The history of these 2 QBs in Week 13 may astound you

When the LA Rams host the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, there is a great deal at stake for both teams. Before the outcome of any games played on Sunday, December 3, 2023, the Cleveland Browns (7-4) hold the sixth seeded spot in the upcoming AFC Playoffs. The LA Rams, as the ninth seeded team, are currently on the outside looking in.

But a Rams win could propel the Rams into the NFC Playoffs picture, and certainly improve their chances for postseason competition. Of course, the same could be said about the Browns, who could leverage a win in Week 13 to overtake their AFC North Division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and lay claim to the fifth-seed slot. At the least, the Browns do not want to lose any ground in postseason ranking.

Curiously, the game will be decided by two veteran quarterbacks who have combined for 31 years of NFL competition. Perhaps we can pause the competition of Week 13 just long enough to embrace and appreciate what Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Joe Flacco and LA Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford bring in terms of accomplishments and production to SoFi Stadium today.

Two of the NFL's finest active quarterbacks in action

Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco started his NFL career in 2008 for the Baltimore Ravens. LA Rams QB Matthew Stafford began his NFL career in 2009 for the Detroit Lions. In 2008, President Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States

So, just how accomplished are the combined might of Flacco and Stafford? Well, the pair have combined for 96,891 passing yards, which translates into just over 55 miles. That equates to 2.5 round trips from downtown Los Angeles, California to the SoFi Stadium parking lot. In terms of one way travel, that is approximately the distance from downtown Los Angeles, California to San Clemente, California. That's a pretty sizable distance.

In terms of points, the pair have combined for 578 passing touchdowns, or 3,468 points in the NFL. That's the output of 160 games by an average NFL offense, or the equivalent of 9.5 NFL seasons. And no, that does not include extra points, rushing touchdowns, two-point conversions, or field goals.

Of course, not all is golden with these two venerable passes. They have also combined for 325 interceptions throughout their careers. But Matthew Stafford is unlikely to retire anytime soon. He has a fiery competitive nature and continues giving the Rams offense their best chance of success.

Both quarterbacks have beaten the odds. Joe Flacco, a veteran who is nearly celebrating his 39th birthday, will start a game in his 16th NFL season. Matthew Stafford, a veteran who is nearly celebrating his 36th birthday, continues to be a weekly starter for the LA Rams in his 15th NFL season.

While it's easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment, don't forget to step back a moment and pause as well. Two Super Bowl winning quarterbacks face off at SoFi stadium in Week 13. 31 NFL seasons worth of NFL experience step onto the football field today. That may not excite everyone who views this game, but it should.

Loving professional football sometimes throws an unexpected gem your way. Week 13 at SoFi Stadium is one such unexpected gem. Sit back and enjoy a game by two master craftsmen. I believe you are in for a treat.