2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Los Angeles Rams
Current starter: Matthew Stafford | Current backups: Baker Mayfield, John Wolford, Bryce Perkins
State of the position: Fresh off a Super Bowl title, Stafford regressed, throwing for 10 TDs to eight interceptions and posting an average 50.5 QBR. He was shut down after nine games with a spinal cord contusion. Stafford twice spent time in the concussion protocol.
Some speculated he was headed to retirement, but Stafford shut down that talk earlier this month.
Mayfield, who was claimed off waivers after his stint in Carolina, led the Rams to a 2-3 record in the final five games. He had four TD passes to two picks.
Who can forget his epic, 98-yard touchdown drive in the final minute against Las Vegas?
But, alas, Mayfield struggled in the final two games, posting a sub-30 QBR in each game. He views himself as a starter and might draw interest from the Bucs if Tom Brady moves on or retires.
“I’m not going to just go chase a check to go start and play,” Mayfield said, per ESPN.com. “After seeing a place that makes me have fun playing football again, it’s going to be hard to try something else new, but obviously it’s going to be a big-time decision.”
Key stat: Stafford posted an 87.4 passer rating, the lowest since his 2014 season with Detroit.
2023 QB forecast: While head coach Sean McVay flirted with stepping away, he also said he would return. That should help Stafford return to his 2021 form, when he had 41 touchdown passes and 4,886 yards passing.
