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Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams nearly completed an epic comeback in a driving snowstorm, but they fell just short to the host Philadelphia Eagles 28-22 in the NFC Divisional round on Sunday.
The Eagles went up 28-15 after running back Saquon Barkley galloped 78 yards for a touchdown with 4:36 remaining in regulation.
However, Stafford then led a 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in just 1:48 capped by a four-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson. Stafford went 6-of-9 for 72 yards. After Joshua Karty’s PAT, L.A. trailed 28-22 with 2:48 left.
The Rams then forced a three-and-out and got the ball back on their own 18-yard line. Stafford went to work once again, with the big play a 37-yard toss to Puka Nacua that set L.A. up with a 1st-and-10 from the Philadelphia 21-yard line.
Two plays and eight yards later, the Rams had a 3rd-and-2 from the 13-yard line. Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter then burst through a wide-open gap in the line to sack Stafford, forcing a 4th-and-11.
Carter then got another pressure on Stafford, who sailed a pass over a double-teamed Nacua.
After one kneeldown, the game was over.
It was a tough end to a potentially epic comeback. L.A. was previously in good position down 16-15 following a safety on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, but running back Kyren Williams and Stafford lost fumbles on back-to-back possessions, leading to Jake Elliott field goals.
After a Rams three-and-out, Barkley ran for his second touchdown en route to finishing with 232 total yards.
To the Rams’ credit, though, they never wilted.
That’s been the calling card for L.A. over the past two seasons. The Rams started 3-6 in 2023 but finished 10-7 and nearly upset the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card round before losing 24-23.
This year, L.A. began 1-4 but then won nine of 11 games to clinch the NFC West. The Rams then crushed the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the NFC Wild Card in Arizona after the Los Angeles area wildfires forced the game to move to another location.
L.A. hung tough with the favored Eagles, though, even in the snow. Stafford completed 26-of-44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams, who got much respect for their effort.
Field Yates @FieldYates
The Rams came up a little short but that team deserves a ton of respect.
Started the season 1-4, reshaped the defense after losing arguably the greatest defensive player ever, playing young players all over the roster, dealt with unthinkable recent circumstances.
Salute ????
Charles “Chux” Maranan @ChuxYears
Gotta give respect and props to the Rams, btw! They played us tougher than I even expected. Yeah, there were a ton of self-inflicted mistakes by the Eagles, but the Rams still get credit for how they played. It came down to the wire! Great game. So much respect for what the Rams… pic.twitter.com/TXf7QFzH8C
Blaine Grays ???? @bgrisakTST
Proud of this Rams team and what they accomplished.
They never quit. Not at 1-4. Not at 6-6 before playing the Bills.
Lost on a fourth down each of the last two years in the playoffs. They’re close. But a lot to improve. Chance to go for it in 2025.
Dave Black @dawblack
Lots of respect for the #Rams and the way they fought there.
Elder Aboushi @Oday_Aboushi76
Helluva run for the rams tho, Mcvay will always have his guys ready to go. And Stafford doesn’t get the respect he deserves! Guys a baller
Jason Ashworth @AllAshworth
I’m gonna give the #Rams credit. Tough opponent and they battled ALL game. Stafford is a stud and their defense has a lot of young talent. Close, but the difference is in the details. These #FlyEaglesFly ARE built different!
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On to the NFC Chip!!!
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Tucker Blankinship @TuckerBlanc
As much as I hate the Rams, ultimate respect how they don’t die until a true final kill shot. How the hell did they almost play for NFC Championship?
Brandon @BP19___
Rams fans you have my respect Yall had a right to come in confident
AJ Schult @AJSchulteFB
I’ll give the Rams credit, the roster had no business being this far in the playoffs, but coming up that short is gonna sting for awhile…
Tyler Hawk @tylerahawk
Credit to the Rams for going as far as they did. Especially after starting the season 1-4.
Jordan Brenner @JordanBrenner
I give the Rams so much credit for the way they played today — especially to have had this chance after going down by 13 late.
Jason Ashworth @AllAshworth
I’m gonna give the #Rams credit. Tough opponent and they battled ALL game. Stafford is a stud and their defense has a lot of young talent. Close, but the difference is in the details. These #FlyEaglesFly ARE built different!
On to the NFC Chip!!!
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Carson Breber @Carsobi
So much of that loss is on the Rams O-line. Consistently outmatched vs. the Eagles’ pass rush on the day, but that final series is inexcusable. You cannot both false start and allow a free rush to JALEN CARTER with your season on the line.
Stafford balled. They failed him.
Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24
Matthew Stafford is the most underrated QB of our generation. Just a tremendous talent even in Year 16
Kom Krady @tombradyfan53
Rams aren’t far away. I didn’t think this was the team to get it done, but wow they made a run. If Stafford can hold up a few more seasons I think we’ll be playing in the SB again soon
Chase Daniel @ChaseDaniel
Stafford is a wizard
#DISUNOMICS @_NOMICS
Stafford balled out man. Offensive line got to give him a chance
Matt Burns @Burnsy381
Rams came up short in the snow but Stafford was throwing darts. The him and Goff thing is like the Michigan fans who wanted Cade over JJ. Like, what’re we doing here.
The Rams’ season is now over, but the future remains bright in L.A. given its talent on both sides of the ball and head coach Sean McVay leading the way.
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