2022 NFL Draft Notebook: 2021 NFL MVP Rams QB Matthew Stafford?
By John Blair
This week’s NFL Draft Notebook takes a look at why Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford has a legitimate shot of winning MVP and more
Over the past couple of weeks, NFL Draft Notebook has picked our surprise team of the upcoming season, prediction for offensive rookie of the year, and this week we take a look at why Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a smart bet to win MVP this season.
Along with taking a look at why Matthew Stafford is in a great situation this week’s article also looks at the following NFL Draft topics
- Why TCU offensive tackle Obinna Eze is a name you need to know
- Why the Los Angeles Rams might look at offensive tackle in the 2022 NFL Draft
- Preseason offensive tackle rankings for the 2022 NFL Draft
- And much more
Why Matthew Stafford will be the 2021 MVP
The biggest move of this offseason is when the Detroit Lions traded quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and a 2021 third-round pick, 2022 first-rounder and 2023 first-rounder. While this is a lot to give up for a quarterback with zero playoff wins, it will be well worth it if Stafford can take the Rams to a Super Bowl championship and win the 2021 NFL MVP.
One of the reasons the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford can make these goals a reality next season is his willingness to push the ball downfield. One of the Rams’ biggest issues last year was that Goff refused to take chances down the field as his average pass only went downfield just 6.5 yards which ranked 38th in the NFL. On the other hand, Stafford averaged 9 yards per pass which ranked sixth in the NFL despite playing with a worse supporting cast.
Another trait Matthew Stafford has working in his favor is his ability to be clutch in critical situations. He has proven he can throw under pressure and off-platform on a consistent basis. He also has the ability to lead his team at the end of games as no quarterback had more game-winning drives from 2014 to 2017. This aspect of his game could be crucial this year since he finally has the supporting cast to compete with the top teams in the NFL.
Stafford also went into a situation with the Los Angeles Rams that should be a great fit for him. One of the reasons why Stafford should see his game improve this year is he is working with one of the more creative offensive minds in the NFL in head coach Sean McVay. McVay has proven over the years he knows how to set up his quarterback for success and create mismatches in the passing game, which Stafford should now be able to take advantage of.
This is also a great situation for Matthew Stafford as he will be surrounded by the best supporting cast he has ever had. The Los Angeles Rams have two upper echelon receivers in Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp and also a tight end in Tyler Higbee who is a threat in the passing game. In addition to these treats, he has a running back who is just starting to come into his own in Cam Akers.
When you look at all these factors it is easy to see why 2021 will be a big season for Matthew Stafford and one where he easily could walk away with both the MVP and Vince Lombardi Trophy.