NFL analyst takes hard line on Matthew Stafford’s Hall of Fame candidacy
Matthew Stafford hasn't played at the same level as he did during his Super Bowl-winning season. However, without his top two receivers, most quarterbacks would have struggled. Stafford looked revitalized when he stunned the Minnesota Vikings. Following the upset against a likely playoff team, one NFL analyst reconsidered his Hall of Fame prospects.
Speaking on an October 25 edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio claimed that the Super Bowl win was the difference, declaring that he has done enough.
"I think it would be a hard sell without the Super Bowl ring," Florio said. "With the Super Bowl ring. He gets in. Dan Fouts got in without a ring. Dan Marino got with that in without a ring. Fran Tarkenton got in without a ring." [11:43:12:06]
Roughly midway through the 2024 season, Stafford has thrown for 364 touchdowns and 185 interceptions. He holds a record of 101-111-1. Of course, most of his career took place in Detroit on teams in which he was largely seen as the team's biggest star in most seasons.
Since joining the Rams, Stafford has thrown for 82 touchdowns and 41 interceptions, reached the playoffs twice in two roughly full seasons, and owns a 27-21 record.
Matthew Stafford passes Dan Marino in career-throwing stat
Matthew Stafford is gradually working his way into the top ten in various throwing categories. Most recently, he broke Dan Marino's record most tossing completions with 4991 to Marino's 4967. Stafford presently ranks ninth all-time in the category.
Stafford also fought his way into the top 10 for passing yards, passing Eli Manning's total. He also sits just three passing touchdowns away from passing Eli Manning's career total of passing touchdowns. Based on how Stafford played on Thursday Night Football, he could pull off the move as soon as next week.
In all three categories, Stafford continues to chase his long-time foe Aaron Rodgers as the lone active player still adding to his totals. Other active players in those categories chasing him in somewhat close range are Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton, per Pro Football Reference.
At just 36, Matthew Stafford still has some time to build his ranking before calling it quits. How far will he climb and could he pass his foe, Aaron Rodgers?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.