(2) - QB Matthew Stafford
After watching him struggle in Week 7, I voiced concerns over the status of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. After all, he had thrown just three touchdowns and four interceptions in the Rams first six games of the 2024 NFL season. And if the team had any hope of stringing together victories after the Week 6 BYE, the offense had to play a huge role.
Well, the debate is over. Stafford was clearly back at the top of his game, tossing laser beams to his receivers and finding the end zone four times in one game. The last time he thres that many scores in one game was 2023, just three days after Thanksgiving Day.
Stafford was not just the soul-stealing assasing on the gridiron. He seemed like a man possessed, determined to win the game through sheer willpower alone if necessary. And Stafford was even eluding a frighteningly-effective Vikings pass rush.
For SportsCenter: One-on-one with Matthew Stafford after the Rams 30-20 win over the Vikingsβ¦ his thoughts on dodging two defenders as he passed a seven-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp? βFear is a helluva motivator!β pic.twitter.com/O1NaTVzXVU
β Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 25, 2024
This was clearly Stafford's best game of the season. Can he sustain that level of performance? Let's hope so.
(1) - HC Sean McVay
I know that I am not shy about raising questions about the strategy used in some games. In fact, I frequently examine what works for the offense, and lobby the team to give those tactics more opportunities. From two tight-end offensive formations to bigger running backs to get scores in the red zone, from mixing up the personnel rotations to thinking outside the box, I typically mention it in an article.
But after a doctorate-level display of offensive design and play-calling like Week 8? All I can do is bow in respect and admiration.
At 38 years old?!
β ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) October 25, 2024
Congrats Sean McVay on becoming the Rams' all-time winningest coach! #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/FMvG88LOJU
It was all on display in Week 8. The ruthless abandon that led to two quick scores right out of the gate, to the willingness to entrust young WR Puka Nacua and veteran scoring specialist Demarcus Robinson, McVay was as his dialed-in finest as he dialed up one of the Rams best offensive showings in a must-win game in a very long time.
Not only did he become the Winningest Head Coach in LA Rams Franchise History, but he earned it in a undeniable fashion.