Former Teammate Turned Rival Gets Real About Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams in action against the Tennessee Titans.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is in his 17th NFL season, and he has played as well as anyone so far. It is no fluke. Stafford puts in the work to be great, and former teammate Carson Wentz made it clear he believes the Rams’ QB is that.
Wentz, who is set to make a historic first start with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, spent the 2023 season as Stafford’s backup, getting into two games and starting one for the Rams.
In his short time with the Rams, though, Wentz gleaned plenty from Stafford.
Vikings’ Carson Wentz: Matthew Stafford a ‘Future Hall of Fame’ QB
GettyPatrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams talk before a game.
Wentz will become the first player in NFL history to start at least one game for six different teams in six consecutive seasons on Sunday, and his stint with the Rams alongside Stafford is part of that arduous journey from No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft to journeyman backup.
Wents, who spent 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs, said it is “crazy” to hear about his upcoming accomplishment, but noted that his journey has given him a “different perspective.”
That journey included sitting behind “future Hall of Fame” QBs in Stafford and Patrick Mahomes.
“Getting to see it done at a very high level has given me some perspective. Also, just the perspective of not taking this for granted,” Wentz told reporters on September 17 as the Vikings began their week of preparation before facing the Cincinnati Bengals.
“You never know when your next chance is going to be in this league. The league’s hard. Two years ago, I was at home until mid-November. It’s not something I want to take lightly or take for granted. So, I’ve definitely got a lot of perspective both from physically seeing how it’s done, but also just the mental side of being appreciative and not wasting any opportunity.”
Wentz, 32, completed 70.1% of his passes for 163 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception during his lone season on the Rams as Stafford’s backup.
Ex-Rams QB Carson Wentz Praises Matthew Stafford Before Vikings Debut
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates the team’s win against the Tennessee Titans.
Wentz said “yes and no” when asked if he was able to take anything from either Stafford or Mahomes and apply it to his game. He cited their “process” before and after the snap on any given play, noting that players prepare throughout the week differently.
He also noted how both play a very different style of ball but are “as good as it gets” at the quarterback position.
“Just seeing how they go about play calls and understanding the defense and processing quickly. Matthew and Pat are as good as it gets at their position and couldn’t play the game much differently, to be honest. And the offenses are very different, too,” Wentz said. So, I feel like I gleaned a lot from both in a very different way, that I think, hopefully, I can utilize this Sunday. And super appreciative of those guys and just how I was able to learn and kind of get to know those guys both on and off the field. So, hopefully, that’ll pay off.”
Wentz and the Vikings will not face Stafford and the Rams during the regular season, and would need a postseason matchup to square off.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He's based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
Antonio Pierce Blames Tom Brady’s Interference for Raiders' Latest Loss
After another tough loss, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce made a bold claim that is sure to send shockwaves through the NFL. According to Pierce, the Raiders’ struggles can be traced back to one key factor:
While Brady is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, Pierce admitted that the NFL legend’s involvement in the Raiders' operations might have been more of a hindrance than a help during their latest defeat.
"Tom Brady is a great player, but sometimes you need to let the team do the work. If he wasn’t so involved, maybe we could’ve finished stronger," Pierce said, hinting that Brady’s regular presence in the coaching booth and constant communication with players may have disrupted the team's natural rhythm.
Pierce’s comments have reignited the conversation about Brady’s role within the team. As a minority owner of the Raiders and a Fox Sports analyst, Brady has been highly involved in the team’s strategy and decision-making, something Pierce now believes could have led to the defeat.
"It’s not that I don’t appreciate his insights," Pierce continued. "But you’ve got to know when to take a step back. We’re a team, and we need to trust each other to get the job done without a constant third party breathing down our necks."
The Raiders have been underperforming, and with every loss, more fingers are being pointed toward Brady’s seemingly endless influence. His deep connection with Chip Kelly and the offensive staff has raised eyebrows, but Pierce is now suggesting that perhaps Brady needs to reassess his level of involvement.
The loss stings even more as the Raiders are now looking at a 1-2 start to the season. Whether Pierce’s criticism is valid or just a frustrated coach venting remains to be seen, but the timing of his remarks could spark a major conversation about Brady’s role within the organization.
