Recent NFL announcement gives Matthew Stafford the respect he deserves

For the third time in his career, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named an NFL Pro Bowler.  The league announced the rosters for the 2024 Pro Bowl game late Wednesday night, and with Stafford being named, the rest of the NFL world is finally taking notice of how special he's played during the […]

Ian Kayanja
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Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

For the third time in his career, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named an NFL Pro Bowler. 

The league announced the rosters for the 2024 Pro Bowl game late Wednesday night, and with Stafford being named, the rest of the NFL world is finally taking notice of how special he's played during the Rams' resurgence in 2023.

The offense Stafford leads has produced at least 26 points in six consecutive games. Meanwhile, all Stafford has done is compile 3,965 passing yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 62.6 percent of his passes. 

The Pro Bowl selection for Stafford marks the second time since he was traded to the Rams he has been tabbed as one of the league's best. His first selection to the Pro Bowl with the Rams came in 2021. He missed the game to play in the Super Bowl, where Los Angeles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Washington Commanders during the first half at SoFi Stadium.Image via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Before his time on the West Coast, Stafford was named to one Pro Bowl with the Detroit Lions in 2014. 

The 2023 selection, however, could be Stafford's finest when the full context of the season is taken into account.

Los Angeles started slow, with injuries to key contributors like Kyren Williams and Cooper Kupp. After five weeks, the Rams were 2-3. That situation got worse. Heading into a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks at home, the Rams were 3-6 and looked out of the NFL playoffs.

Then Stafford led the Rams on an absolute tear, beating the Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns. There was one loss to the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, but the Rams quickly rebounded and beat the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants. 

Stafford didn't throw an interception until the final day of December, compiling an 11-2 touchdown to interception ratio.

Though Stafford has amassed more impressive statistical seasons, his 2023 Pro Bowl nod is an ode to the leadership it took to take an ailing Rams team and turn them around, placing them back in the playoffs. Debate about it, but Stafford deserves his flowers now — not later.

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