Can Rams Fix Matthew Stafford's Regression?
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rough 2022.
In just nine games, and with a shorthanded offensive line for the majority of that time, Stafford was battered, bruised, and eventually knocked out for the year with a spinal contusion in Week 11.
After a long recovery this offseason, Stafford is ready to go in Sunday's regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. However, he struggled even when healthy last season, finishing with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games.
Nevertheless, the 35-year-old's days in the NFL are numbered, meaning the Rams won't succeed if he's overworked. ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen provided a solution to that dilemma.
"Stafford must have an efficient run game at this stage of his career in order to lower the throwing volume behind an offensive line that is below average in pass protection," Bowen said. "(However,) in 2022, the Rams averaged just 4.0 yards per carry (27th in the NFL) and only 2.36 yards before first contact (24th)."
© Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY
Rams running back Cam Akers is hoping to earn more carries this season after struggling most of last year. Akers even had a short quarrel with the Rams last season and was nearly traded because of it.
However, the two parties settled their differences and Akers finished with a combined 345 rushing yards and three touchdowns over Los Angeles' final three games. He had only rushed for 441 yards and four touchdowns up until Week 16.
Now that the wounds are healed, Akers hopes his performance in the last few games will roll over into his contract year.
"I just want to prove myself right in every aspect," Akers said in early August. "Obviously, I want to be a team player, that comes first, but my goal is to prove I'm one of the best backs in the league. I think as time goes it will show."
If Akers can accomplish these high standards as a "central figure" in the offense, Stafford's regression from last season should hopefully flip in the right direction, as he won't be overworked.
