The Los Angeles Rams are heading to Chicago for a crucial playoff encounter, and despite predictions of near-zero "feels like" temperatures with biting winds off Lake Michigan, the team remains unconcerned about the frigid conditions. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, a veteran of numerous cold-weather games during his tenure with the Detroit Lions, views the wintry environment as an authentic aspect of the NFL postseason, a challenge he and his teammates are prepared to embrace.
Stafford, who recently delivered an impressive performance with 304 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Rams' 34-31 wild-card victory against the Carolina Panthers, is no stranger to playing in harsh climates. Having competed at Soldier Field 12 times over his 12 years with the Lions, he possesses considerable experience in such settings. However, his record at the century-old venue stands at a modest 5-7, indicating that success hasn't always been guaranteed. His last outing in Chicago saw him struggle, throwing an interception and enduring three sacks as the Bears defeated the Rams 24-18.
In previous cold-weather games, Stafford and the Rams have shown inconsistent results. Last season, they managed a 19-9 win over the New York Jets but suffered a 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. Coach Sean McVay, however, asserts that weather was not the primary factor in those outcomes. For the upcoming game, McVay plans no drastic changes to his team's preparation, choosing instead to focus on their mental resilience.
McVay firmly believes in conserving emotional energy for controllable aspects of the game, stating, "We're not going to sit here and waste our emotional energy on things that we can't control. I don't have a weather machine." He instead encourages his players to draw strength from their adrenaline and collective experience in frosty conditions. While acknowledging minor adjustments, such as the increased slipperiness of the ball, McVay emphasizes that the core principles of the game remain unchanged.
Stafford, recognizing the unique demands of playing in the cold, has even brought additional layers of clothing from his time in Detroit to stay warm, though he humorously clarified that it's nothing "skin tight or anything like that." His enthusiasm for the impending matchup is clear. He concludes, "It is what it is. We don't care what the weather is here or what it is there. We just go play." This unwavering resolve underscores the team's focus on performance, regardless of the environmental challenges.