**Matthew Stafford Named First-Team All-Pro, Eyes MVP Award**
**Meta Description:** Matthew Stafford earns first-team All-Pro honors, surpassing Drake Maye, as he aims for his first MVP award this season.
**URL Slug:** matthew-stafford-first-team-all-pro-mvp
**Matthew Stafford Named First-Team All-Pro, Eyes MVP Award**
In a significant announcement on Saturday, the Associated Press revealed the All-Pro teams, with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford earning a spot on the first team, surpassing New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. This recognition marks a pivotal moment in Stafford’s career, as it suggests he may be a strong contender for his first MVP award.
Historically, only three MVP winners have not been named to the first team at their respective positions. The first instance occurred in 1987 when John Elway won the MVP while Joe Montana was designated as the first-team All-Pro quarterback. In 2003, both Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were named co-MVPs, yet Manning was the first-team All-Pro quarterback. The most recent example was last season when Lamar Jackson received first-team All-Pro honors, but Josh Allen took home the MVP award.
Stafford’s selection to the first team is particularly noteworthy as he edged out Maye by 13 votes, marking the first time in his career that he has achieved this honor.
### Stafford’s Impressive Season
Throughout the 2023 season, Stafford has demonstrated exceptional performance, completing 65% of his passes for a total of 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. His impressive statistics led the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
In comparison, Maye has also had a remarkable season, completing 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while adding 450 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old quarterback led the NFL in completion percentage, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the league.
### Playoff Aspirations
Both quarterbacks are set to compete in the playoffs this weekend. Stafford and the Rams will seek redemption against the Carolina Panthers after their previous 31-28 loss on November 30. Meanwhile, Maye’s Patriots are gearing up to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, as both teams aim for a successful postseason run.
In conclusion, Matthew Stafford’s first-team All-Pro selection not only highlights his outstanding performance this season but also positions him as a serious contender for the MVP award. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Stafford and Maye as they strive for success on the field.
### FAQ
**Q: What does being named a first-team All-Pro signify for a player?**
A: Being named a first-team All-Pro signifies that a player is recognized as one of the best at their position in the league, reflecting their exceptional performance throughout the season.
