Rams QB Matthew Stafford: NFL's Best Deep Passer?
Matthew Stafford has always maintained his aggressive style as a quarterback, consistently looking to push the ball downfield, and this approach has remained unchanged since his move to the Los Angeles Rams.
As he enters his 15th NFL season, the veteran quarterback continues to receive recognition for his arm talent. According to The 33rd Team, Stafford is regarded as the sixth-best deep thrower in the NFL. However, they remain cautious about his injury history.
"Time will tell if the 35-year-old Matthew Stafford’s injury woes have taken a permanent toll," The 33rd Team writes. "If they haven’t, then we’re talking about a quarterback who led his team to a Super Bowl title in part by leading the league in passing yards on 20-plus-yard attempts two years ago."
Last season, Stafford faced difficulties with an injury-plagued offensive line, which affected his performance, resulting in an average of only 6.7 intended air yards per attempt. According to Next Gen Stats, this tied him for the NFL's third-fewest. However, in his first season with the Rams in 2021, Stafford showcased his ability with a higher average of 8.5 intended air yards per attempt, ranking him eighth in the league.
If Stafford enjoys better health for the Rams in the upcoming season, he will have the opportunity to excel in throwing the ball down the field. This, in turn, could greatly aid the Rams in their pursuit of the playoffs after missing out last year. Stafford's health will be crucial in their quest for success this season.
Follow Jacob Hare on Twitter
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.
Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
