Tag: Matthew Stafford

All 32 NFL QBs (including Panthers’ Bryce Young) ranked by passer rating for the 2023 regular season

32 starting QBs ranked by their 2023 passer ratings

Well, let’s just look back at this like a “Started from the bottom, now we here” meme by next year, shall we?

Here are all 32 NFL quarterbacks, including Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, ranked by passer rating from the 2023 season:

Matthew Stafford pulls out of Pro Bowl Games, replaced by Geno Smith

Matthew Stafford won’t participate in the 2024 Pro Bowl Games and has been replaced by Geno Smith on the NFC roster

Matthew Stafford made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career this season, but he won’t be participating in the festivities in Orlando. The Seattle Seahawks announced on Tuesday that Geno Smith has been added to the NFC roster for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, replacing Stafford. No reason for Stafford’s withdrawal was given, but it’s likely due to injury, as was the case for Aaron Donald.

With Stafford and Donald out, that leaves Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams as the Rams’ only other Pro Bowl participants this year.

This season, Stafford threw 24 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions, averaging 264.3 yards per game with a passer rating of 92.5. The only other season he was selected to the Pro Bowl was in 2014 when he had 22 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.

Q&A: Recapping Rams’ 2023 season and looking ahead to the future

I sat down with Team NBS Media’s Rams insider George Lopez to discuss the 2023 season, the future of the franchise and its top players

A longtime Angeleno, Team NBS Media’s George Lopez has intently covered the Rams since their return to California.

George recently wrapped up his in-season coverage with a year-end article. He credited the young players for the Rams’ success and spoke about a brighter future for the team.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with George to discuss the 2023 season, the future of the franchise and what’s in store for its key players.

Q: What is your overview of the season and do you believe Matthew Stafford will be a member of the Rams long term?

Lopez: The Rams weren’t expected to do much this season. Most “experts” had them winning six games. I think McVay had his best season as coach. They exceeded expectations this year. I give Stafford maybe two more seasons and wouldn’t be surprised if he retires then. The Rams will need to address a quarterback in the future. Bo Nix is a possibility in the upcoming draft. I would like them to resign Wentz as their backup.

Q: Did Cooper Kupp have a down year or is he over the hill?

Lopez: I don’t think Kupp is over the hill. It’s unfortunate that he missed time due to injuries. When healthy, he’s still one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. With Kupp out, Stafford was able to build chemistry with the other receivers.

Q: The Rams have a first-round pick for the first time since their selection of Jared Goff in 2016. Who should they target and why?

Lopez: The Rams need to address their secondary. That was a weakness all season. Cooper DeJean out of Iowa is someone the Rams should look at, as well as Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama.

Q: How long does Aaron Donald have left in the league?

Lopez: The past three seasons, there has been talk of Aaron Donald considering retirement. I think the play of the young players on defense reinvigorated Donald to play at least one more season.

Q: The Rams are not excepted to make any major splashes in free agency. With that being said, are there any available players that you would like to see the Rams target?

Lopez: I would like the Rams to re-sign Kevin Dotson. Once he was put in the starting lineup, the offensive line played much better. I would like to see them pursue an inside linebacker to play alongside Ernest Jones.

Q: Is Puka Nacua on the verge of stardom or just a flash in the pan?

Lopez: Puka Nacua was a big surprise this season. He is definitely on the verge of stardom. He really fits in well in McVay’s offense. Being able to learn from Kupp is going to do wonders for his career.

Q: Who is your ideal replacement for defensive coordinator Raheem Morris?

Lopez: With Raheem Morris leaving for Atlanta, some Rams fans assume they will look to bring back Brandon Staley. The Rams have run elements of Vic Fangio’s defense recently, so bringing Staley back would make sense. They have scheduled to interview the Ravens DB coach, Dennard Wilson. I wouldn’t mind seeing someone from Mike Macdonald’s defensive philosophy.

Rams’ future at QB could lay with Jared Goff once Matthew Stafford retires

After a successful playoff run with the Lions, Jared Goff reestablished himself as a top-end starting quarterback.

As wild as this statement seems, the post-Matthew Stafford era could see the return of Jared Goff. After a 34-31 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated that his team’s appearance in the NFC Championship Game “may have been [the Lions’] only shot.”

He, of course, is talking about their Super Bowl chances.

And Campbell is absolutely right. Outside of the current NFC champion San Francisco 49ers, the last team to win the NFC title game the year after losing it was the 2012 49ers. It’s an incredibly hard thing to do and keep in mind the 2023 49ers suffered two straight conference championship losses before last night’s victory.

