Wink Martindale Praises Rams Offense

Martindale believes Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level.

The Los Angeles Rams are 5-1 since their Week 10 bye week and are knocking on the door of a postseason berth if they can get past the New York Giants this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

A big reason for the Rams' resurgence of late has been the play of its offense, particularly quarterback Matthew Stafford. Over his last six games, Stafford has completed 136 of 209 pass attempts (65 percent) for 1,578 yards, 15 touchdowns, and two interceptions, leading the Rams to that 5-1 post-bye week record.

"I think Stafford is playing at a Hall of Fame-type level," said Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. "I mean, he's making throws that you just sit there and go, 'Wow!' From all different kind of arm angles, no looks, all those things you've heard about, you're seeing him do it, and they're playing at a very high level."

Stafford, who has Cooper Kupp and rookie Puka Nacua among his receiving targets, has also benefitted from the resurgence of the Rams' running game, which has also enjoyed a resurgence of late thanks to the production of second-year man Kyren Williams, who has rushed for over 100 yards in five of his last six games.  

"I think that the thing that (Rams head coach) Sean (McVay) has done is that they've made a commitment to the run game and changing their offensive line this year," Martindale said. 

"Now, it's a two-headed monster that you have to deal with. So, they put you in a bind of what you want to try to do and how you're going try to do it."

With the pieces of the Rams offense coming together, the Rams, who are eighth in the league in average points scored per game (23.8), have boosted that average to 29.8 points per game since coming off the bye, during which they have scored 30 or more points in four of their last five games.

As far as Martindale is concerned, it all starts with Stafford. 

"(Stafford) is a great football player," Martindale said. "I think that he and (Ravens quarterback) Lamar (Jackson) should be up for the MVP candidate. That's the kind of year he's having." 

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