Rams coach Sean McVay says interception-vulnerable Matthew Stafford 'played excellent'

It took a several seasons, but Sean McVay last but not least could not consider it any more.

Soon after a 2020 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, McVay named out quarterback Jared Goff for committing far too quite a few high-priced turnovers. He ultimately traded Goff and two initial-spherical draft picks to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford.

McVay may possibly under no circumstances achieve the level of equally criticizing Stafford, who led the Rams to the Super Bowl previous year.

That was obvious yet again Wednesday as the Rams (2-2) started preparations for Sunday’s game versus the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams are coming off a 24-9 defeat to the 49ers.

Stafford accomplished 32 of 48 passes for 254 yards but dedicated two turnovers, like a fourth-quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown to seal the uncomfortable loss on “Monday Evening Football.”

And nonetheless McVay reported that Stafford played “excellent” in the defeat.

“If you glance at some of the diverse things that he was dealing with, I thought he performed great,” McVay explained. “I imagined he did a great deal of great things. I think the margin for mistake was that much smaller sized. ... I imagined that was a efficiency that he could construct on.”

Stafford, 34, received off to a quickly and winning start out with the Rams in 2021, persevered by way of a winless November and starred in their postseason run to the Tremendous Bowl title.

The 1st quarter of this year has not played out in related fashion.

By 4 online games — about a quarter of the 17-recreation time — Stafford’s touchdown passes are way down, his interceptions way up.

The Buffalo Expenditures routed the Rams in the opener and the offense did not glimpse sharp in victories more than the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. The inconsistency ongoing versus the 49ers.

When questioned Wednesday to evaluate his general performance by four online games, Stafford identified room for enhancement.

“The identify of the sport for the quarterback is supporting the crew get in the close zone,” he said. “We haven’t accomplished that ample.

“And I can do a much better job of that, irrespective of whether that is executing a very little bit far better in the crimson zone or currently being a tiny bit far more explosive. ... Absolutely can be better.”

In the initially 4 online games previous season, Stafford passed for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns, with two interceptions.

Through four online games this year, he has handed for 1,015 yards and four touchdowns, with a league-worst 6 interceptions.

Stafford has qualified star receiver Cooper Kupp a league-high 54 occasions, and the reigning NFL offensive player of the 12 months has a league-leading 42 catches for 402 yards and a few touchdowns.

But receiver Allen Robinson, who the Rams regarded as an improve over Robert Woods, has been focused only 18 situations. He has nine catches, a person for a touchdown.

San Francisco cornerback (7) Charvarius Ward breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Rams receiver Allen Robinson, who has not been qualified substantially this time.

(Jeff Lewis / Associated Press)

“He’s a really gifted player — a man that I can do a much better job of seeking to locate him and get balls to him earlier,” Stafford stated, incorporating, “Whatever the coverage dictates is where I try out to set the soccer.

“I think there are some opportunities in game titles in which I can give him pictures.”

On Sunday, Stafford faces a Cowboys defense that includes elite go rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons among the other folks. The Cowboys have 15 sacks, second most in the NFL.

The Rams have given up 16 sacks, together with seven from the Costs and seven against the 49ers.

Stafford said he reports movie to come across ways to enhance in people situations.

“’Can I get the ball out more quickly here? Can we do this? Can I get us out of this play or that perform or whatsoever it is,’” he said, “So, I glimpse internally more than something. Know those people fellas up front are freakin’ fighting and accomplishing everything they can to retain the fellas off me.”

With centre Brian Allen recovering from knee surgical treatment and backup Coleman Shelton sidelined for four to six months simply because of an ankle injuries, Stafford could be functioning powering a line that as soon as once more involves third-string center Jeremiah Kolone, backup guards Bobby Evans and Alaric Jackson and tackles Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy coached the Inexperienced Bay Packers for 10 seasons although Stafford performed for the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.

McCarthy is common with Stafford’s prospective.

“He can make any toss from any platform and any arm angle,” McCarthy claimed throughout Wednesday throughout a meeting get in touch with with Los Angeles reporters. “So he presents you the overall flexibility to be pretty aggressive schematically and he’s naturally a excellent match for Sean and the Rams.”

Etc.

The Rams held meetings and labored in the body weight room but did not exercise Wednesday. Experienced they practiced, offensive lineman David Edwards (concussion), cornerback David Lengthy (groin) and security Taylor Rapp (ribs) would have been limited, according to the Rams personal injury report.