In Week 10 of the NFL season, Matthew Stafford continues to impress, solidifying his status as one of the league”s most underrated quarterbacks. At 37 years old, Stafford leads all quarterbacks with 21 touchdown passes and an impressive average of 268.4 yards per game. Remarkably, he has only thrown two interceptions on 274 attempts, resulting in a 0.7 interception rate, which is significantly lower than his career average. His performance has been instrumental in the Los Angeles Rams achieving a 6-2 record, tying them for the best in the NFC, highlighting his candidacy for the MVP award.
A rival NFL executive remarked, “I”m not at all surprised he”s playing at such a high level. He still has an elite skill set. I”m actually more surprised whenever he doesn”t play well.” Despite his success, Stafford has often flown under the radar. Drafted first overall in 2009, he spent a decade with the Detroit Lions, where he managed just three playoff appearances without a victory. After a transformative trade, he contributed to the Rams” Super Bowl run in the 2021 postseason, yet the spotlight on him has not brightened significantly since then.
Stafford”s time in Detroit hindered his recognition, and now in the competitive Los Angeles market, he shares attention with other major sports figures. With the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers and LeBron James drawing fan focus, it is easy for Stafford to remain in the background. Furthermore, he entered the league alongside legendary quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees, making it challenging for him to gain accolades while emerging stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have recently taken center stage.
Another NFL executive stated, “He”s one of the most underrated QBs ever. He”s always been excellent.” Currently, Stafford ranks ninth all-time with 61,956 passing yards and 398 touchdowns. If he maintains his health and plays through at least 2026, he is on track to ascend the all-time lists for both categories, which would strengthen his Hall of Fame credentials.
While Stafford”s back injury remains a concern, he has shown the ability to make all necessary throws. As the Rams continue to rebuild, Stafford”s role has been crucial to their success, positioning them as contenders for another Super Bowl. His performance cannot be overlooked in the ongoing MVP discussion.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are preparing for a critical phase following the departure of long-time general manager Chris Grier. The Dolphins face a pivotal decision regarding head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose contract poses challenges for the team”s future. Tagovailoa is guaranteed $54 million in 2026, and while the Dolphins can exit the deal in 2027 with a dead money hit, the situation complicates their approach moving forward.
A potential GM candidate remarked, “Tua”s contract is a problem. But it”s one of 32 jobs, and there are going to be problems to solve with any job.” Concerns also arise from the overall offensive strategy, which has been tailored to fit Tagovailoa”s skill set. With the Dolphins struggling to win a playoff game since the 2000 season, the pressure mounts on the organization to make the right decisions as they look to improve.
In a related note, C.J. Stroud“s recent concussion raises important questions about quarterback safety during plays. Many quarterbacks believe that the act of sliding, intended to protect them, actually places them in vulnerable positions. A quarterback expressed, “When you slide, you”re in such a vulnerable position. Even if you slide a half second too late, you”re going to get your head taken off.” The NFL must address these concerns to enhance player safety, particularly as quarterbacks like Stroud face increasing risks on the field.
