No one would consider Matthew Stafford one of the most athletic or mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, but he’s proving even at the age of 35, he can move enough to avoid taking sacks. In 13 games this season, Stafford has only been sacked 25 times, four fewer sacks than he took in nine games last season.
The offensive line has done a great job protecting him, particularly in the last six weeks, but Stafford is also excelling at avoiding sacks and hits in the pocket. According to Ian Hartitz, Stafford is one of only five quarterbacks in the NFL this season who have allowed less than 15% of their pressured dropbacks to result in sacks.
Only Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have been better at avoiding sacks on pressured dropbacks, which is a testament to how well Stafford is playing right now.
Only five QBs have allowed under 15% of their pressured dropbacks to result in a sack this season (PFF). Good job not taking sacks!
Brock Purdy (14.8%)
Matthew Stafford (14.5%)
Jared Goff (14.3%)
Patrick Mahomes (10.2%)
Josh Allen (10%)And the worst: Tommy DeVito (39.8%)
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 18, 2023
Stafford is moving really well this season despite rarely scrambling, showing great awareness and using his feet to avoid pressure by either stepping up in the pocket or sidestepping rushers enough to get a throw off to his receiver.
Not all sacks are created equal and some of them are undoubtedly on the quarterback, but both Stafford and the Rams’ offensive line have been excellent at avoiding those costly negative plays.
