Will Matthew Stafford Match the Level of Expectation?

The Los Angeles Rams' newest quarterback Matt Stafford has a lot to prove this year. After requesting to the Detroit Lions that he would like to go to a contender, Rams head coach Sean McVay jumped on the opportunity. He was quick to send Jared Goff, a 2022 first-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick and a 2021 third-round pick (Ifeatu Melifonwu) to the Lions, but Stafford now has all the pressure on him.

Stafford has only been to the playoffs three times as the Lions QB over 12 seasons. He and the Lions lost all three of those games and most of the blame during Stafford's tenure in Detroit has been placed on management and their lack of ability to build a contending football team. There's some truth to that seeing as how Stafford has put together some quality numbers on very poor teams over the years.

It's funny hearing the commentary about Matt Stafford saying "I didn't know he was that good" smh! I've been saying for over 10 years he's one of the best arm talents ever!!! Dude can sling the rock and I expect a great run this year!!!#StillMyQB
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) September 10, 2021

It's widely believed that McVay's offense and Stafford's talent will be a match made in heaven. A match so good that it has seven of 29 NFL analysts picking them to go to the Super Bowl. The Rams had the NFL's best defense in 2020 and with Stafford being a considerable upgrade from Goff, it's clear as to why they could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

There's no way of knowing how he will perform if the Rams do in fact make the playoffs and the Super Bowl but the Rams are willing to take that chance. They are a team and fanbase with high expectations so it's time to see how Stafford deals with the big market pressure. If he doesn't, this season might be a worse feeling than last where they lost in the Divisional round to the Green Bay Packers.