Rams' Matthew Stafford makes massive leap but misses top spot in NFL coaches, GMs, execs poll

It seems clear that the Los Angeles Rams are doing the right thing for Matthew Stafford this year. That's true even if he decides to play again in 2027. Stafford is still highly regarded, as he took a massive leap but missed the top quarterback spot in an NFL coaches, GMs, and execs poll. Stafford couldn't quite break through against Josh Allen, according to Sports Illustrated. 'The respect for Stafford has always been there,' Albert Breer wrote. 'But the way he played last year left a mark with those in his path. He jumped five spots, breaking the two-year hold that Mahomes, Allen, (Lamar) Jackson, and (Joe) Burrow had on the top four spots.' There's no doubt that Stafford still has what it takes to succeed at the NFL level. 'One rival GM called Stafford, 'As elite a passer as there is in the league,' Breer wrote. 'Few players are capable of playing and operating from the pocket like Stafford, which is why no one has any problem projecting him at 38 years old to stay near the top.' More proof of Stafford's staying power at age 38 is his ranking on ESPN's top 100 list. He landed at No. 9. 'The reigning MVP is coming off the best season of his 17-year career, as he led the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns, and touchdown-interception ratio,' Sarah Barshop wrote. 'The Rams' offense had little turnover, giving him another season with receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Stafford enters the season sixth in NFL history in passing yards (64,516) and seventh in passing touchdowns (423).' If Stafford stays healthy, the Rams are primed for a strong run at another Super Bowl title. Of course, head coach Sean McVay is trying to keep a cap on things for now, according to the Los Angeles Times. 'This doesn't do anything for you, whoever the favorites are, whoever is talked about, offseason, all that,' McVay said. 'None of that means a damn thing. We have to put the work in. We have to stay humble. (And) we have to handle the adversity that's inevitable that we're going to face.' This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.