Rams’ Matthew Stafford Gets Strong Words From Davante Adams

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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Matthew Stafford delivered another strong performance in his MVP-caliber season, guiding the Los Angeles Rams to their ninth win of the season in a 34-7 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Sunday Night Football.

Stafford completed 25 of 35 (71.4%) passes for 273 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions in Week 12, giving him a 2,830-30-2 line on 66.5% completion.

He also received strong praise after the contest.

Davante Adams Sends Strong Message About Matthew Stafford

GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a game-winning catch against the Houston Texans.

Stafford drew telling comments from Rams teammate and wide receiver Davante Adams, who is in his first season with the club.

“Caught Davante Adams before he headed out and asked him his reaction to the ‘MVP’ chants for Matthew Stafford tonight. He lit up: ‘Hey, they’re just calling a spade a spade.’” The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported on X on November 23.

“Says Stafford – still the usual killer – is also playing with a joy they all feel and return.”

Adams caught five passes for 62 yards and 2 touchdowns, giving him a three-score lead over Detroit Lions star and fellow wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“He’s done a hell of a job when he’s been matched up one-on-one with guys, winning all sorts of routes,” Stafford told reporters after the game. “It’s been a whole lot of fun getting to getting to throw him the rock.”

Adams cited the week of preparation following a disappointing outing in Week 11.

It was against the Seattle Seahawks. He scored a TD but caught one of his eight targets for 1 yard. Adams and Stafford’s connection continues to pay off for themselves and the Rams.

Sean McVay Praises Matthew Stafford-Davante Adams Connection

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 and Davante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate against the Tennessee Titans.

Rams head coach Sean McVay was effusive in his praise for both Adams and Stafford, noting their chemistry was the result of “repetition being the mother of learning” and working together.

“These are two great players that are just accumulating experience in the midst of this season, and they’ve got such great football acumen. And then, they’ve got the rare ability to be able to – it’s one thing to understand and to talk about it. But then, they have the ability to be able to bring it to life. And so, it’s been special,” McVay told media members during his postgame media availability.

“They’ve been awesome. And really, I think Matthew’s been awesome with all of his skilled players. But especially Davante has been cool. I think he’s making great decisions, I think he’s got great rapport with his skilled players, I think he’s seeing the field really well, and I think he’s understanding where are those times and places [to take chances].”

McVay said Stafford has been “incredibly smart but aggressive,” and is like a “fine wine” because he is “getting better with age” and is in “total command.”

McVay joked, “I think he’s going to play for about 10 more years now. So, that’s – but no. He’s doing great. I just think that he’s in command, I think he’s got a lot of trust in his teammates, I think there’s just a good rapport, and we want to keep stacking them.”

McVay said he is “really happy for Stafford” and that the Rams will look to keep it going.

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