When week one rolls around this September, Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford will enter his 17th year in the NFL at 37 years old. Very few quarterbacks last long enough in the league to make it to their 17th year, and the ones that do are legendary names.
That being said, what can you expect from a veteran like Stafford at his age? Let’s break down some of the seasons from recent QBs at age 37.
Comparing Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford To Hall Of Fame 37-Year-Old QBs
| Year | QB | Team | GS | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Brett Favre | Packers | 16 | 3,885 | 18 | 18 | 72.7 | Missed playoffs (8–8) |
| 2013 | Peyton Manning | Broncos | 16 | 5,477 | 55 | 10 | 115.1 | Lost Super Bowl (13–3) |
| 2014 | Tom Brady | Patriots | 16 | 4,109 | 33 | 9 | 97.4 | Lost Divisional Round (12–4) |
| 2017 | Drew Brees | Saints | 16 | 4,334 | 23 | 8 | 103.9 | Lost Divisional Round (11–5) |
| 2018 | Eli Manning | Giants | 16 | 4,299 | 21 | 11 | 92.4 | Missed playoffs (5–11) |
| 2020 | Aaron Rodgers | Packers | 15 | 4,299 | 48 | 5 | 121.5 | Lost NFC Championship (13–3) |
The commonalities here are that 4 out of the 6 veterans made the playoffs, and all but one passed for at least 4,000 yards.
Peyton Manning (2013) set single-season records with 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns, leading Denver to the Super Bowl.
Aaron Rodgers (2020) won MVP with 48 touchdowns, 5 picks, and a 121.5 passer rating, also reaching the NFC Championship.
Tom Brady (2014) threw 33 touchdowns and helped New England to another playoff run.
The only negative aspect of this chart is that none of the quarterbacks listed won the Super Bowl, despite having some of the great seasons they had.
These examples show that talent still plays, but it’s what’s around you that makes or breaks it. That brings us to the Rams’ biggest x factor, their offensive line.
Check Out Our Los Angeles Rams Merch And Support LAFB!
Stafford started all necessary games last season but has missed 8*(not counting week 18 rest) games during his time with the Rams, all in 2022. He’s been relatively reliable otherwise, but at his age the biggest priority for a good season is health, and the line plays a pivotal part in that.
Something that should go in his favor this season is the offense leaning more toward a focus on passing in the red zone. The Los Angeles Rams’ acquisitions of Davante Adams and Terrance Ferguson, and the re-signing of Tutu Atwell, indicate more of a focus on passing the ball this year.
Stafford, especially, has been plagued with some tough injuries throughout his career, more than anyone on the list. If he stays healthy, there’s no reason he can’t replicate what Brady or Rodgers did, efficient, aggressive, and winning football.
Quarterbacks who make it to 37 as starters usually aren’t average. Stafford is walking the same path as future Hall of Famers. The real question isn’t whether he can produce, it’s whether the Los Angeles Rams’ offense will help or hurt his chances down the stretch.