Matthew Stafford didn’t have his best performance on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. He threw a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp that appeared to be the game-winner at the end of the fourth quarter, but the 49ers stormed back and forced overtime with a game-tying touchdown in the final seconds.
In overtime, Stafford made one of his biggest mistakes of the game. On first-and-10 from the Rams’ 38-yard line with two minutes left, Stafford chucked it deep down the right sideline for Odell Beckham Jr.
It looked like Beckham beat Ambry Thomas, but Stafford underthrew his receiver badly and Thomas picked it off.
After the game, Stafford had a very brief and simple explanation for what happened on the play.
“I just left it short,” Stafford said before the reporter could even finish the question.
He was obviously frustrated with himself, throwing two interceptions in the 27-24 loss, knowing he has to play better in order for the Rams to compete in the playoffs.
“It’s important for our team, no question,” he said. “The better I play, the better chance we have. That’s NFL football. When the quarterback plays good, you’ve got a good chance. I know that, so looking forward to the opportunity of going to play in the postseason. Taking it one game at a time.”