Matthew Stafford Gets First Career NFL Playoff Victory in Win Against the Arizona Cardinals

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

We’ve officially wrapped up the first round of the 2021 NFL playoffs.

LA Quarterback Matthew Stafford got his first career playoff victory on Monday night as the Los Angeles Rams comfortably beat the Arizona Cardinals 34-11.

Stafford, who is in his first season with the Rams after spending his first 12 with the Detroit Lions, threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another in the final game of NFL Super Wild Card weekend.

Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. were his two clear targets as they combined for 115 yards receiving on nine total catches along with a touchdown scored apiece. 

The Cardinals struggled across the board.

They didn’t get their first first down until halfway through the second quarter. 

Prior to that, Kyler Murray threw a pick-six to David Long, who returned it 3 yards for the touchdown. Murray finished 19 for 34 for 137 yards with two picks. The team rushed for 60 yards on 3.3 yards per carry. 

Rams head coach Sean McVay praised the play of Stafford post game upon his first career playoff victory.

"I thought he did a great job leading the way," McVay said. "He's still the same great player to me, and he always was before this game. I think it's good so you guys don't have to talk about that anymore. So pleased be able to do this with him. He's our leader out there, and we wouldn't be here without him."

L.A. will now travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round.