The Los Angeles Rams wanted to renew quarterback Matthew Stafford for many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that in his first year with the team, he led the franchise to a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. .
They didn’t have to work very hard to convince Stafford, who may have wanted a new contract as much, if not more, than the Rams. On Monday, he indicated that his experience with the Rams was everything he hoped for, especially in light of his 12 difficult seasons with the Detroit Lions.
“I’ve had so much fun playing for this team this year, playing for this organization, for this coaching staff, and I wanted to make sure I could do it for the long haul,” said Stafford, who recently agreed to according to Adam Schefter. from ESPN, a $160 million four-year extension with $135 guaranteed.
“Of course I wanted to thank the Rams for giving me this opportunity. It has been a lot of hard work to get to this point. I’m just happy where we are and I know what the future looks like for me and for our team. As a player, it’s an exciting thing to know where you’re going to be and be able to put down some roots and really try to do something really special for a while.
“I was just trying to find something that was good for both sides, where we could keep adding players and parts around me.”
The Rams also recently signed free agent Allen Robinson II of the Chicago Bears to join a wide receiving group that includes Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson. Robinson is well known for his difficult catches in tight cover.
“Some of the areas that are becoming such an advantage are probably in the red,” said Stafford. – It’s just that the defenders have less field to defend. So covering up guys is a little easier. His ability to get up and catch guys, around guys, whatever it is, is really special. I saw it up close and in person.
“At the same time, for a guy his size, I think he also handles separation very well. Quite a few times he does a great job, whether on the line of scrimmage or on top. about his route transition, and also does a great job of creating space for the quarterback. I think you get the best of both worlds when it comes down to it with him. I really want to go out there and work with him and see what it’s like to throw him.”
Robinson said he was also keen to play Stafford.
“Just watching Matt’s career from afar, seeing all the wide receivers he’s played with and being able to see everything he’s been able to help his wide receivers achieve… being able to kind of step into that and be able to build that rapport. and this relationship, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.
In 2021, Kupp had one of the best statistical seasons for a wide receiver, with 145 catches, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. He then had 33 more receptions and six touchdowns in four playoff games, including two Super Bowl totals.
Robinson had a poor season last year but was one year off the season with 102 catches and 1,250 yards. Stafford was asked if the Rams had the best receiving group in the NFL.
“It looks good on paper,” he said. “We have to go there and make sure it comes true… We have to go there and prove it.”