Overview
- Matthew Stafford led a seven-play, 71-yard march and hit Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard touchdown with 38 seconds left to seal a 34-31 win.
- The fourth quarter featured four lead changes, and Stafford went 12-of-15 with two touchdowns and a 146.0 passer rating in the final frame.
- X-rays showed no dislocation in Stafford’s right finger after it was bent back in the first half, and he did not miss a snap.
- A blocked punt by Carolina’s Isaiah Simmons set up a go-ahead Panthers touchdown with 2:39 remaining before the Rams’ decisive drive.
- After leading the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) this season, Stafford surpassed Kurt Warner for Rams playoff marks and drew MVP buzz, punctuated by his ‘let’s go snatch these guys’ hearts’ message reported by Davante Adams.