Matthew Stafford vs. Aaron Rodgers: Big gap between signal-callers?

Stafford vs Rodgers

When we look at their career numbers, I think we can all agree that Rodgers has an edge in overall numbers. He has been playing for a better team, and has been around longer. The Packers were champions of the NFL in 1997. Rodgers was drafted in 2005, to a winning team.

What is more helpful to look at is an average year, their careers at a similar age, or the last few years. We can see how their production stacks up and see if we have embellished Stafford’s worth.

Average year

In an average year, Stafford passes for 4,344 yards; Rodgers averages 4,278. Stafford averages 27 TD’s per year, Rodgers about 35 TD’s. I also gave both men a break by not counting injured years as full years by themselves but lumped approximate full seasons, giving Rodgers nine seasons of work, versus eight for Stafford (This makes Rodgers three bench years and two injured seasons into just one combined year).

Before 30

How about to the point where Rodgers was turning 30 (like Stafford)? Rodgers would have 24,197 yards, 188 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions. Compare that to Stafford’s prolific 34,749 yards, 216 touchdowns, and 118 picks. Rodgers wins on turnovers, but is clearly the less productive player. Rodgers did sit for three years, but that is not what is important, here.

Recent performance

Lastly, how about the last few years? I’m not going to even count the 2017 season for Rodgers, which should give him a big advantage since his team has been a perennial playoff contender when he is not injured. Aaron Rodgers has averaged 4,210 yards, 36 touchdowns, and about 7 Int’s, while completing 63.9% of his passes. Those are very good numbers over his three previous, healthy years.

John Matthew Stafford, as noted above, puts up 4,345 yds, 28 TD’s, and 11 Int’s, while completing a superior, 66% of his passes on an average, recent year.

Hmmm…