PHILADELPHIA — After their first drive of the Rams’ season-ending 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round Sunday, quarterback Matthew Stafford came to the sideline taking long, deep breaths.
He had reaggravated a rib injury he had played through for much of the season, one that he had hoped would heal with the rest he got in Week 18. But as trainers applied a heating pad to the right side of his ribcage, he kept his eyes on the tablet in front of him, preparing for the next drive.
Stafford would not come out of the game, finishing through the heavy snow and the punishing pass rush of the Eagles. With the team down 13 with 4:47 to play, he led the Rams on a touchdown drive, then after getting the ball back, got 13 yards away from a comeback victory, only for a sack and incompletion to end the Rams’ season in defeat.
“He represents so many things that are right about what this team became, especially for a city that’s hurting and going through some different stuff,” head coach Sean McVay said. “I think he epitomizes a lot of the stuff that’s right in terms of toughness, resilience, ability to overcome adversity. He’s a total freaking stud. I thought he was outstanding tonight with the opportunities that he was given.”
But a question lingering over the Rams as they enter the offseason is whether that performance – 26-for-44, 324 yards, two touchdowns and a lost fumble – will be the last for Stafford with the Rams, or in the NFL in general.
Stafford, who will turn 37 next month, entered training camp with a desire to restructure his contract. He and the Rams came to an agreement in the minutes before players were required to report to training camp that would reportedly make it easier for both sides to move on after the 2024 season if they desired.
McVay declined to talk about future considerations after Sunday’s loss, while Stafford said he needed more time to consider.
“As far as my future goes, it’s 30 minutes after the last game so I’ll take some time to think about it,” Stafford said. “But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.”
Asked in a follow-up question if he still had more football left in his body, Stafford grinned and said, “Sure feels like it.”
Stafford, who committed to playing another season immediately after last year’s playoff loss to the Lions, completed 65.8% of his passes in 2024 for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions while playing in 16 games this year.
And while he didn’t commit to a 17th season, Stafford seemed to be thinking about a return to the game when talking about playing in big moments after Sunday’s loss.
“I love competing, I love being in those moments. I’m sure as hell not afraid of them and competed my ass off,” Stafford said. “It didn’t go the way I wanted it to today. Next time I’m out there, line it up and let’s do it again.”