Play.
Stafford is playing for his legacy.
Matthew Stafford is expected to lead the Rams to a win. (0:54)
10:33 PM
Matthew Stafford says his toe is doing well and shouldn't affect him in the playoffs.
You can't see it.
During his weekly media session Thursday, Stafford made a joke at the expense of Rodgers, who is trying to win a playoff game for the first time in his 13-year career.
The Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers 27-24 last Sunday and Stafford said his toe was awkwardly landed.
He said it was doing okay. I'll be there. I will be good to go.
The Rodgers joke came when Stafford was asked if his toe would affect how he steps into throws. The quarterback of the Green Bay Packers presented his bare foot to reporters in November as proof that he didn't have a toe injury.
"No, I don't think so," Stafford said. I think I will be feeling good on Monday. I would show it to you, but I don't want to do that. It's for other guys to do. I'll keep my feet on the ground. It's doing well. I should be fine.
The Rams listed Stafford as a full participant on Thursday, though they held a walk-through.
Stafford was asked how much he needs to prove himself after not winning a playoff game. He lost in all three appearances with the Lions.
He said that he is proving himself every time he steps on the field. I want to play well. This is another chance to do that.
The pressure in Los Angeles is the same as in Detroit. The Rams have loaded up their roster in order to win the Super Bowl at home.
The trade for Stafford included a career-high tying 41 touchdown passes and 4,886 yards in the regular season. His 17 picks were tied for the most in the league. He lost a fumbled ball in the final three games.
Sean McVay said that he loved the way the team won the division and that he had standards for himself. One of the best things about this guy is that he will take extreme ownership and accountability for the things he can do better. There is an occupational hazard with some of the turnovers. They don't fall on him. I'm very pleased with him.
I'm looking forward to seeing him play very clean ball in the playoffs, trusting his teammates, and if he just plays within himself, I'm confident that good things will happen for this team.
Stafford doesn't need to prove he can win a playoff game according to McVay.
McVay thinks that he has an established resume. I think you want to be able to do that. It's a big deal that he helped lead us to our first divisional title since '18, but now it's the next step. I think his body of work speaks for itself and you can't just say 'Oh he hasn't won a playoff game'.
After the New Orleans, Dallas and Seattle seasons, Stafford's playoff losses came. The Cowboys game might have gone differently if not for the controversial call. Detroit was ahead by three points midway through the fourth quarter when officials flagged Dallas for pass interference on third down and reversed the call, leading to a Detroit punt and an eventual blown lead.
"It was a bad call and I'm probably going to get fined for even mentioning it," McVay said. If that call isn't made, he probably has won a playoff game and it's like, did he really play any differently?
McVay said that Williams will be able to play despite his injury. The starter was listed as a full participant. According to McVay, safety Taylor Rapp is making good progress, but is still in concussion protocol.
Eric Weddle was brought out of retirement by the Rams this week and signed to their practice squad after Rapp's concussion and Jordan's ankle injury. Weddle said he wouldn't be here if he wasn't playing, even though McVay said his role is still to be determined.
He said that football becomes who it is once you play as long as he did. Even though I haven't been playing football, I still train like I'm playing football because I was pretty much set in my decision and happy. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I don't think I have an itch or anything like that.
Weddle is a friend of Morris, who is in his first season as the Rams' defensive coach. Weddle thought the DC was hitting him up for intel on the Cards when he saw a text from Morris.
He asked if he was fat and out of shape. Weddle said something. I knew what was coming when he said that.
Weddle played in the Rams' regular-season finale. 750 days have passed since then. He acknowledged that his timing and tackling could be rusty, but he said he feels amazing.
He said training for an NFL season is unlike anything else. You can't do that on your own. I'm not saying I'm on that level, but I've done things both training-wise and playing five-on-five once or twice a week. I love basketball and the change of direction. It was as if I had been here all season when I came out yesterday. I'm not going to say I'm at that level. Every player in the NFL has spent time and effort. I wouldn't be sitting here right now if I didn't feel like I could go out there and be what I was expected to be.
Akers was not listed on the Rams' practice report as a full participant. Akers played 13 snaps in his first game back from an injury. He gained 13 yards on eight touches.
He said that he feels like he's 100 percent, but that he probably doesn't make you believe it. I would rather play ball and show people that I'm 100 percent. I already know so I don't show myself. Go and make plays.
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