Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford expected to start Week 1 vs Texans despite back concerns, says Sean McVay

Heading into the 2021 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams have high hopes for their new quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions during the offseason, Stafford brings a wealth of experience and talent to a team that is already loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Head coach Sean McVay is counting on Stafford to lead the Rams to success in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, and beyond.

After spending the first 12 years of his career with the Lions, Stafford was ready for a change of scenery. He expressed a desire to play for a contender and the Rams were more than willing to accommodate him. In exchange for Stafford, the Rams sent quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick to the Lions. It was a steep price to pay, but one that McVay and the Rams felt was worth it to secure a proven veteran like Stafford.

One of the main reasons the Rams were willing to part ways with Goff and mortgage their future draft capital for Stafford was his ability to stay healthy. In recent seasons, Goff had struggled with injuries, which had a negative impact on his performance. Stafford, on the other hand, has been relatively durable throughout his career, only missing significant time due to injury once in 2019. McVay and the Rams believe that having a healthy quarterback like Stafford will be crucial to their success this season.

McVay has been impressed with Stafford’s work ethic and leadership since he arrived in Los Angeles. The two have quickly developed a strong rapport, with McVay praising Stafford’s intelligence, arm talent, and competitiveness. McVay believes that Stafford’s experience and skill set will be a perfect fit for the Rams’ high-powered offense, which features dynamic playmakers like wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, tight end Tyler Higbee, and running back Cam Akers.

In addition to his physical abilities, Stafford also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Rams’ quarterback room. As a former first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Stafford has seen it all in his career. He has played in big games, led fourth-quarter comebacks, and faced adversity head-on. McVay is confident that Stafford’s veteran presence will be invaluable to the Rams’ young offensive players, helping them grow and develop into more complete players.

The Rams’ Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans will be a crucial test for Stafford and the rest of the team. The Texans may not be considered one of the league’s elite teams, but they are still a professional football team with talented players who are capable of pulling off an upset. McVay knows that his team cannot afford to overlook any opponent, regardless of their perceived talent level. He has been stressing the importance of preparation and focus to his players in the lead-up to the season opener.

McVay has also been working closely with Stafford to ensure that he is fully prepared for his debut with the Rams. The two have been spending extra time in the film room, studying the Texans’ defense and formulating a game plan to attack their weaknesses. McVay has been impressed with Stafford’s ability to pick up the offense quickly and make adjustments on the fly. He believes that Stafford’s football IQ and attention to detail will give the Rams a significant advantage on game day.

As the Rams continue to fine-tune their game plan for Week 1, McVay is also focused on making sure that his team is physically prepared for the rigors of the NFL season. He has been emphasizing the importance of conditioning and recovery to his players, knowing that staying healthy will be crucial to their success. McVay has been pleased with the effort and commitment that his players have shown in training camp and preseason games, and he is confident that they will be ready to compete at a high level when the regular season kicks off.

In addition to their preparations on the field, the Rams are also taking steps to ensure that they are mentally prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. McVay has been working with his team on building mental toughness and resilience, knowing that adversity is inevitable in the NFL. He has been encouraging his players to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than allowing them to derail their confidence and motivation.

As the Rams gear up for their season opener against the Texans, McVay is optimistic about the team’s prospects. He believes that they have the talent, experience, and leadership necessary to compete at a high level and make a deep playoff run. With Matthew Stafford at the helm, the Rams have a proven winner who is capable of leading them to victory in any situation. McVay and the Rams are confident that they have what it takes to come out on top in Week 1 and set the tone for a successful season ahead.

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Source: Fox News