Wink Martindale Thinks 'Unreal' Matthew Stafford Should Join Lamar Jackson as MVP Candidate

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is playing some of the best football he has ever played, and Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale thinks he should be in the same league as Lamar Jackson

At 35 years old and in his 15th NFL season, nobody really expected Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford to be this good. 

But since the 3-7 start, and Stafford's missed start vs. the Green Bay Packers, the Rams have looked like a totally different team. Particularly in the month of December, Stafford has been arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, completing 94 of 145 passes for 1,159 yards and 10 touchdowns, with no interceptions.

He has been so good in fact, Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale thinks he should be an MVP candidate right alongside Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.

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“Stafford is playing unreal,” Martindale said. “I mean, he’s a great football player, but I think that he and Lamar [Jackson] should be up for the MVP. That’s the kind of year he’s having, and they’ve scored over 30 points a game (since their bye).”

Stafford's run is particularly remarkable considering the majority of the Rams roster, including weapons on the offensive side are new faces. 

Players like Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, DeMarcus Robinson, Kyren Williams, Royce Freeman and Davis Allen - each of whom have played key roles over the last few weeks - are all in their first or second year with the team.

None of the second-year players were significant factors a year ago, either.

Giants Coach Says Stafford Playing At 'Hall of Fame Level'

Nevertheless, Stafford has been elite, outperforming even the NFL's leading MVP candidate in Jackson, who has thrown for 739 yards and six touchdowns with two picks and completed 59.8 percent of his passes. Jackson has also rushed for 212 yards.

“Stafford is playing at a Hall of Fame-type level," Martindale said. "I think that Matthew is — I mean, he’s making throws that you just sit there and go, ‘wow.' From all different kinds 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."

The Giants will get a first-hand look at Stafford on Sunday at noon with the Rams head to MetLife Stadium.