Bill Belichick appreciated Matthew Stafford's evolution on Wednesday, while making it clear that he separates the LA Rams quarterback from Tom Brady.
The former Patriots coach draws parallels in their late-career progress but avoided putting the two experienced players on the same level.
Belichick teamed up with Brady for six Super Bowl titles during two decades in New England. Stafford has played 17 seasons in the NFL, including his last five in Los Angeles after 12 with Detroit.
"I won't put him in a class as Tom, but I mean, it's reminiscent of Brady where it just keeps getting better and better and better," Belichick said, via the “Let’s Go!” podcast.
"I remember when we practiced against him and played him several years ago, gotten smarter. He understands more. He knows how to use weapons, maybe just a split second quicker. He's a little harder to fool and something you might've got him with a couple years ago, you're not gonna get 'em with now."
Stafford joined the episode and responded to Belichick's comments.
"I appreciate those words from coach," Stafford said. "Obviously I have a ton of respect for what he's been able to accomplish throughout his career and had some great battles against him.
"As my body changes, as the league changes, you gotta keep up with all of it. I put a lot of time and energy into trying to do that. I play this game for the respect of the guys that I play with and the respect of the people that I compete against."
Matthew Stafford's 2025 form puts him among the legends
Matthew Stafford has production reminiscent of his best seasons through eight matches this season. He leads the NFL with 21 touchdown passes and has thrown only two interceptions in 274 attempts.
The Rams are heading into Week 10 tied for the NFC's top record, and Stafford's 268.4 passing yards per game rank among the league's leaders.
His former teammate, ESPN's Dan Orlovsky, gave credit to Stafford's work on mechanics.
"When I was with Matthew 10, 12 years ago, he was still such a talented thrower of the football, but mechanically a little bit inconsistent," Orlovsky said on Monday, via "The Pat McAfee Show." "He has worked so hard to become repetitive, and repetitive, and repetitive."
Matthew Stafford's story has unfolded differently, but his resurgence in form with LA after a winless playoff run in Detroit has redefined his career.