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Week 4 — Drake Maye, Taylor Swift’s New Music Video, and What's Next for the Rams

from Let's Go! with Matthew Stafford, Drew Brees, Peter King & Jim Gray

32m 20s

Week 4 — Drake Maye, Taylor Swift’s New Music Video, and What's Next for the Rams

Matthew Stafford and Drew Breeze discuss the Rams' recent loss, highlighting a game marred by turnovers, including a controversial interception and a critical sack. Stafford reflects on the physical and emotional toll of the loss, emphasizing resilience and team effort despite setbacks. He acknowledges the challenges of playing without key receiver Puka Nacua, noting that Vante Adams has stepped up but the team’s future success hinges on his return. The Rams now face a tough schedule with games against Philadelphia and Buffalo, putting them two and a half games behind in the division. Both Stafford and Breeze stress the importance of internal focus and mental toughness, especially in the face of external criticism and officiating errors. They point to quarterback slumps—like Drake May’s poor performance—as temporary, stressing that returning to trusted plays helps rebuild confidence. The conversation underscores the value of team unity, trust in support systems, and maintaining composure under pressure. The segment also touches on referee integrity, citing recurring errors in high-stakes moments and advocating for more neutral officiating. Ultimately, the team remains committed to growth, preparation, and executing the fundamentals to regain momentum. The episode concludes with a reminder that overcoming adversity requires self-belief and consistent effort, not just external success.

