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After the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-22 divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford said he will need to “take some time to think about” his future as he heads into the offseason, per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop.
At the conclusion of his 16th season in the league, Stafford told reporters, it “Sure feels like” he has more football left in him.
“I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” Stafford added, per Barshop.
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[ insert the loudest big rig honking noises you could even imagine ]
This season, Stafford accumulated 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, posting a 64.7 quarterback rating.
Stafford has two years remaining on his contract with the Rams, though head coach Sean McVay declined to address any questions about Stafford’s future following the loss.
“Right now, I’m just appreciative of this team,” McVay said, per Barshop.
Despite a rough 1-4 start to the season, the Rams bounced back, winning nine of their next ten games to secure the NFC West division title.
After a late comeback attempt against the Eagles on Sunday, McVay expressed his shock at the outcome, saying he “didn’t see it going any other way than us winning that game 29-28,” per Barshop
Wide receiver Puka Nacua echoed that sentiment, showing his support for the veteran quarterback, who threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
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Still fightin’
“Everybody in this locker room, we believe in (Stafford) with every inch of our being,” Nacua said, according to Barshop. “It’s a great feeling going out there and knowing that your quarterback is willing to put it all on the line and is capable of making plays anytime it’s asked of him. We have all trust in No. 9.”
Whatever Stafford decides, he has the full support of his teammates and coach. Although his decision is still pending, he spoke about the next time he steps on the field following the game.
“Had a chance for it and didn’t get it done,” Stafford said, per Barshop. “But I love competing. I love being in those moments. Sure as hell not afraid of them. And competed my ass off and it didn’t go the way I wanted to today. Next time I’m out there, line it up. Let’s do it again.”
