Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams have been traveling all across the country this playoffs. They started in Carolina, then went to Chicago and finished facing the Seattle Seahawks back on the West Coast.
The Rams had a chance to win against the Seahawks, but a few key moments blew the game for them. A fumble, multiple dropped passes and missed opportunities had the Rams fall 31-27 to the Seahawks.
But Stafford was incredible, and the loss isn't on his shoulders.
OptaSTATS on X highlighted just how great Stafford was, and how this loss isn't his fault.
MORE: What's next for Matthew Stafford? Evaluating Rams QB's future, contract after NFC championship loss
Matthew Stafford made NFL history with bad-luck loss
"Matthew Stafford is the only QB in NFL history to: throw for 270+ yards, throw 3+ TD passes, average 10.00+ yards per pass attempt, have 0 turnovers, take no more than 1 sack... And yet still lose (regular season or playoffs)," OptaSTATS shared.
This NFL history isn't just brutal for playoff purposes; it's an all-time bad beat for Stafford that no quarterback has ever had to go through before.
Stafford, against the Seahawks defense, which is one of the best in the NFL, went 22-of-35 for 374 passing yards and three touchdowns. It was a great performance for Stafford, and it should've been enough to secure the win.
But with a few key drops on their penultimate drive and a brutal fumble on a punt, the Rams couldn't make up the difference despite Stafford's incredible performance.
It's been the tale of the year for the Rams. Stafford, the likely MVP, is playing incredibly, but the special teams or other players on the roster are struggling in the biggest moments.
This statistic from OptaSTATS only highlights one game, but it's been the microcosm of the year for the Rams. Stafford has been great, but the rest of the roster hasn't been nearly good enough.
It's caught up to them in the biggest game of the year, and now the Rams are going home without a trip to the Super Bowl.
More Rams news:
- Rams predicted to trade up for Matthew Stafford replacement in 2026 NFL Draft
- McVay bristles at question about Stafford's future after NFC title loss
- Sean McVay left at a loss for words after Rams' NFC championship 'tough' defeat to Seahawks
- Cooper Kupp delivers knockout punch to Rams' Super Bowl chances with revenge game against former team
- Rams vs. Seahawks final score, results: Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba fuel Seattle to Super Bowl 60
- Rams' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space for offseason after loss to Seahawks