Matthew Stafford's glowing praise for Ty Simpson should put Rams fans at ease

There is no question over Matthew Stafford's job security as the starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, this season and for as long as he wants to play. On the other hand, some fans were concerned he might give Ty Simpson, his future replacement, the cold shoulder. Thankfully, that has not been the case.

Still, not shunning the rookie is a far cry from taking him under his wing and mentoring him. Now that edge rusher Jared Verse is gone, shipped off to acquire Myles Garrett, Simpson stands alone on the roster as the only first-rounder drafted by the Rams.

Already under immense pressure, he'll need all the help he can get. And so far, Stafford has been that lifeline.

It's important for both quarterbacks to cultivate that forced friendship quickly. Los Angeles has invested considerable resources in both players with the hope of winning today and tomorrow. Right now, the today chapter for Stafford is relatively certain, wth the biggest question being how long he will ultimately stick around.

Matthew Stafford may be NFL's best QB mentor

While nobody expects Stafford to take a backseat to anyone for years to come, his recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show suggests that he is more than happy to coach up Simpson. Even as Simpson is learning from Stafford, Stafford is observing and learning from the Rams coaching staff. It's a symbiotic environment, and while the veteran QB is well aware of the need to respond with tact - J.J. McCarthy should be taking notes - he is both benefiting from and contributing to that support system.

So what did Stafford, the former Georgia Bulldogs star, have to say about his young apprentice? Plenty:

"I'm there with him in the meeting room, on the practice field, trying to share as much knowledge as I can. I was a big fan of Ty when he played at Alabama. I sent him a message right after the draft saying, 'I really enjoyed watching you play. You were just wearing the wrong jersey, you weren't a 'Dog.'

He's a very talented kid. I'll do everything I can to get this team ready to play and win, but at the same time, I want to share some of the knowledge I've gained throughout my career. I wouldn't be in this chair talking to you all today, after a really good season, if I hadn't had people who helped me along the way, too. So, I'm happy to do it.

And he's been a sponge, man. He's seeking to improve, and actually that goes for our whole team, all the young guys we drafted." - Stafford via The Pat McAfee Show.

If you wan to catch the interview, you can check it out below.

There is no real football being played yet. This is about installing plays, learning roles, and forging friendships. So far, the Rams are checking all the boxes, just like Stafford did in his response. But it's not just playing nice in the sandbox. This is about veterans paying it forward. And LA has veterans who embrace that responsibility.

Run down the roster. From Davante Adams to Stafford, and now Myles Garrett, the Horns have a knack for luring the best and most passionate players. And it's always a positive when experienced stars can show younger teammates the ropes.

Simpson gets to watch, learn, and interact with the defending NFL MVP. Even by taking second and third-string reps, he is learning day by day. Stafford has been impressed with what he's seen so far.
Until the pads go on, that's as good as it gets.

Thanks for reading.

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