Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford has not thrown a single interception in five games and his efficient play could be a huge factor in why LA is 7-2 since their bye week. Stafford has always been known as a gunslinger who is not afraid to take a deep shot or fit a throw into a tight window, however that kind of play can lead to the occasional turnover. Lately though, Stafford has been the epitome of consistency, boasting 10 touchdown passes and zero interceptions since the team’s Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Many will walk away from the Rams 12 to 6 victory over the 49ers Thursday night upset about the offense and their lack of ability to score, but the fact remains that in a close game that came down to defense, one quarterback turned the ball over in a key moment and one didn’t. With 5:20 left in the 4th quarter down three, 49ers QB Brock Purdy threw the only interception of the game, while losing his team the opportunity to kick the game tying field goal at the same time. It was a major turning point in the momentum of the game.
The turnover would set the Rams up to run out the last five minutes of the game and kick the game sealing field goal with just :18 seconds left. Yes, Stafford didn’t play his most statistically impressive game, but he took the shots when he needed to without putting the ball in harms way the majority of the night.
At the post-game press conference, Stafford was asked how important his efficient play was, even in a game where he wasn’t throwing touchdown passes.
“I mean it was the difference in the game, right? Dwill gets a pick for us and we go down and get some points, and that’s a huge one.” Stafford said “I’ve got to do a good a job as I possibly can on staying aggressive but also taking care of the football. I definitely got some things I can look at and work on from this football game, but you know, I’m always going to be aggressive and try to make plays for our team.”
A single interception thrown by LA in a game so tight could have meant the different between walking out of Levi Stadium with a loss instead of a win. With this divisional victory, Los Angeles sweeps San Francisco for the first time since 2018, continuing a three-game win streak over the team up north.
The Rams signal caller has quietly been putting together a really nice 2024 after a rough start to the beginning of the season. Currently Stafford has 3,303 yards passing with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He is also completing 66.7% of his passes.
In fact, Stafford as a whole has been lights out for Los Angeles late in the season each year since joining the Rams in 2021. Including the playoffs, Stafford has gone 16-3 in the month of December or later with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during that time frame. He has been at his best when the playoff push and post-season pressure is at its highest. With three games remaining, and LA in control of their own post season fate, the team will have to hope that Stafford can continue his December magic.