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Let's go, here we go, let's go, we're back on the air, let's go, presented by Delta Airlines. It Delta every route, every yard, every takeoff is an opportunity for greatness. Unlock your potential when you keep climbing. Visit Delta.com to book today. Matthew, how are you doing, pal? Tough loss last night. I'm doing good. I'm going to come on a little bit of short sleep and trying to look our wounds a little bit, find a way to be better, get the result we want next week, but yeah, tough one last night. Great battle from our guys just came up a little bit short there late. What time you get in? I got into my bedroom on 315, 330 this morning and up in Adam with you guys, happy to be here. We'll rock and roll though. You got smacked 14 times yesterday. You took 14 hits, which is a lot. Maybe more than you're used to taking, how are you feeling today and there was one pop on a sack that you really got clobbered? Yeah, I feel pretty good. Obviously a little bit sore here and there. Just trying to shake the plane ride and a little bit of sleep off of it. That's the way the game went. Obviously, you don't want to drop back past that many times, but we had a couple of two minute drives where we had to do it late in the game and expose yourself to some hits. They got a good front and they did a nice job of pressuring us at certain instances and got a couple of hits, but that's part of the game. Just wish we could have made a couple of plays there that would have changed the outcome. You don't like to talk about it. We've kidded about it since you've come on this program almost every week, but your back has been an issue and when you get jolted, like you did, it takes a toll. What is the repercussion from that? I feel good as we sit here right now and talk to you, which is a blessing and I feel good about that. I do countless hours of things to try to prepare myself to be ready for the rigors of an NFL season and each game to be honest with you. There's just a ton of work that goes into it physically for me. I'm feeling good at the moment when it comes to the back and hopefully it'll stay that way. How's your tongue this morning? Is your tongue pretty sore because you've had to bite it over that referee? I didn't obviously in-game know what that looked like also didn't know at the early part of that question where we were going, Jim, but I love it. But no, some tough ones, obviously, everybody's trying to do their job and do it as good as they can. Come on Matthew, your tongue must be really sore. Come on, that was awful, I mean I can say it, you can't. I know you don't want to get a fine, we're not going to put you in that position. But what's it like when you're on the receiving end and you've had a lot of calls go your way, probably many more than this one? But that changes the game and alters the outcome. How tough is that to take? Yeah, it's tough, you know, and sometimes that's part of the game. And you know, the way I see it as a player is man, we still had our opportunities late. Now it cut into the time that we maybe would have had or the points we needed to get, whether it was a touchdown or a field go there. So it changes, you know, just what, when we get the ball back, what does our, what does our must do? Do we need to go down there and get three to tie the game, do we need to go down there and get seven to win? We are ahead at that point and maybe put the game away. Yeah, 100%. There's no, there's no question, there's game changing plays that happen weekend and week out. You know, our guys from making great plays I thought on defense and just proud of their effort and you know, it was cool, it was just, you know, that was a tough one that didn't go our way. And then we got another one late on another third down with a hands to the face that was a, you know, sometimes, you know, those are tough things to see and I understand that. But our guys kept playing and we still gave ourselves a chance late in the game, you know, call it a, you know, a Hail Mary-ish type shot, I'm still gave ourselves the opportunity which I'm proud of the fight. So just got to do what we can to try and clean up some of the earlier mistakes in the game so we can get a little bit barely big play in the game was a pick six that you threw and it's the 33rd time that you've had that happen. It's something that goes on in professional football. It also looked to me just watching you win on the replay that you might have hurt your forearm trying to make that tackle. Did you hurt yourself on that play and and but what happens to you internally, emotionally when you feel that you're at fault for a play like that? Yeah, I mean, obviously tough to hold a swallow last thing I want to do is put our team in a bad position doing everything I can to try and move us forward and get us points. You know, I was, they brought one more than we could, we could block in and kind of have two options for a, you know, a quick throw on that play, pick the one that they decided to cover and left it inside and have fun, got made a nice play. As far as my forearm goes, you know, I'll be good. I just gives me a little bit of the taste of what those defenders go through trying to make tackles. I can't imagine playing the game in the way they play it, you know, and you know, taking a knee to the forearm or whatever it was. But no, I was able to throw the ball, you know, with my normal feeling and all that the rest of the game. So and to be honest with my attitude there is, all right, now you got to go make a play. You know, bounce back is on. Here we go. You better go make one and we