The Los Angeles Rams made a huge move back in 2021 to get quarterback Matthew Stafford.
This move would pay off for the Rams instantly, as they made the Super Bowl and won it that season.
However, with Stafford getting older, some might worry he’s a one-year wonder for the Rams.
There’s a case to be made on both sides of this argument, as Stafford’s play in the Super Bowl wasn’t perfect.
But will that performance mean he’s just one and done with the Rams?
Stafford Has Dependable Passing Numbers During His Career
When you break down his passing numbers, you see a player who’s been dependable throughout his career.
Since 2011, Stafford’s only had one full season where his passing yards were under 4,000 and none with less than 20 touchdowns.
While his numbers in 2019 were below both marks, he was injured during that season, playing only eight games.
So putting that aside, he’s been average and dependable with the ball.
However, the Rams need something more than average from their quarterback.
Last season saw him tie his career high in touchdowns, 41 TDs, and post his third-highest career passing yards season.
Stafford had 4800 yards and 41 touchdowns last year and I think this year will be better. It’s his 2nd year in the system and I think 5k and 50.
— Jive Turkey (@22jiveturkey) July 2, 2022
That shows he can be above-average with the receiving corps out in Los Angeles.
But without Odell Beckham Jr. this season, can he do it again with Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson in 2022?
He might, as Kupp was Stafford’s favorite target last season.
However, there’s something that might show a different side of the quarterback that Rams fans might not accept.
Stafford Threw Too Many Interceptions In 2021
Interceptions are game-changing in the NFL.
When you are throwing pick sixes, there’s a lot to worry about.
Matthew Stafford led the league with 4 pick sixes last season. He also had 41 touchdown passes, which ranked second in the NFL.
He is the only player in league history with at least 4 pick sixes and 40+ passing TDs in the same season: https://t.co/bT2jTaBt8x#Rams | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/la1PjSrkGp
— ProFootballReference (@pfref) July 7, 2022
With him setting a record for four pick sixes and 40+ touchdowns last season, those four picks gave opponents 24 points instantly.
That’s game-changing when the game is tight and you need to hold off your opponent from scoring.
The Rams defense can’t help the team when Stafford makes mistakes like that.
However, his 17 interceptions last season had him tying the record for the 2021 season.
Stafford led the league in one category which was interceptions. tied with rookie Trevor Lawrence with 17. It's right in line with his career average of .88 interceptions per game. in fact, he has only 1 full season where he has single-digit INTS
— dustin ludke (@theDunit13) July 6, 2022
These mistakes, if he continues to make them, will turn him into a one-hit wonder with the Rams.
Can He Make Better Decisions When Passing The Ball In 2022?
Sometimes interceptions are from poor decisions the quarterback makes.
Other times it’s from dumb luck giving the opposing team a gift.
However, with Stafford it’s less luck from the opposing defense and more poor decision making on his behalf.
But can he make better choices this season with the Rams over his 2021 outing with them?
It’s actually very doubtful that he can do this.
His career is full of double-digit interceptions.
Stafford hasn’t played a full season with less than ten interceptions for the year.
Every season that he plays in every game, he throws ten or more picks.
It’s play like this that will cost him, and the Rams, in games during the 2022 season.
That will also lead him to be a one-year wonder for the Rams.
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