Matthew Stafford was voted for Pro Bowl this season, but the Rams' veteran quarterback stopped worrying about recognition more than a decade ago.
The then third-year rusher rushed for more than 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Detroit Lions in 2011.
Stafford thought he had a chance to make the NFC roster, but Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Cam Newton received more votes.
“It wasn’t even close,” Stafford said with a chuckle Wednesday. “So at that point, I kind of reserved myself to just go play, have fun, and whatever happens, happens.
“But it’s cool to be a part of it.”
Stafford, who was also voted to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2023, is a leading contender for arguably the NFL's most prestigious award, Most Valuable Player.
Stafford, 37, has a league-best 4,179 yards and 40 touchdowns with five interceptions while leading the Rams to an 11-4 record and currently the No. 6 seed in the NFC heading into Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Rams are averaging 30.5 points and 396.7 yards per game, both NFL records. They rank second in passing (270.5 yards per game) and fifth in rushing (126.3 yards per game).
Last Thursday 38-37 defeat in overtime Stafford passed for 457 yards and three touchdowns for the Seattle Seahawks. However, he was outscored by fellow Pro Bowler Sam Darnold, who led the overtime touchdown and capped it with the game-winning two-point pass.
Stafford prepares to face a Falcons defense that ranks 14th overall but eighth in passing, giving up 195.1 yards per game.
Asked if he was surprised that Stafford was selected to the Pro Bowl just three times, the Rams coach Sean McVay responded in the affirmative, adding that “there were many layers to the Pro Bowl.”
“You're talking to real football people… I think he's considered one of the best guys to ever do the business,” McVay said. “I think it's been very well recognized this year, but I think it's probably overdue.”
Stafford has “elevated” everyone around him since the Rams traded for him in 2021, McVay said.
“The best thing about Matthew is he has a ton of humility,” McVay said, adding, “What he cares about is the respect of his teammates, his coaches and the people he plays against. And I think when you talk to those who know, he commands a lot of respect and admiration for the way he competes, the way he does it and the kind of player he is.”
Etc.
Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) are showing “good progress,” but McVay did not provide an exact update on their status against the Falcons. … The Rams opened a 21-day window for cornerback Roger McCreary (hip) to return from injured reserve. McVay said the Rams will “most likely” open a 21-day window next week for safety Quentin Lake (elbow) to return from injured reserve. Lake is expected to be ready for the playoffs or perhaps the final game against the Arizona Cardinals. … The Rams have Thursday off. They are expected to practice Friday at SoFi Stadium and Saturday at their Woodland Hills facility.
