Los Angeles Rams Coach Mike LaFleur 'Always Been Impressed' by QB Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has always been impressed by QB Matthew Stafford, but he has seen improvement from the rest of the offense as well.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a UCL sprain against the Dallas Cowboys this season, but since returning to the field of play, he has been lights-out.

Stafford's production at the quarterback position has been a big boost to the Rams reentering the NFC playoff discussion down the stretch of the NFL regular season. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was asked this week about Stafford's play since his injury, and he hasn't been surprised by the hot streak his quarterback has found.

In reality, he's always seen elite talent from the veteran, but the game of his surrounding cast has also been elevated.

“Just being with him now for 13 games, obviously missing the one, so 12, I've always been impressed with him," LaFleur said. "The guys around him, all 11, are playing better. When the quarterback is playing well, you look at the protection, and I think the protection is better. It's been good all year, but they're battling up there. 

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford / © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

"The detail in the passing game, the receivers, the tight ends, the backs getting to where they're supposed to be. So no doubt Matthew is playing at a pretty dang high level, but I think the guys around him are equally playing at a standard higher than probably we were pre-bye.”

The Rams seemed to be destined for a disastrous season when they held a 3-6 record at their bye week, but that narrative has now shifted. 

Los Angeles lost a heartbreaker to the Baltimore Ravens in overtime on Sunday, but even with a 6-7 record entering Week 15, it is still on the doorstep of an NFC playoff berth, although it wouldn't be in the field if the season ended today.

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After Sunday's difficult road loss, the Rams return to the familiar confines of SoFi Stadium this week when they host the Washington Commanders. 

Kickoff on Sunday is set for 1:05 p.m. PT, and the game will be televised on CBS.

L.A. is the first team out in the current playoff landscape, and while Sunday's game gave them another notch in the loss column, it's evident that this team is playing at a much higher level than it was early in the season, and a playoff appearance is still very much a possibility.