Stafford Pulls Off Dramatic Comeback as Rams Survive Panthers in Wildcard Thriller
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the wild-card round, Matthew Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams on an incredible 71-yard drive that culminated in a perfectly placed 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds remaining, securing a dramatic 34-31 comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Trailing by four points with 2:38 left, the Rams were on the brink of elimination. However, Stafford calmly led his team down the field, completing six of seven passes and avoiding a crucial drop by Davante Adams before finding Parkinson for the game-winner.
The Rams' improbable victory was made possible by Stafford's poise under pressure, as well as the exceptional playmaking abilities of Puka Nacua. The wide receiver had 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns, proving himself to be a crucial factor in the team's success.
Stafford, who finished with 24 completions on 42 attempts for 304 yards and three touchdown passes, credited his calmness to 17 years of NFL experience. "I have been in that spot a lot in my life," he said. "I love that spot."
On the other hand, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was left reeling after throwing for 264 yards and a touchdown before running for another score. The loss marked Carolina's second season under coach Dave Canales, who vowed to clean up mistakes and advance in the playoffs.
"This is going to sting," Canales said. "We're proud of what we accomplished, but we can't be satisfied with just making it to the divisional round."
The Panthers had come into the game as double-digit underdogs despite beating the Rams 31-28 on this same field six weeks ago. They fell behind early but stormed back to take a 24-20 lead before being countered by Stafford's late surge.
Stafford, meanwhile, has emerged as a leading candidate for league MVP after leading the league in yards passing and touchdowns. "There is no team effort," he said, referring to his squad's ultimate victory. "Obviously, had some mistakes along the way... but found a way to win it late."
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the wild-card round, Matthew Stafford led the Los Angeles Rams on an incredible 71-yard drive that culminated in a perfectly placed 19-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson with just 38 seconds remaining, securing a dramatic 34-31 comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Trailing by four points with 2:38 left, the Rams were on the brink of elimination. However, Stafford calmly led his team down the field, completing six of seven passes and avoiding a crucial drop by Davante Adams before finding Parkinson for the game-winner.
The Rams' improbable victory was made possible by Stafford's poise under pressure, as well as the exceptional playmaking abilities of Puka Nacua. The wide receiver had 10 receptions for 111 yards and two total touchdowns, proving himself to be a crucial factor in the team's success.
Stafford, who finished with 24 completions on 42 attempts for 304 yards and three touchdown passes, credited his calmness to 17 years of NFL experience. "I have been in that spot a lot in my life," he said. "I love that spot."
On the other hand, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was left reeling after throwing for 264 yards and a touchdown before running for another score. The loss marked Carolina's second season under coach Dave Canales, who vowed to clean up mistakes and advance in the playoffs.
"This is going to sting," Canales said. "We're proud of what we accomplished, but we can't be satisfied with just making it to the divisional round."
The Panthers had come into the game as double-digit underdogs despite beating the Rams 31-28 on this same field six weeks ago. They fell behind early but stormed back to take a 24-20 lead before being countered by Stafford's late surge.
Stafford, meanwhile, has emerged as a leading candidate for league MVP after leading the league in yards passing and touchdowns. "There is no team effort," he said, referring to his squad's ultimate victory. "Obviously, had some mistakes along the way... but found a way to win it late."
Stafford just threw for 304 yards & 3 TDs in like 10 mins & led the Rams to a W 
I mean, 71 yard drive with only 38 secs left is MIND-BLOWING 
And Colby Parkinson's catch was SICK 
10 recs from Puka Nacua is insane too 
I guess 17 yrs of exp doesn't hurt either 
stats say: Rams are now the #1 seed in the NFC with a 11-6 record 
24/42, 304 yards, & 3 TDs. Not bad for a guy who's been doubted all season 
Bryce Young put up some decent numbers too but it wasn't enough to take down Stafford's squad 
Canales is already talking about the offseason... 
Stafford's calmness under pressure is just inspiring, he's been in tough situations before and has come out on top 17 times... that experience must be helping him stay focused 
he's like the hope dealer for the Rams, bringin' light into dark places 
i'm lovin it 
And what's up with Puka Nacua? 10 receptions for 111 yards? He's like a superstar or something! 
Can't believe the Rams won 