Matthew Stafford’s message to Josh Allen reveals how seriously the Rams QB is taking the Bills superstar challenge

Matthew Stafford has a message for Josh Allen before Monday Night Football, and it comes with respect rather than trash talk. The Rams quarterback and reigning league MVP says Allen's presence gives the Bills real confidence and that few passers in the NFL are as talented. Two Super Bowl contenders meet Monday night, and the last time they did, in December 2024, the Rams won 44-42. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for three more in that loss. He arrives this time after two shaky weeks that included four turnovers.How seriously is Matthew Stafford taking the Josh Allen challenge?Seriously enough to lead with praise. Stafford spoke to reporters this week and started with what Allen does for Buffalo. The tone was friendly, but the message was clear. Allen is the player the Rams have to solve."I got a ton of respect for Josh, what he brings to their team," Stafford said, via the team's official website. "Not only from just making the plays, but I just think his presence out there gives them a ton of confidence, as it should."Then he turned to his own defense, which has the tougher job on paper. "Obviously, I'm going against their defense, but understanding full well that our defense is facing a guy that is as talented as anybody in the NFL at the quarterback position," Stafford said. "So it'll be a big-time challenge for us as a team, as a unit. But we're looking forward to it."The respect makes sense. Allen came into the season as a favorite to unseat Stafford as MVP, but the last two games have not gone his way. He has four turnovers over that stretch, including a late interception that sealed last week's loss to the Patriots. A quarterback coming off that stretch has every reason to want a big night.What does Matthew Stafford say about Josh Allen's running and throwing?Stafford was never known for his legs, and at 38 he is not getting faster. That makes quarterbacks who can do both jobs a bit of a marvel to him."I'm in awe of a lot of those guys," Stafford said. "It's really cool to watch them do what they get to do, get out of some of the plays that they get out of, and make some of the plays with their legs."He then got specific about the red zone, where Allen does much of his damage. "Obviously, he does a great job of, (in the) red zone running the football, whether it's the sneaks on the 1- or 2-yard line, or even just making plays from the 5 or 10 getting in. So he's a lot of their offense, especially down there, but he's a one-of-a-kind player at the quarterback position."Monday's game also shows how long Stafford has been at this. Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has been out of the league for 12 years, and he faced Stafford several times as a player.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.