Stafford gets green light to start

(News4usonline) – Los Angeles Rams fans can relax now. Rams head coach Sean McVay calmed the NFL waters when he signaled during a press conference Zoom call on Labor Day that he expects quarterback Matthew Stafford to get the starting nod against the Houston Texans in the team’s season and home opener on Sept. 7. 

“I do, yeah,” McVay replied when asked if he thought Stafford would get the start. “He’ll be good.” 

Stafford hardly took any reps during training camp over the summer as he dealt with a sore back. During the press call, McVay also stated that he expects Stafford to get a full workload of reps in before the game as well.

McVay gave a simple but blunt reply when asked if Stafford would engage in the weeklong slate of practices.   

“Yep,” McVay said. 

So now that Stafford is good to go against the Texans, just what kind of team will the Rams be facing in the AFC South Division champs? A pretty good one, McVay said. 

“They’re a great team,” said McVay. “I think they take on the personality of their head coach and [Texans Head Coach] DeMeco [Ryan’s] is a guy…they’re physical, tough. They play smart. They toe the line. I think that’s reflected in all three phases. They have continuity in the defense and on the special teams where they’ve been excellent. Then I think they’ve been really dang good the last couple years on offense.” 

Led by quarterback CJ Stroud, the Texans finished atop the AFC South Division, smacked the Los Angeles Chargers around in an AFC Wild Card matchup before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional game. 

“There’s a reason why they’ve been a top eight team each of the last couple years,” McVay said. “Winning their division and then being able to advance into the Divisional Round. They are excellent.”

When Stafford takes snaps under center against Houston, the two players expected to make his life in the pocket easier will be his starting wideouts. In his third year, Puka Nacua is a rising star. Veteran Davante Adams is perhaps the ultimate playmaker and a sure-fire Hall of Fame candidate whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. 

Hopefully, that’s not too soon. McVay talked extensively about having both players operating in his offensive system together. 

“I think they’re two great players,” McVay remarked. “It’s really about how we come together as a team. We’ve talked a lot about what Puka has been able to do his first couple years. I think he’s gotten better each of the last couple years. He had a great rookie year. He didn’t play as many games last year, but he played more efficient football. He took a step in the right direction.”
“Davante is a special player. His resume speaks for itself. He’s not limited in any way that you can use him and we’re very excited about adding him,” he added.