It was fair to expect regression from Matthew Stafford’s MVP season heights. It’s rare to see a quarterback play at such a high level into his late 30’s—and even more rare for them to accomplish such a feat for the first time a decade and a half into their career.
No one saw a total collapse coming for Stafford. He was the primary reason the Los Angeles Rams mustered only seven points in a stunning Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Because the Rams do not participate in the preseason, this is all
the information we have on Stafford so far. The burden of proof that this was an isolated bad game sits atop his shoulders. We can also assume the potential of significant decline until he shows otherwise.
In the same vein, most viewed Brock Osweiler earning starts over Peyton Manning as a remote chance ahead of the 2015 season. Manning was benched around Week 10 after battling injuries and losing significant power in his arm. Osweiler obviously wasn’t the Denver Broncos’ long-term solution at quarterback. The team still felt it was worth exploring alternatives.
So how many more bad games will it take before the Rams entertain the idea of pulling their Cadillac—Ty Simpson—out of the showroom and taking it for a test drive? Simpson is a direct solution to many of the issues we saw from Stafford on Thursday night.
Can’t score on a one-yard quarterback sneak? Well, Simpson’s mobility would be a huge advantage at the goal line. Having trouble mitigating pressure? Simpson made some of his best preseason throws on the run. Struggling with accuracy? Simpson boasted an accuracy rate over 80% in his exhibition games.
For every fit Brock Purdy gave the Rams’ defense, Simpson is capable of the same.
Stafford is the prototypical quarterback for an era that no longer exists. Mobility isn’t a bonus—it’s a requirement. The Rams are leaving significant meat on the bone by trotting out an immobile quarterback.
Realistically Stafford could bounce back in the next three games and prove that the Week 1 disaster was attributable to jet lag or rust. We could also look back in early October and say this was the first sign he was no longer capable of performing at a high level.
The Rams have invited a quarterback controversy. Simpson was drafted for 2027 and beyond. His team may need him sooner than that.
