Rams QB Matthew Stafford Reveal: Still Top 10 on Chris Simms ‘Controversial’ Countdown
While Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has fallen significantly on many quarterback countdowns entering the 2023 NFL season, one of his long-time advocates still believes that he's one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the sport.
Former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms unveiled 13-9 on his always-controversial countdown of the top players at the position. Stafford checked in at No. 10:
“He’s still one of the 10 best quarterbacks in football," Simms said. "His arm is still all-time. … No one was under pressure more than Matthew Stafford. Other than (Patrick) Mahomes, he probably has more release (points) than anybody in football. His arm talent and his toughness are a gift and a curse. Sean McVay had to protect Stafford from himself.
"He makes some of the damndest throws you’ll ever see in your life," Simms continued. "He moves really well in the pocket – (Dan) Marino-ish – but he’s probably the worst runner in football ….”
After leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title in his first season with the team, multiple stints in concussion protocol limited Stafford to just nine games in 2022. In those nine games, the former No. 1 overall pick tossed 10 touchdowns to eight interceptions, hardly inspiring production.
But in terms of arm talent, Stafford is one of the more gifted quarterbacks of the last 20 years. If he's healthy, he should bounce back to some degree in his third year in McVay's offense.
The question with Stafford, though, is was 2022 the beginning of the end or just one injury-riddled season? He's 35 years old, and consistently played through injuries during his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. Are those injuries finally catching up with him? And even if Stafford is healthy, are their enough offensive weapons around him outside of Cooper Kupp for the Rams to have success in 2023?
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.
