[Joe Pendleton]

My big "IMHO" on this. It really is just informed hunches based on watching but not on any real detailed analysis. All fwiw.

I think JG is a very efficient qb who plays well within the system and is a very crisp extension of the game plan. But I don't think he's clutch.

I wish Stafford were as crisp and efficient as JG earlier in games. Notice, for example, that as often as not defenses pounce on screens of any kind when Stafford is playing, but with JG's big game last year he made all those screens work. I just think that every move in JG's game is to do it "exactly as coached" so he is a good, clean "driver". He's much more of an efficient "coach's machine" at qb than Stafford.

But not only is Stafford better overall (as you would naturally expect), above all you want Stafford in there late in a close game. It's not just that Stafford is more of a gunslinger. Stafford is clutch.

Who was it who said this? A Rams starter last year talked about how Stafford just changes when it's late and the game is on the line. His exact words were, "even his eyes are different."

exactly ! he reminds me of Jordan, and the late, great Kobe.. it's like the end of the game "slows down" just for them

[ramsman34]

Stafford’s health drives everything. I think it’s that simple. And JG can fit it done to a decent level if that becomes the only option in-season. The next draft, if the QBs are all they are being touted as, would be the logical place to start to prepare for the future at the position. I think Staff plays until he gets another ring as long as he is healthy and that happens within the next 2-3 seasons. Just can’t see him subjecting himself to the pain and injury potential much longer than that.

[FMulder]

A few thoughts: 1) It will be really difficult for Stafford to be playing key late games/and/or playoff games without some type of nagging injury. It’s not a slam on him, it’s just based on history and the fact the guy will take some BIG hits to make a play. It has nothing to do with his age either. He’s always been like that. That’s why some of the narratives about the Rams NOT resting him during the last reg season game are silly (IMO). I doubt we are the last play of the game away from playing in the Conf Championship if he doesn’t get that extra week

Totally agree with ZN on JG. He is a great backup QB who can steal some wins if something happens to Stafford. He plays the system well. However his arm was never big and seems to be declining and he is not clutch. Not a rip on him but I feel true. When he was with SF you’d worry he was going to pull a game out late, but wouldn’t. Still remember the Rams game when he did some bad JG things at the end and got the Rams into the Super Bowl. On a lower level he had the Rams on the goal line late vs Seattle and ended up throwing a ground ball that had no chance. And he played well in that game too.

Despite McVay’s ability to coach QBs, the first year in the NFL coupled with such an intricate and complicated offense that McVay runs, requires at least a year learning from the coaches, and hopefully Stafford. I think they try to get that guy be to draft and if Stafford only plays one more year, then he will get some good coaching all around. IF Stafford plays 2 more, then all the better for whoever that next QB will be

[PARAM]

We never know what the future holds. If he wins a SB this year would he retire? Or would he go for two in a row? I tend to believe (wishfully) a competitor of his caliber thinks, "let's get 2". It's one thing to win 2 SBs. A completely other to win 2 in a row. His injuries, aches and pains? He's as tough as they come and has been since day 1 (2009). I don't think that'll play into the decision unless it's a bad one. Having said that, draft somebody in 2026 and if #9 plays again, it will be an ideal situation. Like I said, wishfully, because I love watching the guy perform.

[snackdaddy]

I always felt Stafford has a least a couple more years left in him. Like Cowherd said, he's got a great natural arm. That's not something you teach. Either you have it or you don't. Stafford has it. And he's a highly intelligent quarterback. Can see things young guys don't see. I agree. Run with Stafford as long as you can. You might be surprised. He could have 3 or 4 years left.