Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has always been the quintessential gunslinger, refusing to cower in the face of heat by firing missiles downfield regardless of the situation. If Stafford believes he has an opportunity to make a play, he will go for it.
This has led to Hall of Fame production over his illustrious career, but every style has its downside, and Stafford's is his propensity to throw interceptions. Already throwing six through five games in 2026, he's in danger of exceeding his career-high of 20, which he threw in 10 games as a rookie.
According to Pro Football Focus, defensive pressure is inducing these errors, as Stafford has the most turnover-worthy plays against the blitz this season. Three of those five turnover-worthy plays have
been interceptions.
His PFF passing grade against the blitz this year is 53.1, which ranks 33rd among quarterbacks. Last season, it was 76.9, good for 11th in the NFL.
Most turnover-worthy plays against the blitz this season
— PFF (@PFF) October 14, 2026
Matthew Stafford 5
Deshaun Watson 4
Jacoby Brissett 4
Malik Willis 4
6 players t-5th 3 pic.twitter.com/6P2MybKZXp
These numbers are affected by the Rams' pass-happy offense, as Stafford leads the NFL in passing attempts with 216. That's 11 more than Tyler Shough, who is in second place with 205. They are the only quarterbacks to exceed 200 attempts.
Stafford's average of over 40 attempts per game has resulted in nine touchdowns, and the reigning MVP is the league's passing-yards leader, leading Shough by 273 yards.
This week, the Rams play the Arizona Cardinals, a team Stafford had tremendous success against last season. In two matchups, Stafford threw for over 500 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Cardinals have the fifth-lowest blitz rate in the NFL at just 19.9%.
The Cardinals' head coach is former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur; thus, Los Angeles may have to keep in mind LaFleur's extensive knowledge of its operation.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Matthew Stafford enduring uncharacteristic struggles vs. blitz this year
