What makes Matthew Stafford primed for another great year?
Matthew Stafford primed for another great year after his historic 2025 MVP season. That season yielded a PFF offensive grade of 92.0 and a passing grade of 91.7. He led the NFL with 58 big-time throws, a 7.7 percent rate. His ADOT sat at 9.8, second-highest in the league. His turnover-worthy play rate was 3.3 percent, and his adjusted completion rate was 72.3 percent. However, that ADJ percent flags a clear area for improvement.
“The MVP season was real,” analysts said, while others cautioned about age. “There are no convincing reasons other than age,” one analyst wrote.
As a result, Rams shifts to heavier personnel and play-action promise continuity. Because Kliff Kingsbury and Sean McVay leaned on tight ends and gap runs, Stafford should find open targets. Puka Nacua and the running duo Kyren Williams and Blake Corum help the mix. Furthermore, empty formations unlocked a quicker passing game that amplified big-time throw opportunities. Therefore, the metrics, schematics, and roster moves point to another standout 2026.
2025 MVP season highlights
Matthew Stafford delivered an extraordinary 2025. The metrics paint a clear picture. Pro Football Focus gave him a PFF offensive grade of 92.0 and a passing grade of 91.7. Those marks ranked at the top among quarterbacks who played that year. “The MVP season was real,” analysts noted. However, context makes the numbers more impressive.
Key statistics and comparisons for quick reading
- PFF offensive grade 92.0 and passing grade 91.7, highest among QBs who played in 2025
- NFL leader in big-time throws with 58 passes, a 7.7 percent rate
- Next closest big-time throw leaders: Caleb Williams 37 passes (5.4 percent) and JJ McCarthy 7.3 percent
- Average depth of target 9.8, second-highest in the NFL
- Turnover-worthy play rate 3.3 percent, 23rd among qualified quarterbacks
- Adjusted completion rate ADJ% 72.3 percent, ranking 31st and an area to tighten
- Play-action usage 34.2 percent of dropbacks, third-highest behind Marcus Mariota and Daniel Jones
These stats hold historical weight. Stafford either led the NFL or showed clear improvement over prior seasons. For example, his ADOT near 10 yards showed a willingness to push the ball downfield. As a result, he produced more big-time throws than every other QB in 2025.
Analysts balanced praise with caution. “There are no convincing reasons other than age to expect Stafford to have a down year,” one analyst wrote. Therefore, the 2025 statistical spike sets a high bar. It also creates a strong baseline for optimistic 2026 projections.
Offensive evolution and why Matthew Stafford primed for another great year
The Rams remodeled their offense heading into 2026. Sean McVay and Kliff Kingsbury blended philosophies. As a result, the attack favors heavier personnel and more tight end sets. This shift supports play-action and creates clear run-pass balance. With Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, the Rams run a gap-based scheme that demands attention. Therefore, linebackers and safeties must respect the ground game.
Key schematic changes and their impact
- Heavier personnel with multiple tight ends opens intermediate windows for Stafford. Consequently, routes against linebackers become easier to complete.
- Gap-based run scheme featuring Kyren Williams and Blake Corum forces defenses to stay honest. As a result, play-action becomes more effective.
- Play-action usage reached 34.2 percent of dropbacks in 2025, third-highest in the NFL. Therefore, the Rams will continue to lean on boots and fakes to free up receivers.
- Continued use of empty formations and quick passing sped up reads and shortened decision time. Thus, Stafford could reduce turnover-worthy plays while keeping aggressive throws.
Why these changes match Stafford’s strengths
Stafford thrives when defenses open intermediate and deep lanes. His ADOT at 9.8 in 2025 shows that willingness. Moreover, he led the league with 58 big-time throws. As a result, heavier personnel and play-action amplify his shot-making ability. The quick passing game helps his ADJ percent by simplifying reads. Furthermore, tight-end heavy sets provide high-percentage throws in the middle of the field.
Analysts noted the transformation. “The Rams offense today is vastly different than how it looked when Stafford stepped under center in 2021,” one analyst said. Therefore, with supporting backs and a revamped scheme, it is difficult to bet against Stafford and Sean McVay. Ultimately, these strategic changes underpin optimistic 2026 expectations.
| Quarterback | PFF Offensive Grade | PFF Passing Grade | Big-time throws (count / rate) | ADOT | ADJ% | Turnover-worthy play rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | 92.0 | 91.7 | 58 (7.7%) | 9.8 | 72.3% | 3.3% |
| Joe Burrow | 91.8 | 91.3 | — | — | — | — |
| Patrick Mahomes | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Caleb Williams | — | — | 37 (5.4%) | — | — | — |
| JJ McCarthy | — | — | — (7.3%) | — | — | — |
| Jared Goff | — | — | — | — | 80.2% | — |
| Brock Purdy | — | — | — | — | 78.7% | — |
Matthew Stafford primed for another great year. The data and scheme changes point that way. His 2025 PFF grades, ADOT, and 58 big-time throws set a high baseline. Moreover, Rams shifts to heavier personnel and play-action suit his strengths.
Analysts balanced skepticism with praise. “The MVP season was real,” they said, and few see clear decline ahead. Therefore, the contrarian case holds. Stafford produced elite shot-making and the offense now hides him better. As a result, 2026 should again highlight his strengths.
Rams News LLC tracked these trends all season. For ongoing analysis and roster updates follow our site at Rams News and Twitter/X at Zach Gatsby. Furthermore, we will update you as the Rams chase another deep playoff run. Follow us for weekly breakdowns, film notes, and injury reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What made Stafford’s 2025 MVP season special?
Stafford posted a PFF offensive grade of 92.0 and a passing grade of 91.7. He led the NFL with 58 big-time throws and an ADOT of 9.8. His turnover-worthy play rate sat at 3.3 percent. For example, his mix of downfield aggression and play-action created more shot opportunities. As a result, voters rewarded him with the MVP.
Is Matthew Stafford primed for another great year in 2026?
Yes. Matthew Stafford primed for another great year is a realistic view. The offense now features heavier personnel and more play-action. Therefore, he should see cleaner reads and more high-percentage throws. Analysts add that age is the main lingering concern.
How do the Rams offensive changes affect Stafford’s outlook?
Heavier personnel and tight-end sets help open intermediate windows. Gap-based runs by Kyren Williams and Blake Corum force defenders to respect the rush. With 34.2 percent play-action usage and empty formations, quick passing will reduce risk and speed decisions.
How does Stafford compare with other top quarterbacks?
Stafford led in big-time throws versus peers like Caleb Williams and JJ McCarthy. His ADJ percent of 72.3 is lower than Jared Goff and Brock Purdy. However, Stafford’s ADOT and shot-making set him apart.
Are injury or age concerns worth worrying about?
Age warrants attention, because Stafford is older than many starters. However, there were no major injury flags in 2025. Thus, scheme, rotation, and support should help sustain his performance.