Sean McVay doesn’t hold back on praise for Rams QB Matthew Stafford: “He’s like a fine wine”

The Los Angeles Rams are the bookmakers’ favorites to win the Super Bowl, and they reinforced that status with a crushing 34-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12. Sean McVay’s team sit on top of the incredibly competitive NFC West at 9-2, with their victory over the Bucs extending their winning streak to six games.

Stafford’s MVP surge

It goes without saying that quarterback Matthew Stafford has been vital to their success, even at the grand old age of 37. The Floridian, already a Super Bowl champion with the Rams in 2021, has moved ahead of younger counterparts in the race to be named MVP for the first time.

Following the win over Tampa Bay, which Stafford finished with 273 yards and three touchdowns, McVay spoke glowingly about his quarterback. He believes Stafford is playing the best football of his career, and the numbers back that up.

“Fine wine” Stafford tipped to challenge NFL longevity record

“He’s a fine wine. He’s just getting better with age,” McVay gushed. “I think he’s going to play for about 10 more years.”

If that were to happen, Stafford, who turns 38 in February, could rival George Blanda as the NFL’s oldest ever player. The former Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders quarterback and placekicker played 26 seasons of professional football, more than anyone else, and retired at 48 in August 1976, a month before his 49th birthday.

Keeping his focus on the present

Unlike his coach, however, Stafford is not looking too far ahead.

“I’m not trying to label it, I just know I’m having fun,” the Rams quarterback explained. “My body feels pretty good at the moment. It’s been a lot of fun.”

A standout season at age 37

In his 17th NFL season, Stafford has completed 248 of 373 passes for 2,830 yards, with 30 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

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