Rams Matthew Stafford not concerned about Pro

Matthew Stafford was voted to the Pro Bowl this season, but the Rams veteran quarterback stopped regarding himself about the popularity more than a decade in the past.

In 2011, the then third-year professional handed for more than 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns for the Detroit Lions.

Stafford thought he had a probability to make the NFC roster, but Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Cam Newton bought more votes.

“Wasn’t even close,” Stafford said, chuckling, on Wednesday. “So at that point, I kind of reserved myself to just go play, have fun and whatever happens, happens.

“But it is cool to be a part of it.”

Stafford, who also was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2023, is a main contender for maybe the NFL’s most prestigious award — most worthwhile participant.

Stafford, 37, has handed for a league-leading 4,179 yards and 40 touchdowns, with 5 interceptions, while main a Rams staff that is 11-4 and presently seeded No. 6 in the NFC going into Monday night time’s sport against the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Rams are averaging 30.5 factors and 396.7 yards per sport, both tops in the NFL. They rank second in passing (270.5 yards per sport) and fifth in dashing (126.3 yards per sport).

In last Thursday’s 38-37 additional time loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Stafford handed for 457 yards and three touchdowns. Yet he was outdueled by fellow Pro Bowl decide Sam Darnold, who led a landing drive in additional time and capped it with a game-winning two-point conversion move.

Stafford is making ready to face a Falcons protection that ranks 14th total, but eighth against the move, giving up 195.1 yards per sport.

Asked if he was stunned that Stafford has only been voted to the Pro Bowl 3 times, Rams coach Sean McVay said yes, including that there have been “a lot of layers to the Pro Bowl stuff.”

“You talk to the real football people. … I think he’s seen as a guy that’s one of the best ever to do it,” McVay said. “I think that’s been very well acknowledged this year but I think it’s probably overdue.”

Stafford has “elevated” everyone around him since the Rams traded for him in 2021, McVay said.

“The best part about Matthew is, he’s got this great humility,” McVay said, including, “What he cares about are the respect of his teammates, his coaches and the people he’s playing against. And I think when you talk to those who know, hes got great respect and admiration for the way that he competes, the way he goes about it and what type of player he is.”

Etc.

Receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (ankle) are making “good progress,” but McVay did not present a definitive update on their standing for the sport against the Falcons. … The Rams opened the 21-day window for cornerback Roger McCreary (hip) to return from injured reserve. McVay said “most likely” that the Rams will open the 21-day window for security Quentin Lake (elbow) next week to return from injured reserve. Lake is anticipated to be prepared for the playoffs, or presumably for the ultimate sport against the Arizona Cardinals. … The Rams are off Thursday. They are anticipated to apply Friday at SoFi Stadium, and Saturday at their Woodland Hills facility.