Whenever a head coach starts talking like that, changes always seem to follow. The Lions are expected to lose OC Ben Johnson to the Washington Commanders’ head coaching vacancy. Aaron Glenn has participated in multiple head coaching interviews. Frank Ragnow finished the year with virtually every body part causing him pain and the reality is that many current Lions will not return in 2024.

The Lions have already expressed an interest in replacing Goff at multiple points throughout Dan Campbell’s tenure. There was the Malik Willis discussion several years ago, the drafting of Hendon Hooker last year, and the multiple rumors swirling before this season.

Despite the success the Lions have had under Goff, the Lions’ front office has already made it known that they will upgrade a position at any time, even if there’s a solid starter already in that position. Jahmyr Gibbs for D’Andre Swift, Jack Campbell for Malcolm Rodriguez, and Penei Sewell for Hal Vaitai. The Lions are so confident in their ability to find talent that they traded their All-Pro tight end T.J. Hockenson to a division rival to then drafted a potentially even better tight end.

With all this being said, combined with Goff’s history, there’s a possibility that Goff’s eventual departure from Detroit could coincide with the career expectancy of Matthew Stafford. We all understand that McVay doesn’t want to groom another QB if he doesn’t have to, and considering the performance from the Rams’ recent runs of youthful quarterbacks, it’s safe to assume McVay wants a veteran gunslinger to take over for Stafford at some point.

This was made even more evident by the signing of Carson Wentz midway through the year.

Goff proved that he is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback and that he’s not the same player he was on the Rams. Goff understands the offense at a higher echelon and he’s still in the prime of his career. With all bitter feelings seemingly water under the bridge, perhaps Goff could be destined to return to Los Angeles at some point down the line.

A pair of former Georgia Bulldogs named finalists for NFL awards

Two former Georgia Bulldogs named finalists for NFL awards

Former Georgia Bulldogs Matthew Stafford and Jalen Carter are finalists for a couple of marquee NFL awards after impressive 2023 seasons.

Stafford is up for Comeback Player of the Year after leading the Los Angeles Rams to a wild-card round appearance, ultimately losing 27-24 to the Detroit Lions.

The former Georgia quarterback had a injury-plagued season in 2022 that limited him to only nine games. There were talks of retirement for the veteran, but his 15th NFL season proved he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Stafford finished 11th in the league in passing yards (3,965), tied for 11th in touchdowns (24), ranked 10th in interceptions (11) and posted a 63.7 QBR, good enough for sixth in the NFL.

Carter is a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year after an outstanding first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, who ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-9 in the wild-card round.

Carter continued his high level of play that we witnessed for three years in Athens. Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie racked up 33 tackles, six sacks, 43 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

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Winners will be announced at the NFL Honors on Feb. 8 at 9 p.m. ET. The show will air on CBS and the NFL Network and will be available to stream on Paramount+ and NFL+.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford named as finalist for prestigious award

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford nominated for prestigious award after a strong 2023 NFL season

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a contender to win the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. Stafford, who was the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft, played college football at Georgia from 2006-2008.

Matthew Stafford showed toughness and grit throughout this NFL season and especially in the wild-card round against the Detroit Lions. Stafford returned to form after struggling through injuries in 2022. Stafford threw for 10 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 2,087 passing yards in 2022, which was one of the worst seasons of his career. Stafford and the Rams were off the mark in 2022 after winning the Super Bowl the previous season.

This year, Matthew Stafford bounced back and threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns. Stafford helped Los Angeles make the NFL playoffs and was selected to the Pro Bowl after an outstanding 2023 season.

Stafford is one of five nominees to win the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. He joins Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The NFL Honors take place on Feb. 8 at 9:00 p.m. ET in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Matthew Stafford is one of five finalists for Comeback Player of the Year

Matthew Stafford is a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year, as is former Rams QB Baker Mayfield

Like most of the Rams’ roster, Matthew Stafford went through a tough season in 2022. He dealt with several injuries and even a concussion, playing only nine games and throwing just 10 touchdown passes – his fewest in a season since 2010 when he played only three games.

He and the Rams bounced back in a big way this past season, going 10-7 and making the playoffs as a wild-card team. Thanks to Stafford’s efforts, he’s been named a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year.

He rebounded with 24 touchdown passes and only 11 interceptions in 15 games, going 9-6 in those starts. He also averaged 12.2 yards per completion, the third-best of his career, creating a bunch of big plays for his receivers.