were able to do that, made it a game again and like I said, just proud of our battle and our mental, you know, mental toughness. But at the same time, just too many mistakes, you know, that, that cost us that one. Jim Gray with Matthew Stafford, we're here on Let's Go. Let's go is brought to you by Monster Energy, Monster Energy is about living loud, going bigger and never backing down. That's the lifestyle. That's the beast. That's Monster Energy, unleash the beast. Matthew, you guys have put yourself in a hole here. Now you're two and a half games really behind because San Francisco's three and a, there's still a long way to go in this season. There's 14 games to play and a lot can happen. But it is a difficult uphill climb and now you head to Philadelphia and then you have Buffalo. It's getting late early here. Yeah, I mean, obviously wouldn't want to, you know, lose two of your first three. There's no question about that. Been a part of some seasons where we've had tough starts and been able to, you know, rally and make some things happen and make the, you know, make the playoffs and all that. But I think the biggest thing for us is don't, can't really worry too much about what's going on in other places, you know, I think the biggest thing for us is how internally can we become better, you know, and find ways to win one game at a time and that's going to be our goal this week. Obviously, you've got a big time opponent. You've got to go too Philly, play a team that's really talented and doing a nice job of winning football games. So it'll be a big challenge for us. We're looking forward to it. Obviously, get back out there is the best thing you can do when you lose one tough one like we did. When you say you don't look around, you have to be aware, however, because while two of your best players are out, and there is hope they'll come back and be able to contribute and things can get on track, if you put yourself at such a deficit, you have to be aware of what's going on elsewhere because the mountain gets too tall to climb. No, I understand that. I understand that we're not robots. It's not like we have no idea what other people are doing. But it does us no good to sit there and look at another team and say, okay, well, how are they doing it? And oh, no, this, that, and the other, hey, man, let's look internally. Look at each other. Look at ourselves in the mirror. Hey, how can we be better? How can we help ourselves get the result that we want? Because listen, we put a ton of work in. We go out there, put ourselves out there, you know, Sunday nights or Monday nights or whatever day of the week we play, you know, and we got to live with those results. So what do we do to prepare to try to give ourselves the best opportunity to go get the result that we want so that we can look ourself in the mirror and say, hey, I did everything I possibly could to try and get us there and you can live with it. This may seem like an obvious question, but how much is the offense altered by not having Puga? It's different. You know, I mean, obviously he's a big time player in this league. He's a, you know, a huge part of our offense when he's healthy and available to be out there. I got so much love and respect for that guy and what he goes through and how he's trying to, you know, fight tooth and nail to get himself back out there, which I appreciate, you know, but I think Devonte's done a heck of a job and all the other guys have done a heck of a job filling in for him. But, yeah, I mean, Pukinaku is one of the best, you know, receivers in the NFL. So when he's not out there, obviously, you know, it's a difference maker for us, just the way he plays his energy and all that. But I feel like the guys have done a really nice job the last couple of weeks, you know, putting obviously a game plan together and then going out there and executing to play with big time energy. So whenever he's ready to come back, we'll welcome him with open arms. Talk before him, you know, but in the meantime, man, we're rolling with what we got. And I appreciate those guys big time. What exactly is the problem because it seems like it's minor, but it's not minor when you miss the games and then you go and you work out, you don't look too good working out. What's the problem here? Oh, as far as Pukin, yeah, I'm not 100% sure to be honest with you. Not a doctor did say the holiday and express over the weekend, but no, I know he's doing everything he can to try and get back out there. And like I said, man, the guy's an absolute, come on, Dr. Matt. I mean, he's an absolute, but I mean, it always seems like he's questionable. We don't know. We'll see. Maybe and maybe turns into no. So something's obviously very wrong here. I don't know if I would say that. You know, I just think, you know, for him, he's doing everything he can to try and be out there. And sometimes you wake up and you feel good sometimes you don't. I know that him and the trainers are doing everything they possibly can and he's working just like he always does. The same, you know, attitude and physicality and want to that you see him play on Sundays with is the same, you know, attitude and want to. He's been attacking his rehab stuff with. So just proud of his effort and know he's doing everything he can to get out there. And when he does, he's going to do it. like I said, we'll be happy to have them, but in the meantime, man, we're, we're rolling with, with our guys and I thought they've done a great job. Much more with Matthew Stafford as we continue here on Let's Go, whether you're buying or refinancing a home, it all starts with the right home loan