5 bold predictions for 49ers, rest of NFC West in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford fails to play a full season
The balance in power within the NFC West definitely shifted when the Los Angeles Rams made their own blockbuster move during the offseason, sending quarterback Jared Goff away to the Detroit Lions in a package for veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is a clear-cut upgrade over Goff, and that shouldn’t be argued. But whether or not Stafford can be the difference between a playoff-likely Rams squad and a legitimate Super Bowl contender is another argument altogether.
Like Jimmy Garoppolo, Stafford also has a bit of an injury history in recent years. And at 33 years old, this reputation isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.
One of the biggest question marks facing Los Angeles this season is its offensive line, which could see a downgrade at center with Brian Allen, who is back and will replace former Rams center Austin Blythe.
Pass protection could be a notable concern for Stafford this season. And while he managed to appear in all 16 games last year for Detroit, it was clear Stafford wasn’t 100 percent healthy for the duration of 2021, and this could ultimately mean he won’t be out there for all 17 games.
And if it’s anything like 2019 when Stafford missed half the season, LA’s prognosis for making the playoffs could take a big hit.