The general public expects the Los Angeles Rams’ 2026 season to go smoothly. They won 12 games a season ago with their MVP quarterback and added reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Aaron Donald is rumored to come back, potentially making it one of the more talented teams of the modern era. What if I said there’s a chance they could really struggle?
The first reason the Rams’ 2026 season could be a bit disappointing is the age of quarterback Matthew Stafford. He is currently 38 years old. It’s an age that doesn’t guarantee success for the next season.
Quarterbacks who typically reach that age range have declined quickly. The two most recent examples are Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers. In 2013, Manning was the best quarterback in the league. He threw for a record-breaking 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns with a 115.1 passer rating.
That was Manning’s age 37 season. Just two years later, he threw for nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions and missed a handful of games. It was the worst season of his career.
For Rodgers, he won back-to-back MVPs in the 2020 and 2021 NFL seasons at age 36 and 37. He had a mediocre 2022 season and then tore his Achilles in the first week of 2023 at age 39.
The point is that it doesn’t matter how good Stafford was last year. Even though he won an MVP award, being 38 years old makes him a candidate to step off a cliff in the next season. I’m not predicting that it will happen, but people shouldn’t be shocked if it does.
Rams fans are dreaming of the scenario that Donald comes back and unites the duo of Garrett and himself. It would be one of the most accomplished pass rush duos in NFL history. On paper, it makes their 236.5 combined sacks nearly impossible to compete against.
What if it doesn’t translate from paper to the field? If Donald returns, there’s no guarantee he will pick up right where he left off. He’s been away from the game for almost three years now.
The former three-time DPOY is now 35 years old. For a pass rusher, that’s well past their prime years. If Donald comes back and struggles, how much of a leash will the team give.
Most importantly, how will the rest of the team feel about Donald? The other pass rushers that have to sacrifice their role for him won’t take it kindly if he doesn’t play well. It could be looked at as “unfair” in their eyes to be showing up to training camp every day and then watching this former athlete return based on cachet.
The point is, there is a lot of pressure on Donald to perform adequately. He doesn’t need to be DPOY caliber, but there’s a chance that being away from the game for three years could make him nearly unplayable.
Another thing to think about for the Rams’ 2026 season.
The concerns above are not predictions. The Rams could very well prove everyone right and be the powerhouse of the league.
There are just a few factors that are beyond LA’s control that could affect the 2026 season. For Stafford, it is age, and for Donald, it’s time away from the game in the case he returns.
Those are concerns that, if they tilt in the wrong direction, could be backbreakers. Do you think these are legitimate concerns? Will Stafford’s age catch up to him this year?
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
