Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears faced the prospects of a diminished version of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, but they might be out of luck.
Stafford got his finger bent backward during the Rams’ win over the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card, but has been consistent in saying he does not expect it to affect him during LA’s visit to Chicago to face the Bears.
Moreover, Stafford addressed the looming weather that is expected to impact the game.
Bears Receive QB Update From Rams Before Playoff Game
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Updates Finger Injury Before Bears Game
Stafford noted after the Panthers game that adrenaline was certainly a factor. However, Stafford has maintained confidence in his status leading up to the Rams’ visit to face the Bears.
“It’s great,” Stafford told reporters on January 14, adding that he did not expect the finger to impact him or to wear any additional protection on Sunday. “We did a good job just kind of jumping on it, wrapping it for the play, all that kind of stuff. And whatever was there is gone now. Feels good.”
Stafford also made it clear he is well-aware of the Bears’ propensity to take the ball away.
“That’s kind of how they’ve thrived: got a bunch of points off of turnovers. They’ve done a great job turning it over,” Stafford said.
“They’ve got a really good backend, talented backend, that catches the ball when it’s in their area. They do a nice job up front as well, affecting the pocket. So, it’ll be a big challenge for us. Every week is in this league. It’s such a crucial stat, as we all know. It’s points, then turnovers. So, try to make sure that we do the best that we can to still play aggressive, and all that, but be sound with the football, and make sure that we’re ending every drive with an extra point, or a field goal, or a punt, something like that.”
Stafford has thrown 8 of his 9 interceptions (including playoffs) while on the road.
Bears Eyeing Back-to-Back Wins Over Rams
The Bears defeated Stafford, who led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns for the No. 1-tanked offense, and the Rams in Week 4 of the 2024 season. Stafford had 224 yards, 0 touchdown passes, 1 interception, and was sacked 3 times in a 24-18 loss.
Stafford had the ball with a chance to win that game, but Bears safety Jaquan Brisker intercepted him to end the contest.
Sunday’s contest could end up as a repeat for the Bears and Stafford, or a role reversal.
That last game was also in Soldier Field. This time, the stakes are greater, Stafford is the favorite to win MVP, and he has long-time Bears nemesis Davante Adams, who tortured Chicago for years with the Green Bay Packers.
Stafford is also prepared for the cold, bringing along his trusty scuba suit to keep warm, and embracing playing in what is expected to be their coldest game.
“I love NFL football, and the history of it, and Lambeau Field, and the Ice Bowl. All those kind of things,” Stafford said. “There’s something to it, right, that feels right when football’s outdoors. You’re playing it late in the year. It’s cold. It means a lot. So, I’m embracing it. I know our team is as well. Looking forward to the opportunity. I know it’s going to be a great crowd there, and it’ll be a lot of fun.”