Matthew Stafford and Rams ready to move on to the divisional round
Stafford led the Rams to their third playoff game in the last four seasons, with a 34-11 win over Arizona. McVay says they “wouldn’t be here without him.”
The Los Angeles Rams didn't trade for quarterback Matthew Stafford with the hopes of winning a Wild Card Game. They have now won at least one playoff game in three of the last four seasons.
But having Stafford has certainly added to the roaring 34-11 team victory on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals, and coach Sean McVay says that the Rams wouldn’t have done this without him.
“Really proud of him,” McVay said in the postgame conference. “Just so lucky to be able to do this with him. He's our leader. We wouldn't be here without him."
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The 33-year-old scored his first postseason win in his 186th career game. Previously with the Detroit Lions, the quarterback was 0-3 in the postseason. With this playoff win, Stafford has built his legacy, bringing the Rams one step closer to returning to the Super Bowl.
"I'm just excited for our team to get the win. Obviously, what a team effort. I mean, our defense played outstanding tonight. We were good enough on offense to score some points and come away with a win. Just happy to be moving on, " Stafford reflected postgame.
Matthew Stafford stats and records
In his first home playoff game, Stafford was just trying to put “the ball in the right place,” but he came out of this game with the highest passer rating by a Rams QB in a playoff game in franchise history, 154.5
Looking back at the past 20 postseasons, he became the fourth quarterback to have a 150-plus passer rating and 200-plus pass yards in a playoff game; (Josh Allen in 2021 WC Round; HOF Kurt Warner in 2009 WC Round; and HOF Peyton Manning in 2003 WC Round), according to the NFL.
Stafford became one of only two players in the Super Bowl era with this passer rating, pass yards and 1-plus rushing TD, joining Jim Plunkett (1980 AFC Championship Game).
"I think it means a lot more to you guys and all that," Stafford said after the win. "I just want to be a part of this team and help us win. I trust in myself, trust in my abilities, trust in my teammates. I'll go out there and play and let the chips fall where they may."
The Rams play the Buccaneers at 3:05 p.m. ET (NBC) on Sunday, Jan. 23. Check the full schedule, games, times, TV for the 2022 NFL playoffs.