expert. Connect with one in your area at mortgagematchup.com. It's powered by United wholesale mortgage LLC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS, number 3038, licensed in all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. That's mortgagematchup.com. Stay with us much more with Matthew Stafford, League MVP, when we return right here on Let's Go. Welcome back to Let's Go. I'm Jim Gray along with Matthew Stafford. If you're in Chicago for tonight's game, make Mastro Steakhouse, party your plans, enjoy USDA Prime Steaks, the freshest seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and our signature warm butter cake, all paired with world-class hospitality. Visit Mastros.com for reservations. Matthew Bonix and young quarterbacks. What did you see in him last night after being shut out in the first half and then coming and putting up 30 points in the second half? Yeah, I think I saw a lot of, you know, what I have seen in the past from him. I believe they lived that life a lot last year as well with a bunch of come from behind victories. He does a great job of making it to plays of this feet, latent games. Obviously made a couple big time throws as well. So a lot of poise in a tough situation for a young guy and pressed by what he's been able to do, you know, early on in his career, that's for sure. And if ever a guy could probably look to someone as a role model, I would think that Drake May might want to start looking as to what it is that you do and how you go about it. He has not played well, really, if you go back all the way to the AFC Championship game, even though they won that game without Bonix and the Broncos and then the Super Bowl and what's gone on this season, clearly something's off. Just one touchdown and six interceptions. And now this morning, his coach, Mike Vrable, said he's made a bad decision in the turnover to Travis Hunter and his first interception. It's never good. Matthew, when a coach is publicly criticizing the leader on the team, the quarterback, even even when his play is bad, how would you receive that and what advice would you give to Drake? Well, I'm sure that they've had private conversations, you know, about that. And I'll tell you what, as a quarterback and I know Drake is probably this way as well. Nobody feels, you know, more responsibility for putting the ball in harm's way than we do. You know, we want to make sure that we're doing our best to try to make sure that our team is successful. And, you know, sometimes these rough stretches happen, you know, in your career within a season, maybe within a game, whatever that is. And you've got to continue to just move forward and try to do the next, you know, the next right thing. And that's all you can do. Easier said than done, right? You can sit there and talk about it, but go out there and do that in the middle of a practice or a game or whatever it is. It's a difficult thing. And that's a skill that you got to work on. And you got to look, you got to look at yourself. Hey, how can I bounce back better? When things don't go my way because inevitably in this game, they're not going to go your way certain times. And so I know he's, he seems like he's got a great head on his shoulders. He's got people around there to support him. I'm sure, you know, just, those are, there's always these, these tough moments, you know, whether it's a few games here or there in a season or, you know, sometimes a full season. I've had those, you know, many times in my career. So how do you bounce back? How do you carry yourself and work to be better moving forward? How have you reacted? Or how would you react if a former teammate, a current teammate, or a coach publicly criticized you during the middle of your journey? Yeah, you know, I think for me, I haven't ever been one to really look around at who's saying what about me. I understand if it's in a locker room or a former teammate or a coach, it's pretty immediate. It's right there. And like I said, I imagine there's been private conversations between, you know, coaches and players and players and players, whatever that is about, you know, wanting to play better. I didn't know, nobody wants to go out there and not play their best, you know, and myself included. I've had plenty of those this year as well. So I think the biggest thing is, you know, put your head down and go to work. That's what I always try to do. Hey, I'm going to lead by example, man, there could be a ton of noise going on around me or somebody else on our team or whatever it is. I look for the guys that just say, hey, man, I'm going to put my head down and go to work. Not worry about what people are saying and try to show you with what I'm doing rather than what I would say. I have a good friend. His name is Gavin Maloof. He used to own the Sacramento Kings. He said, don't worry about your enemies bringing you bad news. Your friends will do just fine. So even when you don't look for the comments, it gets to you. Oh, 100%. I mean, friends bring it. Your family brings it. They all say it. So how do you internalize that when you think that this person is a supporter and it turns out that they've had critical comments? Yeah, I think the biggest thing is you just got to have belief in, in, you know, how you go about your business. And if you believe in yourself and how you go about it, you know, I think that takes care of it because I'm with you. It's hard not to see certain things in this day and age, especially with the access to all the opinions that everybody has about you. And, you know, it's an easy thing to fall into if you sit there and are looking for it. And sometimes