“They’re Throwing Passes That Sean McVay Has Never Run”
September 25th, 2021
Shaq Barrett
There’s a reason Bucco Bruce Arians has long said Matthew Stafford is one of the few quarterbacks Arians likes to watch warmup.
Why? Because Stafford’s throwing skills are superior.
Super Bowl winning QB Phil Simms, the longtime CBS analyst, was diving deep into the Bucs-Rams game on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio this week and was lauding Stafford and talking about what fans should expect Sunday when the Bucs face them in Los Angeles.
Simms said of Stafford’s skills, “They’re throwing passes that Sean McVay has never run.”
And Simms wagged a finger at the suggestion the Rams would keep pounding the rock against the Bucs.
“You play to the competition. To run against and think you’re going to run the ball against Tampa Bay and beat’em that way, then you should not be a head coach or an offensive coordinator,” Simms said with authority.
“You’re going to have to throw the ball to beat them because their defensive front is stout, tough to run against. You can throw on the edges, so I would expect the Rams to throw a lot of stuff that Dallas did [against the Bucs]. A lot of screens, get rid of the ball quick, and every once in a while take the shot down the field. Because you have a quarterback that can throw that can throw a five-yard pass and hit it every time, and throw a 40-yard pass and hit it every time. Matt Stafford is one of the 10 best throwers of the football in the history of the league.”
Simms went on to say that anyone who disagrees with him about Stafford doesn’t have clue.
As for the Bucs, Simms gushed about their offensive line and seemed envious that the Bucs can do anything they want in the passing game, nearly at will.
Simms, however, did not have a prediction, other than to say the Bucs would have a great plan for Aaron Donald, their pass rush needs to awaken, and the Rams would be pass-happy.
September 25th, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Phil also said that water is wet and Biden will raise taxes.
September 25th, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Simms should also say Stafford is made of paper mache. A couple shots and he’s out of there.
September 25th, 2021 at 4:01 pm
I expect a lot of spreading out and using misdirection, bc it seems like the Bucs defense loves to over-pursue and uncharacteristically (compared to the past), are missing open field tackles. Play-action, RPO’s, screens, you name it. Lining up in 12 packages and running straight ahead – not so much
September 25th, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Stafford is a top passer in the league, but not 10 best all time. That’s just ridiculous.
September 25th, 2021 at 4:05 pm
@Leighroy: the entire planet would be in shock if Stafford ran an RPO.
He is tough and can throw, but running is not his thing. Plus he has a history of being somewhat brittle.
It’d be like Brady running an RPO. Maybe once. Not twice. Too valuable.
September 25th, 2021 at 4:12 pm
I really can’t comment much on Stafford since he’s played so long for the Lioness’
They were discussing Thanksgiving on the Simpsons and Bart said “that’s the day the Lions lose a football game” hahaha
September 25th, 2021 at 4:14 pm
I think the last time Stafford won a playoff game was in 1967. No wait a minute…………………………!!
September 25th, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Cobra.. not being an ass just letting you know.. RPO is run pass option and is not the same as a QB Option
September 25th, 2021 at 5:04 pm
2 stats, I watch very closely.
Points on the scoreboard, and wins & losses.
Bucs have won 10 straight games, out scoring their opponents each time.
They must be doing something right.
This ain’t their first rodeo.
These guys are professionals, and know how to prepare.
September 25th, 2021 at 5:08 pm
I will add : I stake Medicated Bill’s reputation, on the “Win” over the Rams.
September 25th, 2021 at 5:12 pm
BucEm, I am confident that Cobra knows what an RPO is. His point remains. That’s a valuable play for teams that have mobile quarterbacks. Stafford is decidedly not, though like most quarterbacks he can run if he has to. I don’t see that as a play design for them though of course he would scramble if flushed from the pocket.
September 25th, 2021 at 5:32 pm
We are going to beat the Rams they’re not that good . We have to many weapons on offense and we have a good defense. The only thing that might be a problem is our secondary maybe !! Jackson ain’t no threat and Cooper Kupp ain’t that good . I mean he’s a ok receiver. But for the most part I think we win this game!!!
September 25th, 2021 at 8:16 pm
Ugh, kupp “ain’t that good”? Do you even watch football?
He’s the one player I’m most worried about. And woods ain’t no slouch either.
September 25th, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Bucs are missing 3 very valuable players in JPP, SMB & AB, plus having Minter out. Any additional injuries to key CBs, LBs or WRs during the game would be a huge blow.
September 25th, 2021 at 10:02 pm
RPO’s are not read-option runs. But my overall point about misdirection stands, especially if that’s the only detail you can nitpick
September 25th, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Fire. I didn’t say he’s trash he’s ok but he can be tamed!!
September 25th, 2021 at 11:33 pm
He’s not wrong. Stafford is a fantastic thrower of the football, strong arm, touch, accuracy etc. The pass rush, especially the push-up the middle, needs to be relentless as they are going to dump a lot of short to medium stuff quickly
September 26th, 2021 at 3:48 am
I am a Rams fan, and i hope we play better today than we did last sunday against Indy!! Hoping Stafford can find Kupp and sling him the ball! Maybe get Woods, DeSean Jackson, and who knows, TuTu Atwell involved in the game. We are gonna need to be pumping on all cylindars to be Tompa! HORNS UP!
September 26th, 2021 at 10:06 am
“Cooper Kupp ain’t that good.” He’d be the number one receiver on your team, if you traded for him. Know what that means?? He’s better than any of the comedy relief you field week in and week out.
September 26th, 2021 at 9:25 pm
Well after today’s game we all know who Stafford, Cooper kupp, woods,Jackson and hegbee are all about. So haters keep on hating but give props where it’s deserved that’s all I have to say. Mr Ram is out
September 27th, 2021 at 1:43 am
Rams 34. Bucs 24. Bam.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:01 pm
I a.bucs fan we lost we were out played that happens I just pray we.play at sofi for NFC TITLELOVE TO COME BACK.TO THERE HOUSE AND KNOCK THEM OUT OF PLAYOFFS