Despite any ailments that Matthew Stafford is going through, there is an expectation among the Los Angeles Rams that Stafford will suit up Week 1 against the Houston Texans.
On the Rich Eisen Show, Andrew Whitworth shared that he expects Stafford to play for the Rams Week 1, and Whitworth since retiring, has only seemed to have and share a better of understanding of the inner workings of the Rams.
Can saying Stafford will play Week 1 be a smoke screen?
Yes.
Sean McVay and his crew may be putting it out that Stafford is expected to play Week 1, when they know his injury is more concerning than they are letting on. What good does that do the team? A healthy Stafford (or perception of) increases the chances (or perception of) towards the Rams winning a Super Bowl, which in turn increases interest in the Rams market.
Teams, specifically the Texans also will have to prepare differently if Stafford is playing as opposed to Jimmy Garoppolo making this potential smokescreen not just business driven, but strategic on a football level as well.
There’s plenty of reasons for the Rams to push the narrative that Stafford is the plan, however has McVay ever not wanted his best players to play when it mattered?
It’s likely McVay does expect (and really hopes) Stafford plays Week 1, the organization expects (and really hopes) Stafford suits up, and as long as Stafford does play, and plays well, then this storyline will be a big nothing.
If Stafford misses time, and or if the Rams falter as the veteran gunslinger looks rusty, then there will be more questions about the Rams and Stafford until they right their ship.
File this one away under TBD in the Football Zone.
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