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Stafford's historic season has Rams QB in MVP conversation
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford's historic season has Rams QB in MVP conversation

Matthew Stafford has put together a career many believe will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it's actuality possibly he's doing his best work this season. Stafford turned a great season into an historic one on Sunday.

The 37-year-old signal caller led the now 7-2 Los Angeles Rams to their fourth straight win in a 42-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. And just has been the case for four consecutive weeks, Stafford threw four touchdown passes. 

He also completed 66.7% of his passes for 280 yards while posting a zero in the interception column for the sixth game in a row. All in all, Stafford has been on a roll that's quietly one of the most impressive in NFL history. 

To put his recent stretch into its proper perspective, Stafford is the first player in league history to ever record four or more touchdown passes with zero interceptions in three-straight games. His last interception came on Sept. 21 in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles

He's also just the sixth quarterback to ever throw at least four touchdown passes in three-straight games in general. 

Overall, Stafford has thrown 20 touchdowns without a pick in his last six games. He has a 67.1 completion percentage, 2,427 yards, 25 touchdowns, only two interceptions and a quarterback rating of 69.3 through nine games.

And when factoring in Stafford's individual brilliance and the Rams' record, he's firmly in the MVP conversation. 

Despite a career that's seen the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft accumulate 61,956 yards and 398 touchdowns, Stafford has never come close to being named the league's MVP. In fact, he's only made two Pro Bowls during his 17-year career. 

"It would mean a lot, obviously," Stafford told Fox's Erin Andrews during a conversation that aired on Sunday before he took the field.

"I just have so much respect and reverence for this game. It’s humbling for me to be a part of it for as long as I’ve been able to be a part of it."

But of course, Stafford, like most all-time greats, wants to win above all else. So even if he doesn't take home his first MVP, he may have a shot at capturing his second Super Bowl ring based on how his play is leading to success for the Rams as a team. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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