Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford 'Lot Better' vs. Arizona Cardinals, Still Not 100 Percent
The Los Angeles Rams are riding high after a convincing 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday inside State Farm Stadium - and their offense still has another gear to reach.
Los Angeles welcomed the return of running back Kyren Williams after missing four games due to an ankle injury, and Williams made an instant impact with 22 combined touches for 204 yards and two touchdowns.
But it was also a strong day for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who completed 25 of 33 passes for 229 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in his second game since returning from a sprained UCL in his thumb.
Perhaps most impressive from the Rams' season-high scoring explosion? Stafford still isn't fully healthy - but he's getting better at an encouraging rate, Rams coach Sean McVay revealed Monday.
“I think a hundred percent would be probably a strong percentage," McVay said. "I think he felt a lot better than he did last week and I thought he was able to make some incredibly high-level throws that not many people in the world can make when they're feeling at a hundred percent.
"But his one hundred percent is pretty special."
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in action against the Arizona Cardinals.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Both Stafford and the Rams' offense took a noticeable step forward from the week prior, a 17-16 comeback victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Stafford went 17 of 31 for 190 yards, one touchdown and an interception in his return to the field after missing the previous game.
In its last five quarters with Stafford under center, Los Angeles has scored 47 points and relied on a variety of weapons along the way, be it Williams, rookie phenom Puka Nacua, receiver TuTu Atwell or tight end Tyler Higbee, among others.
And really, the ceiling is only being raised higher and higher as Stafford - and star receiver Cooper Kupp - work their way back from injury.
With Stafford in particular, McVay likes the way things are trending but deferred to his quarterback for a percentage.
"I know that it felt a lot better than what it did last week," McVay said. "I think there were a couple last little right before that release point adjustments that he made that demonstrated that that thing was feeling a little bit better that are throws that very few people in the world can make.
"So, I know he is taking steps in the right direction.”
And as Stafford improves, it's plausible the Rams' offense will elevate along with him - a goal that begins Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PST, when Los Angeles (5-6) hosts the Cleveland Browns (7-4) inside SoFi Stadium.
