This was more about Stafford and his receivers being sluggish and out of whack. No Rams pass-catcher recorded more than Puka Nacua's five catches or 74 receiving yards.

Nacua and Davante Adams combined for just eight catches on 15 targets for 100 yards. That's what fans expected from each receiver individually.

Stafford threw one of his patented ugly interceptions to highlight his poor showing. He couldn't sneak it in on fourth and goal from the one-yard line. And despite his reputation as the king of fourth-quarter comebacks, the game was too far beyond reach to leave him in until the finish. At least Bennett was better than expected.

Los Angeles used heavy personnel throughout the contest, but mostly as an exploit in the run game; Stafford targeted tight ends only five times, leading to three catches - and a fumble from Tyler Higbee. That gave the 49ers another field goal opportunity.

Like most of the team, Stafford appeared listless. He struggled to connect with his receivers. He never seemed to find that competitive fire to rally the troops when LA fell behind.

Stafford is still the guy and the reigning MVP, but after a dismal Week 1, some fans may wonder whether age is finally catching up to him.

As always, thanks for reading.

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