Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford Remains Hot vs. Washington Commanders
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves in playoff contention as they strung together their fourth win in the last five weeks, beating the Washington Commanders 28-20 on Sunday. It was a game where the scoreboard didn't exactly show how in control things were for the Rams, as the Commanders managed to cut the deficit to just eight points with two late fourth-quarter touchdowns.
However, even with the score being closer than many would've liked it for the Rams, the formula for success was similar to what had been in recent weeks... let quarterback Matthew Stafford "cook."
Since suffering a UCL sprain in his right thumb that knocked him out of the second half of the blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys and subsequently the following week versus the Green Bay Packers, the former Super Bowl MVP has refound his rhythm.
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday was no different as the 35-year-old spearheaded a balanced Rams offense that totaled 445 yards, with 249 of those coming through the air and the remaining 196 on the ground.
Stafford completed 25 of his 33 passes for 258 yards with two touchdowns against the Commanders. Not only was it an efficient performance from Stafford, as he didn't have a single turnover, but he managed to get all his playmakers involved, especially his No. 1 option, Cooper Kupp.
The dynamic duo that helped power the Rams to a Super Bowl just two years ago found their stride, connecting eight times for 111 yards with a touchdown that came via a 62-yard bomb to kick off the second half.
Stafford's strong performance continues a recent streak of them, as he's thrown for 1,250 yards and 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions in his last five games.
As the Rams currently sit at 7-7 on the season, which has them second in the NFC West behind the 11-3 San Francisco 49ers, they'll need Stafford at his best for their final three games to close out the regular season.
