How Lynch sees Stafford as a ‘tremendous challenge’ in 49ers-Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers are 8-3 in games against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, the 16-year NFL veteran is a proven Super Bowl champion and remains difficult to stop for even the best defenses.
President of Football Operations and General Manager of the 49ers John Lynch is tired of Stafford’s talents ahead of Week 15 San Francisco “Thursday Night Football” game against Los Angeles. On the latest episode of NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan,” Lynch explained to Greg Papa what makes Stafford’s game difficult to stop.
“He’s got pressure in his face — and that doesn’t always do the trick with a guy like him,” Lynch told Dad about Stafford. “Tenacity, above all. Everyone talks about the talent and the arm angle, but this guy is badass. He can be hit and knocked down, but he keeps moving forward.
“You know you have to play four quarters against a team led by Matthew Stafford. I think that’s the other thing I talked about: arm angles, no-look passes; What he’s doing is really daring, it amazes me. He did it in the Super Bowl, looking here and throwing it to the middle of the field.
Lynch knows Stafford demands the best from opposing defenses, while admiring the fact that the quarterback never goes down without a fight.
In 219 career games, Stafford has totaled 59,350 yards and 376 touchdowns with 187 interceptions. Against the 49ers, Stafford totaled 2,958 yards and 17 scores with nine picks.
Stafford helped the Rams reach a return victory 27-24 against the 49ers at SoFi Stadium in Week 3 and will look to do the same under the lights at Levi’s Stadium. Lynch, as he mentioned, understands that Los Angeles evolves as Stafford takes them.
“He felt offended, his familiarity, he’s really in sync with Sean McVay as a playmaker,” Lynch told Papa. “He has great receivers (and) talented players. It’s a great challenge any time you play a team led by Matthew Stafford.
Stafford kept the Rams competitive during his four years in Hollywood. Wide receivers Cooper Kupp And Puka Nacua there are also helpful hands.
The Rams are no mystery to the 49ers. However, San Francisco will have his hands full against Stafford and his always difficult opponent.