The other finalists for Comeback Player of the Year are Joe Flacco, Damar Hamlin, Baker Mayfield and Tua Tagovailoa.

Aaron Glenn strongly defends Kerby Joseph against ‘dirty player’ accusations

“Kerby plays football, and we’re going to continue to play football. And we don’t care what anybody else has to say.”

During the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s playoff win over the Los Angeles Rams, Lions safety Kerby Joseph made a play against Rams tight end Tyler Higbee that resulted in Higbee tearing up his knee. Joseph dove at Higbee’s legs as the tight end tried to haul in a high throw over the middle from Rams QB Matthew Stafford.

After the play, Stafford got after Joseph. He told the young safety, whom he never played with in Detroit, that it was a dirty hit. Here’s what Stafford said to Joseph, via Rams Wire,

“Hey! Hey! That’s a good hit. That’s a good hit,” Stafford said. “You’re dirty as (expletive), though. And you know it. You’re dirty as (expletive). It’s been on tape. I’ve seen it. It’s been on tape. You’re right. You’re right.”

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn wanted nothing to do with any assertions that Joseph’s hit was done with intent to injure.

“Absolutely not. This is football. This is football,” Glenn said agitatedly when asked if he thought the hit was dirty and if he needed to talk to Joseph about his style of play. “And I understand exactly what the NFL is doing when it comes to trying to – a player’s safety, and I totally agree with it. And the thing that he did against the Minnesota Vikings, he hit a guy high, and he got fined for it. So then he hits a guy low, and people are saying he’s a dirty player. Kerby plays football, and we’re going to continue to play football. And we don’t care what anybody else has to say.”

Glenn was just getting started.

“Listen, no one wants anybody to get hurt in this league. No one wants that. Hell, I was hurt in this League before, so I understand; I know how it feels. But I also understand I play football and when you play football, things like that happen. So, guys have got to continue to play no matter what. And it kind of bothers me that you hear that from people across the league because you know the risk you’re taking when you play this game and that’s just what it is.”

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Mics caught Matthew Stafford calling out Kerby Joseph for his brutal hit on Tyler Higbee

Matthew Stafford was NOT happy with Kerby Joseph.

Matthew Stafford is going to stick up for his guys. He’s even willing to call out what he seemingly feels is unsportsmanlike behavior, no matter who you are. A newly released clip caught Stafford giving an earful to Detroit Lions Safety Kerby Joseph for his season-ending hit on Tyler Higbee.

Matthew Stafford’s playoff homecoming with the Detroit Lions was a mixed bag of emotions. There was booing from fans, missed calls by the refs and even an unfortunate mid-game injury to tight end Tyler Higbee. As you might imagine, Stafford didn’t take too kindly to the hit that ultimately ended Higbee’s day early and led to a torn ACL and MCL.

New footage of the injury aftermath has surfaced, and mics caught the Los Angeles quarterback calling out Kerby Joseph with some very colorful language.

(Warning: NSFW language.)

Watch: Matthew Stafford was mic’d up for his Detroit return and it was awesome

Matthew Stafford was mic’d up for his return to Detroit and the video as awesome as you’d expect

Matthew Stafford played 12 seasons in Detroit as the Lions’ starting quarterback, but Sunday was his first game back at Ford Field as the opposing quarterback. It was likely an emotional game for the veteran signal caller, given the strong connections he’s built within the organization and the city of Detroit.

However, you wouldn’t get that sense watching him play his best game of the season in the Rams’ 24-23 loss. He was mic’d up for the contest and was as dialed in as ever. He had his teammates fired up in the huddle, throwing darts to his receivers all over the field.

After zipping a throw to the right side, he let Aidan Hutchinson know by yelling “boom!” in his direction, not letting the shot he just took prevent him from completing the pass.

Later in the video, as he was sprinting down the field after his touchdown pass to Puka Nacua, he taunted the crowd by letting them know he couldn’t hear them.

Stafford was the most demonstrative when Kerby Joseph hit Tyler Higbee in the knee. He sprinted to the Lions safety and said he’s “dirty as (expletive),” telling him “it’s been on tape.” Needless to say, Stafford did not appreciate that hit on his tight end.

If there’s one thing to take away from the mic’d-up video, it’s that Stafford took a beating from Lions defenders, absorbing hit after hit in the pocket. He got up every time, even after being dealt a late hit by Hutchinson and then another shot to the head by a second defender.

Stafford didn’t get the win he so badly wanted against his former team, but he played about as well as he possibly could have, throwing for 367 yards with two touchdowns.