Matthew Stafford Prepares for Cold-Weather Game Against Chicago Bears
As the Los Angeles Rams gear up to face the Chicago Bears in the NFC divisional-round game at Soldier Field, quarterback Matthew Stafford is no stranger to cold-weather games. With 12 seasons of experience in the NFC North, Stafford has played in numerous games with freezing temperatures. On Sunday night, the game-time temperatures could include a wind-chill below zero degrees, but Stafford is embracing the challenge.
Stafford, citing historic NFL games that were played in tough weather conditions, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming game. “There’s something to it, right, that feels right when football’s outdoors, you’re playing late in the year, it’s cold, it means a lot,” he said. Stafford also mentioned that he knows it will be a great crowd at Soldier Field, and it will be a lot of fun. The Rams’ quarterback has a 12-10 career record against the Bears, with 22 games against them, tied for the second most against any team.
Stafford’s Experience in Cold-Weather Games
Stafford has played in several cold-weather games, including two last season. In late December against the New York Jets, the wind-chill factor was 14 degrees, and Stafford completed 14 of 19 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, with an interception, in a 19-9 victory. In the NFC divisional-round game at Philadelphia, with a wind-chill factor of 27 degrees, Stafford completed 26 of 44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-22 defeat.
Stafford’s experience in cold-weather games will be crucial as he faces a Bears defense that ranks poorly in most statistical categories but leads the NFL with 23 interceptions. The unit also recovered 10 fumbles, which Stafford acknowledged as a key factor in their success. “That’s how they’ve thrived,” he said. The Bears’ defense gave up 24.4 points and 361.8 yards per game during the regular season, ranking 23rd and 28th, respectively, among 32 NFL teams.
Preparation for the Game
The Rams are preparing for the game in sunny and warm conditions in Woodland Hills. Coach Sean McVay joked that the team would get “the biggest cold plunge ever, and everybody’s going to see if we can sit in that thing for three hours.” Stafford, however, emphasized that the preparation will be the same regardless of the weather. “We don’t care what the weather is here, what it is there,” he said. “Just go play.” Stafford also mentioned that he would wear a snug, warming layer under his uniform, which he first used with the Lions, to stay warm during the game.
Stafford suffered a sprained right index finger in the wild-card victory against the Carolina Panthers but said that he has no residual effects and that the finger is feeling “great.” He also stated that it would not affect his ability to grip or throw the ball on Sunday. With his experience and preparation, Stafford is ready to face the Bears in the NFC divisional-round game.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes against the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s NFC divisional playoffs.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
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