Matthew Stafford has performed almost 16 NFL seasons, absorbing hits that resulted in damaged bones, strains, sprains and bruises. Has the Rams quarterback performed a full season with out an harm?
“No,” Stafford mentioned Wednesday, chuckling.
Stafford, 36, displayed resilience and toughness throughout 12 seasons in Detroit and three-plus with the Rams. And he’ll do it once more this week because the Rams put together for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Payments at SoFi Stadium.
Throughout the second quarter of final Sunday’s victory over the New Orleans Saints, Stafford suffered a proper ankle sprain when he was taken to the bottom whereas throwing a cross. He limped after that play and shook his leg following the subsequent one however remained within the recreation and handed for 2 second-half touchdowns within the 21-14 victory that improved the Rams’ file to 6-6.
Earlier than observe Wednesday, Stafford mentioned his ankle felt “pretty good” and that he can be “good to go” in opposition to the Payments. He participated in all drills with out apparent discomfort through the portion of observe open to reporters.
Earlier this season, Stafford handled again soreness after a Week 5 defeat by the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Enjoying by points small and enormous is a part of the job.
“You’d love to try to get through it as good as you can, but I think everybody in here is dealing with something at some point,” he mentioned, “and it’s just kind of whether or not you can play with it, and then how good can you get it feelin’ before Sunday.
“So I got no new issue with going out there practicing … and playing on Sunday.”
Stafford has handed for 17 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Within the final three video games — victories over the New England Patriots and the Saints and a defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles — he handed for eight touchdowns.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is sacked by the Payments’ Greg Rousseau in 2022. He was sacked seven instances.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Instances)
Now he faces the Payments, one in all three groups he by no means has overwhelmed. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans are others.
Two years in the past, within the season opener in opposition to the Payments, Stafford accomplished 29 of 41 passes for 240 yards and a landing, with three interceptions, in a 31-10 rout by the Payments. He was sacked seven instances and hit 16 instances.
The defeat set the tone for the defending Tremendous Bowl-champion Rams’ misplaced season, the worst post-championship hangover in NFL historical past.
“I didn’t play well enough … really in any phase,” he mentioned.
Final Sunday, the Payments improved to 10-2 and clinched their fifth consecutive AFC East title with a 35-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Defensive ends Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa have 6½ and 5 sacks, respectively, and outdoors linebacker Von Miller has 4. Payments quarterback Josh Allen has handed for 20 touchdowns with 5 interceptions. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound Allen additionally has rushed for six touchdowns.
“It’s incredible what he’s able to do,” Stafford mentioned of the seventh-year professional. “I remember him jumping over linebackers in Minnesota [in 2018], doing all sorts of stuff. He’s as physically talented of a runner at quarterback that I’ve seen.
“He does it a little bit differently, right? Big, physical guy but can still get away from you and run. He’s made some throws throughout the years that are as impressive as they get.”
And so on.
Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., a 2023 first-round decide claimed off waivers from the Washington Commanders, practiced for the primary time. It’s not going that he’ll play in opposition to the Payments, coach Sean McVay mentioned. Forbes mentioned he’s trying ahead to studying the playbook. “It’s a part of business,” he mentioned of the Commanders’ determination to waive him. “I wish it didn’t happen like that but it did. Fresh start here and clean slate. I’m just ready to take advantage of it.” … Tight finish Tyler Higbee, getting back from knee and shoulder surgical procedures, continues to observe. McVay mentioned it’s “possible” Higbee would play Sunday. “We’ll take it a day at a time and see what that looks like,” McVay mentioned. … Receiver Cooper Kupp didn’t observe as a result of he was given a veteran relaxation day, in response to the harm report. Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (foot) didn’t observe, and receiver Demarcus Robinson (hand) was restricted.