like you said, not looking for it. And sometimes family members, friends, they have the best intention and say the thing that you don't want to hear the most. And, and so I think having that tight circle around you, people that you know, you can rely on and care about you and love, love you for, you know, who you are and not who you are as a player. Those are the people that are important to listen to. And I'm lucky that I have obviously great family, you know, with with my mom and dad, my sister, you know, and then obviously Kelly at home and my girls, you know, they bring perspective back to me immediately, you know, even after games getting to see them out, you know, and the, you know, outside the locker room there for the last second, you know, all they could talk about was dad. I didn't know it was going to rain today. Mom didn't tell us it was going to rain. I said, well, I didn't know either. So I have in those little ones around, gives me great perspective and puts a smile on my face a lot quicker than it used to. And a great perspective by a man I used to call America's coach Mike Ditka was on this program for 10 years with us. And Mike Ditka said something to me that I never forgot. And it applies to you and everybody in public life, basically. If you have no successes, you have no critics. 100%. He's right on. You know, we like I said, you put yourself out there. You get to this point in your, in your career and your life, you're playing NFL football for millions of people to see, listen, you know, somebody out there inevitably is not going to like what you're doing. So that's why I say you got to, got to have a good tight knit circle and people that care about you and then believe in yourself and what you're doing and knowing that that's enough. So you'll take the people snapping at you because you much rather have all those successes. I mean, you did something right along the road, Jim, you know, exactly right, exactly right, which leads us now to something I'm sure you're really comfortable about. You're now in Taylor Swift's brand new video, patient zero, which was released over the weekend. What was that experience like you're now, you're now part of not only the swifty crowd, but you're in the video. That's got to be pretty cool. It was. It was a cool experience. She's been amazing to get to know and I'm obviously amazing to my, to my wife and my girls. And it was kind of that connection that got me involved and some of my buddies. So it was a really cool experience. My girls were there on the set, got to see how all that was done and how she kind of carries herself, which is unbelievable. I mean, she's directing, producing, editing, running the show. Obviously the lead singer, it's a pretty impressive thing. And I was really, you know, I'm happy to be a part of it. You know, I don't know if I need to get a sad card now or what, but I do feel like an extra was was a fun thing to be a part of. And I know my girls will never forget being there, seeing that all that on set, which was cool. And for those who haven't seen it, what exactly was your role? I was playing myself, I guess, but as a party goer at this, you know, fine, you know, fine party that there were some amazing actors and other people there that was really cool to get to do this past offseason. I was felt, felt really blessed to be part of it to be honest with you. Well, maybe you'll get that VMA. Taylor just picked up her record, whatever it is, 30 second last night. So she's now the leader in the clubhouse. And maybe you'll get to join her next year up there on the podium. Yeah, I, you know, I probably won't hold my breath. I don't think a little Marty and a VMA, which one? Yeah, I don't know, they'll be involved in that one, but I'm probably doing the opposite on that video. So, but just happy to be a part of this really cool experience. Time now for the excellence award of the week. We invite you all to step into the hall of excellence at the spectacular fountain blue laws Vegas where sports history comes alive. It's the home of the most extraordinary collection of sports artifacts ever assembled, including Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Simone Biles, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, and from Babe Ruth to Shoei Otani, as well as all seven of Tom Brady Super Bowl rings, treasures from every era in the hall of excellence inside the fountain blue laws Vegas, and a special opportunity for all Delta Sky Miles members. You are now welcome, complimentary free admission into the hall of excellence visit Delta.com or the fly Delta app for more information. Your award goes to who this week, Matthew. My excellence award goes to somebody who played on Thursday night. Man, B. John Robinson was unbelievable to go into Lambo and do it. He did just explosive. They were getting in the ball. in the run game, in the past game, 200 and felt like 200 yards, a couple touchdowns, he was outstanding. He's been doing it for a long time. We played against him last year at a big game against us. So he's a special player in this league, you know, and a team that needed it on the road against Green Bay in their place. I thought that performance was, you know, warranted the excellence award this week. So happy for him. He was great, and that was so much fun to watch. He is a special unique player. Matthew was always, we appreciate your time. I know it was a difficult day, both physically and emotionally. And we will talk to you again next Monday night after the Eagles game right here on Let's Go. Have a great week, Matthew. Hey, thanks, Jim, appreciate it. Stay with us so much more. When