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While the Los Angeles Rams’ first regular season game is September 18, there are three facts to know before the season begins. Three Facts to Know Before the Rams’ Season Begins Even if you know the latest Rams news, here are three facts to know before the regular season begins. Stafford at No. 4 After an MVP season at age 37, quarterback Matthew Stafford returns for what could be his final season after his impressive performance last season earned him the No. 4 spot on the NFL’s top 100 list. Last season, Stafford joined Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in both passing yards and passing touchdowns while throwing less than 10 interceptions. Stafford is operating McVay’s offense with complete efficiency. The veteran could walk away if the Rams win the Super Bowl, but even as one of the league’s oldest quarterbacks, he is without a doubt one of its top passers. Stafford knows the task ahead and how difficult it could be throughout the season. “We can’t help but make each other better, [but] pieces of paper and names on a roster, those don’t win football games,” Stafford said. “Teams and players and groups do. … Sean said it the other night, we’ve got potentially a high ceiling, right? Historic Teammates Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald will become first NFL teammates with 100+ career sacks and a 20+ sack season. The two are elite pass rushers on their own, but now they will get a chance to terrorize opposing quarterbacks for at least one season together. Donald’s decision to return was partly because of the addition of Garrett. “I already thought it was stacked D-line with Verse obviously things transpired and then you bring in a guy like Myles Garrett a generational talent and it’s like, that can be fun… I think this a complete team with me here or without me here,” Donald said. Donald will join on a one-year, $20 million deal. Rams Captains Announced The Rams recently named 11 players as this season’s captains. This is a sizeable gap from seven last season. “We’ve got as much leadership as we’ve ever had since I’ve been the coach here,” McVay said. “… A lot of great leaders that we have, but those 11 guys represent a lot of the things that, really all the things that we want to be about. I think what’s cool is all of the position rooms and position groups are reflected with those 11 guys.” This decision to select 11 captains speaks to the team’s depth in leadership. Four of the captains are also new captains on the team. Captains: Quarterback Matthew Stafford – Sixth year Running back Kyren Williams – Second Straight Season Wide Receiver Davante Adams – First as a Ram Tight End Tyler Higbee – Second Year Center Coleman Shelton – First Time Defensive Lineman Kobie Turner – Third straight Season Outside Linebacker Myles Garrett – First as a Ram Inside Linebacker Nate Landman – Second Consecutive Corner Back Trent McDuffie – First as a Ram Safety Quentin Lake – Third straight Season Long Snapper Joe Cardona – First as a Ram The Last Word The Rams are a top contender this season, but there are still plenty of interesting storylines and moving parts to follow. The return of Donald makes everyone’s jobs easier, but now the pressure mounts. While they don’t need to win the NFC West, they need to show just how dominant they can be against all teams. Stafford’s experience and the team’s depth make the Rams nearly unbeatable, but they still need to perform. While last season was filled with success, the Rams must remain focused if they want to achieve their ultimate goal. More NFL News: Jets Kicker Options Expand as Season Draws Near Giants Rumors: NY May Still Trade $36M Dynamic Playmaker Have the Cowboys Built a Roster That is So Top-Heavy it Can’t Succeed? Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images