Matthew Stafford, the veteran quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is on his 17th year in the NFL as he aims to make a significant impact on the field. Now, at 37, Stafford is primarily concerned with erasing the stigma of a hard 2022. He’s particularly keen to address the back pain that cut him down at the beginning of training camp. It will be his fifth season with the Rams but confidence is building that he can help guide his third team toward a magical run.
Stafford’s path through training camp has been one out with a week listed as absent, thanks to his back continuing to act up. For the first time since suffering the injury, he returned to practice on Monday, participating in individual drills and slowly easing back into things. The Rams have implemented a modified training camp schedule for Stafford and other veteran players. This alteration maximizes their time to balance gearing up for a new busy season in conjunction with their workload.
Most importantly, coaches have been impressed with just how fast Stafford has acclimated himself to getting back on the field. During his three weeks back, Murray has shown a will to work and compete.
“The coolest part is he’s just back out there with the guys doing stuff he loves, operating at a world-class level. If I didn’t know any better, he looks like Matthew Stafford. It’s been fun to have him back.” – Mike LaFleur
Stafford’s contract has been worked over during the last two offseasons, though no dummy years have been added. He knows the clock is ticking on him. He’s hoping to recreate last year’s magical playoff run, six passing touchdowns, no interceptions in three games.
Hopefully for his sake Stafford continues on the comeback trail. As he says, he just wants to keep playing this level for as long as possible. He’s mindful not to overpromise and underdeliver.
“I’m trying to play at a high level as long as I possibly can,” – Matthew Stafford
Stafford said the experience off the field was “difficult.” He jumped at the opportunity to come back and do something special for his team.
“So I’m just living day by day trying to be the best version of myself for this team, and hopefully it works out,” – Matthew Stafford
Meanwhile, Head Coach Sean McVay has been nothing if not empathetic and supportive when it’s come to Stafford’s plight. Yet he made it clear that they need to be ready to play when they take on Houston in Week 1. Finally, he recognized the emotional impact that carrying the burden of being a passionate player can have on a person.
“I think more than anything, I feel for a guy that I really care about that wants to be out there more than anything else,” – Sean McVay
Fellow players have noticed a level of confidence from Stafford in how he’s approached preparing himself for the season. Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein could not say enough about the kind of relentless drive and work ethic Stafford brings.
“One thing you’re going to know is Matthew’s going to get himself ready to play and ready to go,” – Rob Havenstein
As Stafford navigates through training camp, he is aware that at this stage in his career, attention to detail is crucial. Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone understands that Stafford just needs to pare down on the small details. He called that attention to detail the most important go-to preparation for Week 1.
“At this point, at that many years in the NFL, it’s about sharpening some of the minor details that he knows he needs to do in order to get himself ready for Week 1,” – Dave Ragone
Stafford doesn’t discount the importance of mental and physical freshness with the long season ahead. He referred to his joint experience with McVay in finding the best ways to accommodate him and the team.
“At this point in my career, I’m trying to do everything I can to make sure that when the season comes around, I’m as fresh both physically and mentally as I possibly can be,” – Matthew Stafford
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