Last offseason was an atypical one for Matthew Stafford. He didn’t throw during spring practices after getting an injection in his elbow, and when it came time for training camp, he was held out of team drills as the season drew closer.
It undoubtedly had a negative impact on the offense as a whole, and especially when it came to his chemistry with the Rams’ receivers. Stafford is already off to a better start this spring, though, and that’s great news for Los Angeles.
According to Sean McVay, this is the first offseason “in a long time that he’s actually feeling good,” which should be music to Rams fans’ ears. And when Van Jefferson was asked about Stafford, he says having him on the field right now “makes a huge difference.”
“Oh yeah, I think that makes a huge difference,” Jefferson said. “I think (it does) for all the guys that are out there throwing with Matt. He’s looking great, he’s always been great, so it’s just great to be out there with him again and see him healthy, and see him slinging it like he does. It’s good to just be out there and get some passes with him.”
It’s early and the Rams aren’t anywhere close to a full, competitive practice, but just seeing Stafford throwing on a football field is a great sign – and it’s the first time Rams fans have seen him throw since Nov. 20.
More Matthew Stafford clips? More Matthew Stafford clips! pic.twitter.com/tiXyLVA5wz
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 8, 2023
Stafford will need to be at his best in 2023 if the Rams are going to compete for anything in the NFC. He’s not only their most important player, but now on a team that’s missing many of the stars from recent seasons, his value is even higher.
If he can stay healthy for all 17 games and play the way he did in 2021, the Rams might just have a shot at the postseason.
