Matthew Stafford Reveals How Calvin Johnson Inspired His Signature No-Look Pass
Matthew Stafford’s no-look passes have become one of the most talked-about throws in the NFL, but the Los Angeles Rams quarterback says the trick started out of necessity in Detroit.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Stafford explained the origin of his unconventional throwing technique and credited former Detroit Lions teammate Calvin Johnson.
“How do I not look at Calvin and still throw it to Calvin? You know that was kind of how it started,” Stafford said.
Stafford spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Lions, where he developed an iconic connection with Johnson. Because defenses knew Stafford wanted to get the ball to Megatron — one of the most dominant contested-catch receivers in NFL history — Stafford had to find ways to deceive defenders without giving away his target.
That need to hide his intentions led to the no-look throws fans see today.
“I don’t think about it before the snap. I catch the ball, I understand what the defense is in, I try to move guys if I need to move guys,” Stafford added. He noted that on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, he used the move to “peel a corner off of a flat route” and it resulted in a touchdown.
The Rams defeated the Raiders 35-21 in Week 7 to improve to 3-4, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Stafford finished 23 of 29 for 195 yards and 3 touchdowns.
For Lions fans, it’s a reminder that even after his Super Bowl win in Los Angeles, Stafford’s game was shaped in Detroit — trying to get the ball to No. 81.
