Los Angeles Rams News and Links for 10/17/21
Los Angeles Rams Matthew Stafford is five games in with his new team, new offense, and new weapons. According to PFF Stafford has the best passer rating when grading passes that occur after the first read on the QB’s progression.
Highest passing grades on throws past 1st read:
Matthew Stafford – 90.1
Russell Wilson – 89.5
Josh Allen – 88.9 pic.twitter.com/o8BTWBzvMZ— PFF (@PFF) October 16, 2021
Here are three elements that are contributing to Stafford’s top ranking in QB performance beyond the first read:
PASS PROTECTION
The Rams offensive line has allowed the least amount of sacks of all 32 teams in the NFL with only 4 surrendered in the first five games. Behind this protection, Stafford has the time and space to progress beyond his first read and take advantage of those opportunities.
DYNAMIC RECEIVER GROUP
When leveraging his protection, Stafford begins to go through his reads which include, a top 5 receiver in Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods who has multiple 1,000 yard seasons, Van Jefferson who has two touchdowns already this season, and DeSean Jackson who had 120 yards in week three. He’s got options. He’s got good reason to look beyond the first read and when doing so, he’s connecting.
STAFFORD’S ABILITY
Sean McVay’s desire to work with Stafford stemmed from not only his arm talent but also his experience and ability in terms of understanding offenses and how to attack defenses. Stafford’s veteran status means he draws from a wealth of first hand trial and error more than a quarterback in his first stage. Furthermore, Stafford’s ability to manipulate defenders and utilize look offs and no look passes, means he’s doing much more than just moving from option to option. Stafford likely knows ahead of time when his second read will be favorable either because of defensive indicators or because of how he plans to affect the defenders.
Given those three elements as we’ve witnessed over the first five games of the Stafford Rams era, it’s not completely surprising to see the Rams QB1 at the top of this statistical ranking.
And now for today’s links:
RAMS NEWS:
3 Keys to Winning for the Rams against the Giants (Rams.com)
Getting ready for Week 6 vs. Giants after a mini bye (Rams.com)
Rams promote CB Dont’e Deayon from practice squad (RamsWire)
Here’s which uniforms the Rams and Giants will wear on Sunday (RamsWire)
NFL NEWS:
Panthers place RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) on IR (NFL.com)
Dolphins activate QB Tua Tagovailoa off injured reserve (NFL.com)
Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams (knee) expected to play vs. Baltimore Ravens (ESPN)