Play.
After his first career playoff win, Stafford feels great.
Matthew Stafford was the quarterback who led the Rams to a victory over the Cards. (1:20)
11:34 PM
Matthew Stafford had never won in the playoffs while he was with the Detroit Lions, so he was looking to change that in the wild-card game against Arizona.
If he had a team that was as good as the one he now has.
The Los Angeles Rams got contributions from up and down their star- studded roster in a stress-free 34-11 win at Sofi Stadium, as Stafford accounted for three touchdown and vastly outplaying Kyler Murray. The Rams will face the defending champion Buccaneers in the divisional round next Sunday in Florida, filling the playoff hole in Stafford's resume.
Stafford said he was excited for the win. The defense played outstanding, the special teams did a great job pinning them down, and Johnny Hekker did a great job on field goals. We're good enough on offense to score some points and come away with the win. It's just happy to be moving on.
Even if it wasn't his most prolific performance, Stafford turned in one of his most efficient ones in several weeks. He ran for another touchdown on a goal-line sneak. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 202 yards and didn't commit a turnover after finishing the regular season with eight turnovers.
His 17 attempts were a season low.
With the Rams' running game finding its rhythm from the get-go and their defense leaving Murray looking lost all night long, they didn't need Stafford to carry the load.
The trade that brought Sony Michel to the team just before the season was made in the wake of Cam Akers' injury. Akers went for 55 yards on 17 carries. Los Angeles' 11 rushes were its most in a first quarter this season and tied for the Rams' third most under Sean McVay.
The Rams led 21-0 at halftime and kept Arizona off the board. Murray had only 28 passing yards early in the third quarter when Beckham threw a 40-yard pass to Akers on a trick play.
Beckham became the first player in the history of the playoffs to finish with a reception and a completion in the same game. He caught the first playoff touchdown of his career.
Stafford said the upcoming match up with the Bucs was a huge challenge.
Excellent quarterback, great defense. Stafford said a good football team.
In Week 3, the Rams beat the Bucs 34-24, making them one of only three teams to beat them in the regular season.
"I think their team is different then when we played them last, and I think we are as well, both personnel and scheme-wise," Stafford said. We'll go out there and attack and see what happens, and it will be interesting to see what they look like as of late.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
