Matthew Stafford ensured a Georgia quarterback connection in the NFL postseason with his steady, veteran performance on Monday night.
Stafford was flawless marching his Los Angeles Rams down the field on their opening possession for a touchdown en route to a 27-9 victory over Minnesota in a game relocated to Glendale, Ariz., on account of the raging fires in Southern California.
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“There was definitely every excuse in the book to come out here and be lethargic and woe is me and all that, but we knew we weren’t playing just for us,” Stafford told ESPN. “[We were] playing for people back home that needed something to watch and enjoy and I’m glad we could give that to them.”
Stafford’s wife, former Georgia cheerleader Kelly Stafford, has offered to pay for charter buses for fans in California to travel to the game in Arizona, per HelloMagazine.com.
At least 15 buses will be used with 750 spots available for Rams season ticket holders.
The Staffords, themselves, have a $22.8 million home in the Hidden Hills neighborhood they were forced to evacuate, per reports.
Stafford was 19-of-27 passing for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a perfect 6 for 6 for 64 yards and a 5-yard TD pass to Kyren Williams on the opening drive as the Rams made themselves right at home in Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.
Los Angeles, the NFC West Division winner, advances to the play at the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. next Sunday in the playoffs.
The Detroit Lions play host to the Washington Commanders in the other NFC Divisional Round game at 8 p.m. next Saturday.
In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens play at the Buffalo Bills at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, and the Houston Texans will travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Stafford, in the midst of his 16th season who recently hinted during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show he’s been thinking more about retirement of late.
“I don’t want to put a time limit on it but I definitely think about that way more now than I did in 2009,” said Stafford, who has twin girls that are 7 years old in addition to daughters aged 6 and 4. “You know, I’ve got a family. I’ve got young kids. I want to make sure I’m there and be a part of it. I feel like I do a good job during the season being as present as I possibly can, but I don’t want to miss too much.
“But at the same time, I feel like I’m playing at a high level. I love playing this game. I love competing. So hopefully I can hang around here for a little bit longer.”
Aaron Rodgers, who has played 249 games, is the only active NFL quarterback to have played more games than Stafford (223).
Stafford, who has been sacked 504 times in his career — seventh-most in NFL history — most recently suffered a spinal cord bruise that forced him to miss seven games in 2022.
Jimmy Garappolo is Stafford’s backup, with former UGA quarterback Stetson Bennett serving as the third-team quarterback.
Here’s a look at the Georgia players on the active rosters of the teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, injured players who can not play, such a Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, are not noted:
Houston Texas at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:30 p.m., Saturday
Houston: CB Kamari Lassiter
Kansas City: OLB Malik Herring
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions, 8 p.m. Saturday
None
L.A. Rams at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. Sunday
Los Angeles: QB Matthew Stafford, QB Stetson Bennett, OT Warren McClendon
Philadelphia: DE Nolan Smith, DT Jalen Carter, DT Jordan Davis, DB Kelee Ringo, DB Lewis Cine
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Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens, 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Buffalo: RB James Cook, OL Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
Baltimore: LB Roquan Smith, OG Ben Cleveland, LS Nick Moore