Rodgers defends former NFC North rival Stafford amid struggles

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Aaron Rodgers defends Matthew Stafford, slams critics after recent struggles

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 11/16/21

New Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has not been at his best over the past two games, throwing two touchdowns against four interceptions.

Most recently, Stafford played poorly in Los Angeles’ blowout 31-10 loss to the division rival San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

It has led to criticism being directed at the veteran signal caller. Apparently, Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers has heard this criticism. He’s not having any of it.

“Those are trash comments. I’m a huge Stafford fan and have been for a long time,” Rodgers said Tuesday on the Pat McAfee Show. “We played against him for so many years. He’s one of the most gifted throwers in football, definitely of my generation. I’m a fan. He’s a tough dude and has played through some crazy injuries. I’m a big fan and he’s having a really nice season.”

Stafford and Rodgers were division rivals in the NFC North from 2009-20 before the former was traded from the Detroit Lions to Los Angeles last off-season.

As for criticism of Stafford, it’s pretty darn ridiculous.

Matthew Stafford stats

67.7% completion, 3,014 yards, 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 106.1 rating

Those are some elite numbers. He also has the Rams at 7-3 on the campaign and averaging north of 27 points per game. That’s a drastic improvement from what the Rams did last season under Jared Goff. They averaged a mere 23 points and posted a 10-6 record.

Now, there is concern over Stafford’s ability to lead a winning team. After all, he finished with a winning record just four times during the former No. 1 pick’s 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. Sure a lot of that had to do with organization-wide struggles. Even then, the history is there.

It’s a narrative that’s been thrown in Stafford’s direction throughout his career. Now in the midst of a two-game losing streak, the critics are out in full force. Fair or not, that’s the nature of the beast for quarterbacks in today’s NFL.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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