Stafford, offense execute the game plan
IRVINE (News4usonline) — Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford answered any doubts about his arm. Getting in front of the doubts and curious onlookers, Stafford did what he always does when he lines up under center: he performed well. That’s no surprise here.
The only surprise has come about because of Stafford’s workload being reduced as the veteran quarterback readies himself for the Rams’ Sept. 8 season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (3) weaves his way through the defense during training camp practice on Aug. 6, 2022. Photo by Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline
“If you guys were watching, I don’t know really how much you can ask about how (QB) Matthew (Stafford) is feeling,” McVay told reporters after the team’s training camp practice on Aug. 6. “ He threw it all over the yard today, looked really good, felt good. We’re very much on track with what we had hoped and I think you could really see. The ball was jumping out of his hand, making all types of throws, and so I think he was trying to show you guys that there’s probably not many questions you can ask him either based on how he felt in the way he was throwing it around today.”
Earlier in the week, McVay revealed that the team was taking on the approach of not having Stafford do too much for the duration of training camp, something of a revelation that sent out concern buzz about the veteran quarterback’s right arm. On a day when the Rams held its Family Day & Legends Reunion, Stafford admitted to having a “little soreness” in his elbow, calling the malady “irritating.”
Other than that, Stafford seemed to have little or no worry about the issue.
“We’re working through it,” Stafford remarked. “I felt pretty good today. I thought it looked pretty good. Just trying to be smart with it and make me feel as good as I can feel going into Week one while still getting as many reps as I can too.”
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay confers with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a training camp practice on July 31, 2022. Photo by Mark Hammond/News4usonline
Stafford got the reps he needed. McVay doesn’t quite know what is causing Stafford discomfort. Whatever it is, the problem didn’t affect Stafford from flinging the football all over the field and bringing a lot of oohs and ahhs from the thousands of fans in attendance.
“I don’t know that actually, so you’d have to ask him, but I do know this, the way that he looked today, I don’t think you would know that anything was going on and he felt good. So, I know that I’m going to sleep better tonight,” said McVay.
For his part, Stafford said he’s following a regiment that will improve whatever ailment that is bothering him.
“We got a great plan,” Stafford said. “I’m feeling stronger every time I come out here and throw,” Stafford said. “I don’t know if you guys were watching, I felt like I could make any throw I wanted to today. I’m just trying to be smart when I get those opportunities to make sure I can come out here, cut it loose, turn it loose like I did today and go from there.”
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner (45) is here at UC Irvine putting in the work during training camp practice on Aug. 6, 2022. Photo by Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline
Stafford wasn’t the only one clicking. Whether he was lined up under center or being run by John Wolford or Bryce Perkins, the Rams’ offense moved at a crisp pace. What else would you expect from the №5 passing and №9 total offense from a year ago? A slugfest?
Stafford is a big focal point behind that success, but the Rams have the playmakers to help him move the chains. Both Wolford and Perkins looked steady in leading the offense. As a whole, Stafford talked about what he saw from the team’s offense.
“I think it did a good job,” said Stafford. “I was in there for the seven-on-seven stuff and felt really good. Clicking through some progressions and spreading it around. It was great. It was a good day Higs (Tyler Higbee, TE) had a good day. A-Rob (Allen Robinson, WR) had a good day. Cooper (Kupp, WR) is always doing a nice job for us so felt good.”
“And then when John (Wolford, QB) hopped in there, I think it kept on ticking, which was great to see,” Stafford added. “This is one of the times of the year where we’re all just trying to figure out how can we be better as a team. What’s it going to look like when we get to September? Days like today are ones you can build on.”
Featured Image Caption: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) takes a breather during a practice at training camp on Aug. 5, 2022. Photo by Dennis J. Freeman/News4usonline