we return, Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Breeze joins us right here on Let's Go. As we continue here on Let's Go, Jim Gray, to be joined by the Hall of Fame or the great Drew Breeze. Let's go, presented by Delta Airlines. Touchdown on your Let's Go moment with Delta. Where our keep climbing mentality pushes us from better to best. Drew, you've been on the receiving end. And I don't want to take you back to a time that you don't like, where the referees have had a major impact on the game. And you've had to live with it. A little bit easier to live with it when it's the regular season than it is to playoffs. But how do you handle that when it's just egregious? Well, I think I know what you did that, Jim. Well, we just talked to Matthew, and they suffered an interception as you saw at the end of the game. So now the Rams have the shoe on the other foot, except for it's not to play off. Here's the irony, because I was watching that game. First off, what a game last night for the Broncos to do that complete about face from first half to second half. And looked the way they did, and make that a game. And then just the back and forth nature of just two great teams, really good quarterbacks, just trading shots. It was awesome. But yeah, there was a little irony with the DPI that was called when it was at Wallace. Was it at the D.V. that intercepted the ball? Yeah, it was clear that the receiver just hooked his arm and made it look like it was DPI. In fact, it was probably OPI. So it's actually a great play by the D.V. But it was in the exact same place as the no-call in the NSU Championship game. It was the exact same referee, Bill Vinovic. Obviously he was head referee. It was other side judges and such. And he gets the key coming back to work. It's amazing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And so, yeah, I mean, beyond belief all these years later, and he's still screwing up the games. It is, of course, they brought up-- Well, fortunately, they brought up a lot of bad memories. But no, that game, a fresh set of downs, and then the hands of the face call on Lake was-- I mean, just kind of brushed him. Yeah, look, it's tough to see stuff like that make such a major impact on the game. Yeah, I was very close friends with a lot of NBA referees over the years, having broadcast those games and got to know quite a few NFL referees as well. But particularly in the NBA, there was kind of an unwritten rule and they all would tell you that they would swallow their whistle in the last two minutes and let the guys play. And then we'll see yesterday the intrusion of the referees in the Rams game, the intrusion of the referees in the Ravens game. And you don't have to be for any side. But why are you deciding to put time on the clock when it's physically and virtually impossible to do what the Ravens did to allow them to kick? Just let the game go into overtime. That way you're not involved in making a judgment that makes the outcome of the game in jeopardy. And I think the NBA referees, at least the old ones, back in the day, the day that I was broadcasting them, had it right. And these guys seem to want to intrude and do just the opposite. Look, I tend to agree with you. End of game, end of game, when the competition is at its absolute height. And everybody's just like riding the line with everything. I think you got a lot of play. Jim Gray with Drew Breeze will move on from refereeing and talk about some of the performances yesterday, or some of the lack of performances, too. What do you make of what's going on with Drake May and his performance? One touchdown, six picks yesterday, two fumbles. He lost one, two picks. And he just hasn't gone well, really, since the Super Bowl. And he hasn't played well. Are you concerned? You know, I know it's not his sophomore slump, but it's kind of playing out like a sophomore slump, where you have an unbelievable year. What was he second in the MVP voting last year? I had a chance to see him in person last year and watch a lot of tape on him. And I could not have been more impressed. He's a very natural throw of the football. He comes across as being pretty cerebral, high level processor, very poised. And obviously they went on a great run as a team. This is, I'm sure for him. And obviously that team has been a pretty disappointing start. I feel like if you know the guy, and you know the character, and you know the pedigree, he's going to come out of this. It's just a slump. I think we've all had moments like this. And look, you're under a lot of scrutiny, right? So it's not like you can dodge it, and it is what it is. You just got to take it on the chin. You know, that's a team that obviously had high expectations going this season. It's a team that had some drama this off season, you know? And so it seems like they're still working through all that. What breaks you out of a slump? What breaks a quarterback out of a slump? Is it a lucky catcher? Is it a great play? Is it a. No, look, it's a good question. It's a good question. And I think you break it down. I actually use the term that I heard. I hear the Rams use it a lot. I actually Stafford use it is G-Bot. Get back on track, right? Like, what do you get back on track, thoughts? And then how does that translate to, you know, your plays? And I think it's like at the end of the day, Sean Peyton used to use a saying, "We want to go out there and execute the things, the songs that we know by heart." You know? So, like, the stuff that is your bread and butter, right? The stuff that you don't even have to think about. You just know that when the play call comes out of your