Rams taking huge chance starting Matthew Stafford behind makeshift OL

There is no question that the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams have been riding the coattails of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford this season. He has completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 4,167 yards, 40 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has managed that because he has only been sacked 19 times this season, or an average of just 1.3 sacks per game.

The Falcons have 50 quarterback sacks in 15 games. By comparison, Los Angeles has just 41 quarterback sacks. In Week 17, LA's offensive line will start three backups. That's 60 percent of the offensive front coming off the bench. And with an immobile 37-year-old quarterback in the pocket, that's a pretty significant risk with the postseason looming on the horizon.

Does that change the playcalling? After all, it only makes sense for LA to focus on running the football to mitigate any injuries to Stafford. But this is head coach Sean McVay's offense. He doesn't run the ball with Stafford under center.

That means that the same team that is not playing wide receiver Davante Adams to avoid injury is content to block for the starting quarterback with a makeshift offensive line. Hmmm.

End of Quarter 1

Los Angeles Rams 0
Atlanta Falcons 7

Rams need to replicate Mike LaFleur's game plan to win this one

The worst scenario is for LA to fall behind early and pivot to a pass-heavy offense. That sets up the Falcons' pass rush to get a bead on Stafford. And without wide receiver Davante Adams or tight end Tyler Higbee playing, the Falcons' secondary can double wide receiver Puka Nacua and force Stafford to key on untested receivers.

That's going to set up the Falcons' pass rush to chase Stafford all over the field.

It's not a great scenario for Los Angeles. This is not a game the team needs to win. Meanwhile, the Falcons' coaching staff and players are vying to match their 8-9 record from 2024. Does it make sense to start Stafford? That's up to each reader to decide.

LA is starting three backups on the offensive line. This is not exactly optimal for Stafford to play well. And yet, there he is, fighting for the win.

As always, thanks for reading.