The Los Angeles Rams emerged as one of the league’s best surprises, going from an injury-ravaged 5-12 campaign in 2022 to earning a postseason bid one season later. This time, their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t miss significant action in 2023.
Stafford will end up missing one more game. However, it’s for a good reason on the Rams’ side.
Why Matthew Stafford Is Sitting for Week 18 Versus the San Francisco 49ers
The Rams’ Week 18 offensive game plan against the rival San Francisco 49ers won’t include Stafford’s arm. Instead, LA is turning to Carson Wentz for the first time this season.
Per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network on Wednesday, the Rams are allowing Stafford to get some rest ahead of the playoffs and turning to Wentz.
“Sean McVay gives Matthew Stafford a breather before the postseason while Wentz gets his first start in just over a calendar year,” Garafolo shared.
The #Rams will start Carson Wentz at QB Sunday against the #49ers, sources say. Sean McVay gives Matthew Stafford a breather before the postseason while Wentz gets his first start in just over a calendar year. pic.twitter.com/iaVM2xJFI8
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)
Wentz was an in-season emergency signing for the Rams on Nov. 12. The Rams were down to just Stafford and Brett Rypien as their current available QBs. Rookie fourth-round selection Stetson Bennett has not been around the Rams’ facility as he was placed on the non-football injury list.
For Stafford, this officially puts an end to his 2023 regular-season campaign but knowing his next game will come in the playoffs. Overall, this season marked a much more relieving season compared to ’22.
Stafford Witnessed Improvement From Disastrous 2022
Stafford’s season ended with him going on injured reserve (IR) due to a spinal cord contusion. He became among a handful of Rams who went on IR.
That 2022 campaign saw a significant drop-off production-wise for Stafford compared to his Super Bowl-winning first season in LA Stafford settled for only nine games and went 3-6 as a starter. He then went from 41 touchdown passes to just 10 in ’22. He also settled for only 2,087 passing yards — his worst mark in seasons that saw him start half a season.
The 2023 season, however, was much different for him and the Rams. Notable highlights include:
- Five 300-yard passing games. Stafford only had one in 2022.
- From Nov. 26 to Dec. 21, Stafford threw between two to four touchdown passes in a single game.
- Stafford threw a combined six touchdowns against AFC playoff teams the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
- Lastly, Stafford went 9-6 as a starter and picked up pivotal wins over the Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Indianapolis Colts — the latter two teams still in the playoff picture ahead of Week 18.
Furthermore, Stafford discovered two new weapons outside of his favorite target Cooper Kupp. Running back Kyren Williams has combined for 1,350 yards of scrimmage with 15 total touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie Puka Nacua turned into a 1,000-yard threat right away inside the “Rams House” by creating chemistry with Stafford — producing 1,445 yards while also catching 101 passes this season.
More important for Stafford and the Rams, he gets to be a part of his second playoff appearance with the team he was traded to in January 2021.
Carson Wentz Gets Long-Awaited Los Angeles Rams Debut
As for Wentz, this marks his first official start since Jan. 1, 2023, during his run with the Washington Commanders.
It’s been one whole year since the former No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft has handled the starter reins. He’s yet to throw a single pass for the Rams this season.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Wentz has unfortunately gone from winning the 2017 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles to league journeyman. The Rams represent his fourth NFL team but third league stop since the 2021 season.
With the constant changes comes learning new schematics and the offensive playmakers, which can often confuse or frustrate a passer. Wentz in his first LA press conference back in Nov. 18 gave some unique descriptions of what he’s endured.
“I’ve been in weird situations the last couple of years,” Wentz said to the L.A media. “I’ve had to learn a playbook every year, never in-season like this. So just sometimes I feel like I’m drinking from a fire hose at times, just trying to accumulate what I can.”
“But [Matthew] Stafford’s been awesome help. The coaches have been great. Just trying to soak it up as quick as I can.”
Now, Wentz will take how much he’s soaked up of the Rams’ offense into Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. And he’ll face a 49ers team that has opted to sit Brock Purdy for this contest.
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