Matthew Stafford proves old Dawgs don’t need new tricks heading into Week 2

Should Los Angeles Rams fans be concerned about starting quarterback Matthew Stafford? The team certainly didn’t act like it. They emphasized protecting and optimizing him, deploying 12-personnel packages on more than 40 percent of offensive snaps. Unfortunately, that didn’t translate into points, as the Rams managed just 14 despite being fully healthy. Still, the 37-year-old quarterback turned in a very impressive performance.

According to his PFF Week 1 grade, Stafford earned a 92.9 overall — the highest among all NFL quarterbacks. And that’s the kind of number that should make the Tennessee Titans defense stop, look, and listen. Even with a pass rush that sacked him three times and delivered multiple hits and pressures, Stafford hung tough and delivered in key moments.

This is the same quarterback some analysts expected to be mulling retirement by now. And while the offensive line boasted improved depth, the results in Week 1 didn’t fully reflect that. At least one NFL OL ranking listed the Rams near the bottom of the league. But instead of panicking or bailing early, Stafford stood tall in the pocket and gave the Rams a real shot to win.

FanSided’s QB rankings give Matthew Stafford lofty perch

After opening week, Stafford was one of the few bright spots on an offense that struggled against a determined Houston Texans defense. His efficient outing, despite a limited playbook, earned him the No. 9 spot in FanSided’s latest quarterback rankings. The former Georgia Bulldog continues to show why he’s still one of the most respected signal-callers in the NFL.

Head coach Sean McVay may have leaned on heavy personnel groupings, but he wasn’t exactly bubble-wrapping his quarterback. Quite the opposite. He even dialed up a quarterback sneak. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s defense couldn’t generate pressure on Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix, recording just one sack in their opener.

Even with three offensive linemen nursing ankle injuries, the Rams offense still has plenty left to unveil. You could say they got that DAWG in them. Many players were kept on limited workloads against the Texans, and that figures to change quickly.

Despite no rookies seeing major touches, this unit is poised for a stronger showing in Week 2. NFL Spin Zone projects a big offensive day against the Titans, and it tracks. TE Tyler Higbee, WRs Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, and RB Blake Corum were all quiet in the opener. Expect heavier usage from some or all of them this week. As always, thanks for reading.

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