Matthew Stafford stats today: Rams QB becomes L.A’s all-time leading playoff passer in game vs. Panthers originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Rams entered Saturday evening’s joust with the Panthers as heavy favorites. Among the biggest reasons why was star hurler Matthew Stafford. Los Angeles’ veteran signal-caller authored an MVP-caliber campaign, amassing a league-leading total in passing touchdowns and passing yards.
Against Carolina, Stafford rekindled his regular-season success, successfully tossing arrows all across the Bank of America Stadium plains. He conjured spells against the Panthers’ weary defense. As it turned out, that was enough to see him climb up the Rams’ record books, too.
With that, here’s a look at Stafford’s performance vs. Carolina by the numbers.
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Matthew Stafford stats today vs. Panthers
Halftime score: Rams 17, Panthers 14
- Completions/Attempts: 10/17
- Passing Yards: 137
- AVG: 8.1
- Passing TDs: 1
- INTs: 0
- Rating: 93.5
Stafford put forth an impressive display in the first half, collecting yardage in bunches. He connected with Puka Nacua for one score and set the BYU alum up for another, although the play was eventually ruled a run play.
Stafford’s efficiency was noteworthy. He found his target on eight of his first nine throws, producing a passer rating that would rank as one of the best in postseason history.
All that amounted to an efficient and effective first half showing for Stafford, who reiterated his MVP credentials with another glistening display — this time, under the playoff lights.
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Rams playoff passing leaders
Stafford’s first-half outburst surged him to the top of Los Angeles’ postseason record books. He became the Rams’ all-time leading playoff passer against the Panthers, eclipsing a host of icons — including Kurt Warner — to take the title of best postseason hurler in franchise history.
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Here’s a look at where he stands on the Rams’ all-time list:
| Player Name | Yards | Years |
| Matthew Stafford | 2,225 | 2021-present |
| Kurt Warner | 2,221 | 1999-2001 |
| Jared Goff | 1,300 | 2017-20 |
| Vince Ferragamo | 1,227 | 1978-83 |
| Jim Everett | 1,120 | 1986-89 |
Do playoff stats count in MVP race?
While Stafford enjoyed another sterling day under the lights, the numbers he accrue throughout the postseason will not count towards his MVP candidacy. Votes for the famous award have already been filed, meaning that Stafford cannot actually improve his chances at landing the prize.
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Has Matthew Stafford won a Super Bowl?
Stafford is a Super Bowl champion, having hoisted the hardware in 2022 after leading Los Angeles to a 23-20 win over the Bengals in Super Bowl 56.
Stafford wasn’t quite faultless in his showing. He tossed two interceptions on the day, seeing his patented efficiency slow amid Cincinnati’s harrowing pass rush.
Still, his final line was reflective of one of his generation’s best gunslingers: 26-of-40 passing for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two picks.
