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    The Matthew Stafford effect: From Calvin Johnson to Puka Nacua, QB makes receivers great

    LOS ANGELES — It's no coincidence. In 2012, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions established an NFL record for yards receiving in a season. It's not unexplainable luck. In 2021, Cooper Kupp of the Rams achieved the so-called triple crown of receiving by leading the NFL in catches, yards receiving and touchdown catches. It's becoming a trend. This season Rams receiver Puka Nacua established NFL ...
    by Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times Jan 12, 2024 6 minutes
    Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford congratulates wide receiver Cooper Kupp after a touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49 ers at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 30, 2022, in Inglewood, California.

    LOS ANGELES — It's no coincidence.

    In 2012, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions established an NFL record for yards receiving in a season.

    It's not unexplainable luck.

    In 2021, Cooper Kupp of the Rams achieved the so-called triple crown of receiving by leading the NFL in catches, yards receiving and touchdown catches.

    It's becoming a trend.

    This season Rams receiver Puka Nacua established NFL rookie records for catches and yards receiving.

    "It starts with a common denominator — all those things," Kupp said. "And it's Matthew Stafford."

    Stafford, the Rams' veteran quarterback, is one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. The 15th-year pro ranks 11th in passing yardage (56,047) and touchdowns (357), according to profootballreference.com

    Stafford, 35, played 12 seasons for Detroit Lions before he was traded to the Rams in 2021. In his first season with coach Sean McVay, he led the Rams to a Super Bowl title. After an injury-plagued 2022, he has led them back to the playoffs.

    On Sunday the Rams will play the Lions in an NFC wild-card game at Ford Field, Detroit's

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