Matthew Stafford has faced Aaron Rodgers many times over the years, so he’s not one to get overly excited about any single game.
The results have mostly favored Rodgers, who has won 13 of their 17 matchups, all while playing for the Green Bay Packers. But this upcoming game is different—both teams and cities have changed, along with the circumstances.
Stafford, who spent many years with the Detroit Lions and is now in his fourth season with the Rams, will face Rodgers, now in his second year with the New York Jets, on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
“It’s always a good battle,” Stafford said. “A ton of respect for him. (A) great player in this league, an all-time great, has unbelievable talent and has accomplished a bunch. It’s always a challenge going against him.”
The last time they met, Rodgers’ Packers defeated Stafford and the Rams 36-28 at Lambeau Field. Rodgers won his fourth NFL MVP award that season, while Stafford led the Rams to their second Super Bowl win in his first year with the team.
This time, Stafford aims to guide the Rams (8-6) to their fourth consecutive win and keep them in the lead in the NFC West. Meanwhile, Rodgers and the Jets (4-10) are wrapping up a tough season.
“It’s two greats and two guys that I look at as Hall of Famers,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.
Stafford has played a big role in the Rams’ recent success. He hasn’t turned the ball over in their last five games, marking his longest streak in 16 years in the NFL. The 36-year-old is also among the league’s leaders with 3,463 passing yards.
“Matt’s one of my all-time favorite competitors to go against,” Rodgers said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. “Just a lot of fun battles over the years, just a lot of respect for him. He plays the game the way I totally respect. He’s as tough as they come. He’s savvy, he’s smart, he’s gritty, he’s competitive.”
Rodgers, at 41, had to deal with leg injuries earlier in the season, after playing only four snaps last year due to a torn Achilles tendon. However, he has recently performed well, passing for 628 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in his last two games. Rodgers is also just two touchdown passes away from reaching 500 for his career.
“He’s a hell of a player and does a great job,” Stafford said. “He’s still doing a really good job for them. He played fantastic in the last couple of weeks. He looks to be healthy, moving around and doing his thing.”
