The Los Angeles Rams beat the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional round in an overtime thriller, which featured one of the more improbable throws in NFL history.
But the Rams and Matthew Stafford are moving on and will face the Seattle Seahawks, a defense much better than the ones the Rams have faced lately.
With such a matchup on the horizon, ESPN's Ben Solak is concerned about Stafford. With his recent performances, the Rams are barely hanging on to win these games, which won't be enough to beat the Seahawks.
Rams face Matthew Stafford concern for Seahawks game
"Here's the good news: The Rams have won two playoff games, both on the road," Solak writes. "That's hard to do. Here's the bad news: They look like they're barely hanging on."
The last two weeks, Stafford hasn't played like his typical MVP self. While he's made nice throws at times, overall, his play hasn't been good enough lately.
This game against the Bears, going 20-of-42 for no touchdowns, is a concerning one. He's not playing great at the moment, though he and the Rams have been able to overcome that.
But now with the Seahawks on the schedule, the Rams more likely than not will need MVP-Stafford back and ready to go. If he plays as he did against the Bears and the Carolina Panthers, the Rams are going to be in trouble.
More: This is what we know about Matthew Stafford's retirement plans with Rams
As Solak writes, "It's hard to trust this Rams' passing attack moving forward." After being the catalyst for the offense all year, the Rams' passing game has regressed in a major way.
And now with the Seahawks, the best defense in the NFC and maybe the NFL next, the Rams and Stafford aren't likely to figure things out for this upcoming NFC Championship game.
Stafford is a great quarterback and has great wide receivers and tight ends, along with running backs, to whom he can throw the ball. But, compared to earlier in the year, there's some concern with Stafford heading into this Seahawks matchup.
More Rams news:
- Matthew Stafford credits Dennis Allen for disrupting Rams offense
- Sean McVay-Ben Johnson handshake: NBC fails to show postgame exchange after Matt LaFleur-Bears controversy
- Who is 'The Thiccer Kicker'? Meet Harrison Mevis, Rams big-bodied kicker with all-time nickname
- NBC's audio freaks out during Rams kicker Harrison Mevis' postgame interview turned to jibberish
- Sean McVay's early playcalling for Rams vs. Bears draws criticism for confusing strategy