Matthew Stafford improving Los Angeles Rams defense

Matthew Stafford is making the Los Angeles Rams defense better. The veteran quarterback is in Los Angeles to improve Sean McVay’s offense, but iron sharpens iron.

In an article by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the difference between Stafford and Jared Goff is highlighted. Surprisingly, the one signing Stafford’s praise is defensive star Leonard Floyd, who perhaps inadvertently throws shots at Goff.

“I think it’s Matthew,” Floyd said, while speaking on the greater intensity at Rams practice. “He [is] a veteran quarterback, so he [is] making it [a] little tougher at practice and that ain’t doing nothing but making us better on defense.”

As Florio writes, Goff was a veteran quarterback as well. However, he doesn’t possess the skills Stafford does. The Rams wouldn’t have traded multiple first-round picks for Stafford if they thought Goff did.

Floyd used to oppose Stafford as NFC North rivals throughout the linebacker’s time as a member of the Chicago Bears. He laid witness to Stafford leading the Detroit Lions offense for the first four years of his NFL career.

Now, as teammates, instead of demoralizing Floyd’s unit with his skill, Stafford is helping them get better. A moment that stuck out in Floyd’s mind was the quarterback ramping things up after throwing an interception to Jalen Ramsey.

“He’s been dropping dimes, really,” Floyd said. “Yeah, he’s really good.”

Considered one of, if not the best of the brightest offensive minds in the game, Sean McVay has to be salivating at the idea of getting Stafford to run his offense. The veteran signal-caller has been underrated his entire career in Detroit, and now he can show his ability in the best situation possible.

The former number one overall selection out of Georgia, Stafford tried to build Detroit into a contender. Although they never reached their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl, Stafford brought them to the playoffs three times and gave the city everything he had.

In twelve seasons, Stafford passed for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns. His competitiveness, toughness and rocket arm endeared him to Lions fans everywhere. 

How good can Matthew Stafford be in Los Angeles?

As he embarks on a new mission in Los Angeles, he’s entering one of the best situations for a quarterback in the entire league. As mentioned, McVay’s offense will help, but he has a multitude of playmakers on offense as well.

At the wide receiver position, Stafford has his most talented unit since before Calvin Johnson retired. Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and DeSean Jackson lead one of the league’s top groups. 

At tight end, Tyler Higbee has proven to be a capable starter. His three-touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last season showed how dangerous he can be. 

The Rams won a playoff game last season, but with Stafford, they can win much more than one. While the offense improving should scare opponents, Stafford helping the defense get better should terrify them.

In twelve years, Stafford was unable to help Detroit reach its ultimate goal. However, it may only take him one year to do so in Los Angeles.

Image courtesy Katelyn Mulcahy / Stringer via Getty Images