Turf Show Times
Despite any ailments that Matthew Stafford is going through, there is an expectation among the Los Angeles Rams that Stafford will suit up Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
When NFL’s ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reported that Stafford was dealing with an aggravated disc, he also added that L.A. plans for Stafford to be a go when the season opens.
On the Rich Eisen Show, Andrew Whitworth shared that he expects Stafford to play for the Rams Week 1, and Whitworth since retiring, has only seemed to have and share a better of understanding of the inner workings of the Rams.
Yes.
Sean McVay and his crew may be putting it out that Stafford is expected to play Week 1, when they know his injury is more concerning than they are letting on. What good does that do the team? A healthy Stafford (or perception of) increases the chances to the Rams winning a Super Bowl, which in turn increases the interest in the Rams market.
Teams, specifically the Texans also will have to prepare differently if Stafford is playing as opposed to Jimmy Garoppolo.
So sure, there’s plenty of reasons for the Rams to push the narrative that Stafford is the plan, however has McVay ever not wanted his best players to play when it mattered?
It’s likely the McVay does expect Stafford to play, the organization expects Stafford to play, and as long as Stafford does play, and plays well, then this storyline will be a big nothing.
If Stafford misses time, and or if the Rams falter as the veteran gunslinger looks rusty, then there will be more questions about the Rams and Stafford until they right their ship.
File this one away under TBD in the Football Zone.
