Why has Matthew Stafford’s season been so “weird”?

Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, has shown a noticeably different performance this season, leaving many puzzled. According to former college quarterback and NFL coach Nate Tice, Stafford's season has been "weird." Tice notes that Stafford has scrambled more times this year than he did in all of the previous season and that his throws have been primarily outside and vertical, rather than the traditional method of throwing over the middle.

This change in Stafford's throwing patterns has resulted in a drop in his passer rating, from 109.2 last season to 80.5 so far this year. Only 6.5% of Stafford's throws this season are targeted to the intermediate middle, a significant decrease from his previous rates. Additionally, Stafford is targeting his receivers less frequently, at only 48% of the time compared to nearly 61.5% last season.

While there are several possible explanations for these changes, such as the injury to Davante Adams, the performance of the offensive line, and the Rams' offensive strategy, Tice's observations raise valid concerns about Stafford's altered play style. Stafford is set to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, providing him with an opportunity to regain his form and prove that he is still the MVP.