Photo via Fox Sports

The Rams Need More From Matthew Stafford To Live Up To ‘Super Team’ Hype

The Los Angeles Rams’ early-season struggles have dimmed the luster of their ‘super team’ label, as inconsistent play has left them fighting just to stay relevant in the NFC West. After a shaky start abroad and an overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills, the team’s offense has failed to meet expectations, with the passing attack—once the league’s most efficient—now ranked ninth overall.

The decline is largely tied to Matthew Stafford, whose production has plummeted from last season’s MVP form. Through five games, he’s on pace for 30 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, a stark contrast to his 45 TDs and eight INTs in 2025.

His struggles under pressure are particularly glaring, with a drop to 4.5 yards per attempt when rushed, down from 6.3 in 2025, and three interceptions already tied for the league lead. The Rams’ defense, built around offseason additions like Myles Garrett, has also underwhelmed, while special teams miscues cost them the Buffalo game.

With Aaron Donald’s return still untested alongside Garrett, the team’s vaunted defensive upgrade remains unproven. At 38, Stafford’s physical decline may be accelerating, raising questions about whether he can reclaim MVP-level dominance—a necessity if the Rams hope to live up to their lofty expectations and contend for a Super Bowl.

Up nextNFL· 23m ago

Broncos run for a second TD, 14-3 lead