Swanson: Can Matthew Stafford be the Rams’ Clayton Kershaw?

WOODLAND HILLS – Hey, did ya know? Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw grew up together.

Oh, you’d heard? Obviously you’ve heard. Probably only about as many times as Kershaw has struck someone out.

Nevertheless, I’m thinking again of this well-documented friendship between the two 37-year-old pals, pro’s pros from Highland Park, Texas, ahead of the Rams’ season opener Sunday against the Houston Texans.

I’m thinking about their connection because of how admirably Kershaw got up off the mat and threw himself back into the fire this season. And how, despite years of back problems and recent surgeries on his shoulder, foot and knee, the future Hall of Famer is enjoying a renaissance in Year 18 – 9-2 record and 3.28 ERA in 18 starts. Old reliable for this Dodgers ball club under so much pressure to repeat as World Series champs.

And I’m thinking about his buddy Stafford, the Rams’ gray-bearded great who goes in Year 17 having logged just three weeks of practice after an aggravated disk in his back made him miss the first four weeks of camp.

Thinking about what he might have in store for us with his Rams in the conversation as serious Super Bowl contenders, and whether he’ll hit some of the same notes as Kershaw.

Stafford’s Rams are in the discussion for a second title in four years in part because of a scary defensive line, newfound depth at running back, and the arrival of star receiver Davante Adams to complement Puka Nacua. And because they have head coach Sean McVay and other teams don’t.

And, for certain, because of Stafford, a two-time Pro Bowler and the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year.

As long as the Rams have Stafford on the field, their coach under center, their creative no-look-passing playmaker, they can see a lane to another Super Bowl. He’s that good at his job, that cunning, that competitive. A lot like that other Texas dad with the very important arm.

Like Kershaw, who this summer became just the 20th big-league pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts, Stafford also is approaching major milestones. He starts this season just 191 yards shy of 60,000 career passing yards – a distant checkpoint only nine other quarterbacks have reached. Also, 1,553 yards will move him past Hall of Famer Dan Marino for ninth all-time at 61,361.

Four more touchdown passes and Stafford will be tied for ninth all-time with Matt Ryan; 41 more and Stafford catches Ben Roethlisberger in eighth.

That’s just icing, of course, on why McVay and the Rams wanted so badly to bring Stafford back for his fifth season in L.A. Despite his age, despite some ups and downs last season, despite the fact that he took issue with his contract (since restructured to be two years for $84 million, with $40 million of it guaranteed), they were determined to continue their working relationship with the QB who helped them win the Super Bowl in 2022.

Because they know they’ll need him to take another run at the title again this season. Because the Rams love Stafford like L.A. loves Kershaw. Trust and believe, he’s their guy.

“I’m sure proud of the body of work and really proud of the way that he’s played,” McVay told reporters at his end-of-season news conference earlier this year. “The coolest thing you can say about Matthew is he shines the brightest on the biggest stages.

“When you look at the seven playoff games that he’s played in since he’s been a Ram, he certainly gives you a chance every time you step out on the field, and for that I’m sure appreciative.”

But with age, the number of chances you’re allotted go down.

So you bet the Rams are approaching this season with a special sense of urgency – urgency and enjoyment, McVay’s special sauce that keeps his teams in equilibrium.

“I’ve never seen anything done that was worth it without a sense of urgency,” McVay said before practice Friday, as the Rams geared up for the Houston Texans in Game 1 on Sunday, a spicy season opener between a pair of playoff teams who lost to the eventual Super Bowl finalists.

“You can feel that, and I feel that from this group, the other coaches, these players, our building as a whole. But also, the fact that I think guys want to come back the next day. It doesn’t have to be miserable to pursue greatness – so how do we enjoy all of it?”

And how do they savor every moment they have left with Mr. No-Look? How does Stafford, who doesn’t have a plan, yet, for what his playing future looks like past this season?

By taking it one play at a time, one throw, one pitch, and savoring every one.

“I don’t take it for granted going out here and playing, getting the opportunity to play NFL football, to be a part of, you know, you know, a league that’s meant a lot to me and a lot of other people in this world,” Stafford told reporters recently.

“It’s such a blessing to be a part of this,” he added. “I’ve worked a long time to get to this point, and a lot of people have helped me out throughout the way or along the way and I’m just happy to get the opportunity to sit up with these guys, go to battle with them.”