Matthew Stafford Thrives at 37, Lions Prepare for Rams’ Aerial Assault
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is having a remarkable season, throwing 35 touchdown passes, a number that places him at the top among all active starting quarterbacks. As the Detroit Lions gear up to face the Rams, they are confronted with the daunting challenge of containing an offense renowned for its explosive passing capabilities.
Respect for a Veteran Quarterback
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard spoke candidly about his admiration for Stafford, a teammate from his playing days. “Hall of Fame quarterback. Matthew’s a teammate of mine. I have the utmost respect for him. To be playing at the level that he’s playing at, at his age, is pretty remarkable,” Sheppard stated. He highlighted Stafford’s ability to create opportunities for his receivers, noting, “He does a good job giving those guys 50/50 opportunities. In my opinion, those guys are covered up on a lot of those plays.”
Sheppard pointed out Stafford’s deep ball prowess, emphasizing that “the ball travels further than 20 yards.” This ability allows his receivers to make plays, which is evident in their game tape. While acknowledging the challenge of facing such a dynamic offense, Sheppard remarked, “We’ve addressed it. We talked about it, but now it’s all about going out and executing.”
Disguised Offense and Running Game
The Rams’ offensive scheme poses additional complications for the Lions. Sheppard noted that their ability to disguise plays creates confusion, saying, “Some people say it’s a simplistic offense, but when you start to incorporate the amount of turbo motion, the volume that they do with it, in the running and pass game, it can become challenging.” He emphasized the need for his players to remain disciplined and focused on their assignments.
Stafford’s skill in manipulating defenses is well-known. “I was just watching a tape on him. I saw him make a linebacker drift three yards and just put it right there behind his ear and kind of wink,” Sheppard recalled. He cautioned his players against trusting Stafford’s eyes in zone coverage, stating, “Do not trust his eyes. Just understanding when you’re in zone, just understand your landmarks and details within your landmarks.”
Detail-Oriented Defense
Sheppard is keenly aware of the challenges his defensive backs face against a quarterback of Stafford’s caliber. “You have to be great in your detailed technique, footwork, align and assignment,” he explained. He believes that the game will likely be decided in the latter quarters. “This game is going to come down to the third- and fourth-quarter. Who’s going to make that play or who’s not going to make that play? I firmly believe that,” he said.
The emphasis on technique and trust in the game plan will be crucial for the Lions as they prepare for what promises to be a closely contested matchup.
Mutual Admiration Between Coaches
The respect between the coaching staffs of the Rams and Lions is palpable. Sean McVay, regarded as one of the league’s premier offensive minds, took a moment to praise Dan Campbell’s leadership in Detroit. “I’ve seen a great offense. Dan does a great job. He’s always been so heavily involved in their offense,” said McVay.
He commended the identity that the Lions have forged, one that emphasizes the strengths of their players. “There is a real identity that’s geared towards accentuating players’ skill sets. There is a play style,” McVay noted.
With the Lions boasting one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league and coming off a stellar performance against the Dallas Cowboys, where they scored 44 points, McVay acknowledged the challenge they present. “They are leading the league in points scored right now, and they are up there in every metric that matters offensively. It’s tremendous credit to Dan, his staff, and those players.”
As the Rams and Lions prepare to face off, both teams are aware that this matchup could hinge on the execution of their respective game plans and the performances of their star players.