mouth, there's just so much confidence in this. No matter what the defense does, it's going to be positive. We're going to find a positive play. We're going to find a completion. And then that builds confidence, that builds rhythm. And then next thing, you know, you're not thinking, you're just playing, you're executing. They need to get back to that stuff. You know, it's a get back to the basics week, you know, and time for somebody that's going through a slump. You know, IE a Drake May. The songs you know by heart, build your confidence back up, get the rhythm going again, get the momentum going again. Jim Gray, with Drew Breeze, we're here on Let's Go. Let's go. It was brought to you by Monster Energy. Monster Energy is about living loud, go in bigger and never backing down. That's the beast. That's monster energy. Unleash the beast. Josh Allen's usually a beast. And yesterday, the bills had five turnovers. You ever want a game with five turnovers and the peat and the chargers, or really? Yeah, we beat the chiefs 2002 at home when I was in San Diego Charters, 35 to 34. Now, we had to go down to school with like six seconds left, you know, on the last play the game basically. But, nonetheless, we had five turnovers. I threw two picks and we had three fumbles, yeah, so five turns. And I don't think they had any. I legitimately, I think if you look this up, we were minus five in the turnover ratio, minus five. That's damn near impossible to do that. And what the bills like yesterday against the chargers is damn near impossible. I mean, minus five in the turnover ratio has happened, you know, whatever it is, 277 times. And nobody is ever won, and we were the first thing to win with minus five. It is, it's hard to do. Now, obviously, they, I don't know what the ratio was. I don't know how many turnovers that they got from the chargers. I know Herbert threw at least one pick. I don't know if there was any other turnovers. But, men, you, I would say this, like at times that's going to happen every team. You know, even the teams that are excellent at taking care of the ball, you just have some of those games where all of a sudden it's just like they come in bunches, you know, or they are given away in bunches. And it's just not going the way you want. And then you got to find a way, like they had to slug it out there in the end and find a way to be a good team who obviously hadn't started off very well, but, you know, they had a lot riding on this game, even when you don't play your best football. Hard to do, but I think the high, the high character teams find ways to win those. So Drew, let's end this segment where we started. We started with the referees, but let's, let's talk about the Rams. The Rams now have a difficult schedule going forward. They go to Philadelphia, play at home against Buffalo. So the next two weeks, they're one and two, they're already two games back, really two and a half games back in the division because they lost in Australia to the 49ers. It's getting late early, as Yogi Barrow once said. Yeah. You know, it doesn't get any easier for the Rams. Like you said, they have to play Philly and then they have to play Buffalo. But I'm surprised at how well their offense is executing, you know, even without Pukin Nukuah. I mean, imagine when he comes back, unfortunately, you know, his injury was first reported as hip and then I think it's more growing and, you know, I saw him in pregame run around it. It didn't look like he would be back anytime soon. So, you know, without him, obviously, that shifts a ton of the attention to Vante Adams, which you saw last night. I mean, Vante Adams was looked unstoppable and obviously he's got a great rapport with Stafford. Yeah, man, just imagine he had Nikku on the other side, but they got to get him back in Miles Garrett, and just saw him might be six weeks, you know? So when those guys do come back, I mean, they're gonna be a juggernaut, but you just can't be, you know, two and five when they do come back. So, you know, if they can find a way to slug it out against Philly and Buffalo here, and maybe split or even win both of those, then they're in a much better position, but if they lose both, man, that's tough to overcome. Drew, we'll be watching you. You've got the jets again. This time against the Bears have a great week on Fox, and we will talk to you next Monday night right here on Let's Go. All right, thanks, guys. Also want to thank our terrific producer, Dave, the snake Hagen, reporting this evening and doing his work from. Can you believe that he's in Prague where he just ran another marathon, the Berlin marathon? What was the time, Snake? Let's just keep it saying it's the 16th marathon I've completed. He didn't beat his 347 or 342, okay. Anyway, did a terrific job reporting in from Prague. Let's go, presented by Delta Airlines, our thanks to our sponsors, Delta Airlines, Golden Nugget Hotels and Casinos, mortgagematchup.com, powered by United Wholesale Mortgage, Monster Energy, Masteros Ocean Club, and the Hall of Excellence inside Fountain Blue Las Vegas. Let's go with Matthew Stafford, Drew Breeze and Peter King, was produced by Scratchy Productions and Collaboration with Shadow Lion. Listen to the full version of this episode and any episode you may miss this season wherever you get your podcasts or on the Sirius XM app included with all Sirius XM trials and popular plans. Just search, let's go. Now, from Matthew Stafford, Drew Breeze and Peter King, I'm Jim Gray, thanks so much for joining us. We'll talk to you again next week right here on NFL Radio or let's go on Sirius XM. (upbeat music) Sirius XM podcasts.

