Having Matthew Stafford Back At Minicamp Makes 'Night and Day' Difference For Rams

Quarterback Matthew Stafford's presence at the Los Angeles Rams offseason workouts make a huge difference compared to last year

The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday, and importantly, quarterback Matthew Stafford was there the entire way. 

In 2022, Stafford missed nearly all of the Rams' offseason workouts with an elbow injury. Those injuries carried over to the regular season, with the star quarterback playing just nine games all year. 

This offseason, though, Stafford is fully healthy and a full-go in workouts. The 35-year-old quarterback participating again is great news for the Rams, and especially head coach Sean McVay.

“Oh, it’s night and day,” McVay told reporters Wednesday. “I don’t think I realized it or anybody, and he would never say it because he’s so tough, the amount of pain that he was working through, how limited he was, and he’s a special player. He’s the guy that we all know he is. He’s a mentally, physically tough competitor. He elevates everybody around him.

“But to have our quarterback out here, the command, the way that he elevates really defensively, offensively his communication skills, it’s been huge for us. He makes a significant difference. He’s our guy and I’ve really enjoyed this offseason with him."

Stafford being healthy isn't just great for the Rams and McVay but for him personally. The 2022 season was a challenging one, especially off the heels of winning the Super Bowl the year before. To put that rough season behind him and be fully healthy for the offseason was a welcome change for the veteran passer.

"It was good," Stafford said. "It was great. Good to get a bunch of reps. It was good to see some of the young guys out here making some plays and doing some good stuff. (I am) excited for a little bit of a break here and then getting ready to go in a month or so."

Being healthy through the offseason is great, but Stafford will want to be at full strength through the regular season as well. Offensive line issues led to some of Stafford's injuries last season, so the Rams are hoping their improvements up front can keep the quarterback upright.

If the Rams are going to exceed their modest expectations this season, Stafford's health will be absolutely paramount.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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