Matthew Stafford’s late heroics lift Rams past Panthers in NFL playoff opener
‘Total team effort’
Matthew Stafford spoke after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Carolina Panthers to advance to the NFC Divisional Round.
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Matthew Stafford learned Saturday that he will be named to the All-Pro team for the first time.
A few hours later, Stafford took the field in Charlotte shortly before the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers opened this year’s NFL postseason.
Stafford, an NFL MVP candidate, went on two scoring runs in the fourth quarter to grab a 34-31 lead. The wildcard round victory also earned the Rams a ticket to next week’s NFC divisional round.
While the Rams were the favorites for Saturday’s game, it took a 19-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Colby Parkinson in the game’s final minute to secure the victory.
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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson scores a 19-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card game on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
After a fast start, Stafford appeared to suffer a finger injury on his shooting hand before halftime. When both teams went to their respective locker rooms at the end of the second quarter, the Rams took a three-point lead.
RAMS’ MATTHEW STAFFORD IS SELECTED A FIRST-TEAM ALL-PRO QUARTERBACK ABOVE PATRIOTS’ DRAKE MAYE IN HOT MVP RACE
The Panthers and Rams exchanged field goals in the third quarter to preserve Los Angeles’ narrow lead heading into the game’s final frame. The third quarter was highlighted by Stafford’s lone interception of the afternoon.
Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday (David Jensen/Getty Images)
Bryce Young’s touchdown pass to Jalen Coker gave the Panthers a 31-27 lead with less than three minutes remaining, but Stafford drove the Rams 71 yards within two minutes. The drive was capped by Parkinson’s rope catch for the winning score and the defense held.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The Rams returned to the league round for the second straight season. Last year, they ended the season with a 28-22 loss after a sack and an incomplete pass left Philadelphia 13 yards away from elimination.
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The coaches are now waiting for the remaining results of the wild card round to find out who they will face in the divisional round.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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