Podcast Summary

Key Points:

  1. Matthew Stafford reflects on a tough loss due to multiple turnovers, including a critical interception and a missed sack, emphasizing mental resilience and team effort.
  2. Stafford acknowledges the physical toll of injury and game pressure but remains confident in his recovery and team’s ability to bounce back.
  3. The Rams face a difficult schedule ahead, including high-impact games against Philadelphia and Buffalo, with a significant deficit in the division.
  4. Without key player Puka Nacua, the offense has adapted, with Vante Adams stepping up, though the team’s long-term success depends on his return.
  5. Stafford and Drew Breeze discuss the impact of referee decisions, particularly egregious calls that alter game outcomes, and advocate for game integrity and referee impartiality.
  6. Drake May’s poor performance—1 TD, 6 INTs—has raised concerns, but both Stafford and Breeze credit it to a temporary slump rather than a long-term decline.
  7. A key strategy for quarterbacks in slumps is to return to familiar, trusted plays ("get back on track") to rebuild confidence and rhythm.
  8. The segment highlights the importance of internal focus, team accountability, and strong support systems over external criticism in overcoming adversity.

Summary:

Matthew Stafford and Drew Breeze discuss the Rams' recent loss, highlighting a game marred by turnovers, including a controversial interception and a critical sack. Stafford reflects on the physical and emotional toll of the loss, emphasizing resilience and team effort despite setbacks. He acknowledges the challenges of playing without key receiver Puka Nacua, noting that Vante Adams has stepped up but the team’s future success hinges on his return.

The Rams now face a tough schedule with games against Philadelphia and Buffalo, putting them two and a half games behind in the division. Both Stafford and Breeze stress the importance of internal focus and mental toughness, especially in the face of external criticism and officiating errors. They point to quarterback slumps—like Drake May’s poor performance—as temporary, stressing that returning to trusted plays helps rebuild confidence.

The conversation underscores the value of team unity, trust in support systems, and maintaining composure under pressure. The segment also touches on referee integrity, citing recurring errors in high-stakes moments and advocating for more neutral officiating. Ultimately, the team remains committed to growth, preparation, and executing the fundamentals to regain momentum.

The episode concludes with a reminder that overcoming adversity requires self-belief and consistent effort, not just external success.

FAQs

Matthew Stafford focuses on internal growth and leads by example. He believes in staying focused on his actions and work ethic, relying on trusted family and friends for perspective rather than external feedback.

Stafford emphasizes consistent physical preparation and mental toughness. He has a rigorous routine to stay ready for the demands of the NFL season and remains confident in his ability to recover and perform.

He acknowledges that referee calls can significantly affect games, especially in close matchups. However, he emphasizes team resilience and mental toughness, noting that such moments are part of the game and not a reflection of personal performance.

Puka Nacua is a key offensive asset, and his absence has shifted the team’s focus to Vante Adams. Despite the change, the Rams have maintained strong offensive execution, showing adaptability and resilience in his absence.

He stays motivated by focusing on internal improvement and team effort. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining mental toughness to bounce back and prepare for future games.

He recommends 'getting back on track' by returning to basic, well-rehearsed plays and routines. This builds confidence, rhythm, and momentum, helping the quarterback regain control and composure.

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