Shannon Sharpe places sky-high expectations on Matthew Stafford’s Rams ahead of 2024 debut
Matthew Stafford's Rams have been a rollercoaster for fans over the last few years. From winning the Super Bowl to slumping to three wins and then surging into the playoffs last year, the Rams have kept their fans on a hook. However, the Rams are one roller coaster trending up this year. At least, that is what NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe believes.
Speaking on "First Take" on August 27, Sharpe listed the Rams among teams he believed to be at the top of the NFC.
"I'll take the 49ers. I'll take the Lions, I'll take the Packers. And you know what?
"Because of the way they finished last year, [how they ran] the football, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp is completely healthy, even though they did lose [Aaron Donald], arguably one of the top three, four defensive, defensive players of all time. I'll put the Rams in front of the Cowboys," Sharpe said on First Take [0:43].
In 2023, Stafford threw 24 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. After a sluggish 3-6 start, the team fought to reach the playoffs. However, they lost to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round. Overall, it wasn't as successful as their Super Bowl victory in 2022, but it was the Rams' second-best season with Stafford.
Matthew Stafford granted quick rematch against trade rival Jared Goff
The Rams faced the Detroit Lions in the playoffs last season, but the story wasn't about the teams. Of course, they were there to battle it out for the right to get closer to the Super Bowl. However, the biggest part of the story was the quarterbacks.
The Rams traded their quarterback, Jared Goff, to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford in March 2021. Some draft picks also changed hands in the transaction.
As such, when Stafford faced Goff in the playoffs, many believed the winner would declare who won the trade. The Los Angeles Rams lost, so the Lions have a massive talking point going into the rematch.
Fans won't have to wait long for the rematch, as it will be the Week 1 Sunday Night Football game on Sunday, September 8th, at 8:20 PM EST.
Will Jared Goff confirm his 2024 legitimacy over Stafford with a win or will the Rams get revenge?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "First Take" and H/T Sportskeeda.