As the Los Angeles Rams travel to Soldier Field for the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Matthew Stafford isn't concerned about how cold weather may impact him and the team.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford started his career with the Detroit Lions and spent 12 seasons facing off in cold-weather climates, especially within the NFC North.
Now, the temperature for games with the Rams in Southern California is often sunny and warm. After five full seasons in Los Angeles, playing in cold weather climates is not something that worries Stafford.
When speaking to the media, Stafford spoke on the fact that it has been in the 80s in Southern California while the Rams practice.
"Yeah, I mean, we can't do anything about that. We just go practice. It is what it is. We don't care what the weather is here, what the weather is there, just go play. Gotta prepare, have a good week of preparation. We're gonna do that to go out and give us the best chance to succeed," Stafford said.
One of the major concerns for Stafford in cold weather has to do with his finger sprain that he suffered in the win against the Carolina Panthers.
Stafford bent his index finger backward on a Panthers defender's helmet, but it appears that the injury is nothing of significance.
The Rams signal caller indicated that his finger feels "great" and that the cold weather should have no bearing on the injury.
Rams head coach Sean McVay also stated that Stafford is "feeling good," and one of his throws in practice "came out like a cannonball."
While cold-weather games can affect more than just injuries, Stafford is excited about battling it with the Bears in this type of climate.
"I think so. I love NFL football and the history of it, Lambeau Field, and the Ice Bowl. There is something to it, right? It feels right when football is outdoors, you're playing it late in the year, it's cold, it means a lot. So, I'm embracing it, I know the team is as well," Stafford said.
Per reports, there could be snow on the field when the Rams play the Bears on Sunday, and the temperature is said to be around 20 degrees. Still, that is not something that Stafford, nor the team, seems to be worried about.
If there happen to be some tough conditions to throw the ball in, Stafford will simply have to hand it off a bit more to Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Establishing the run will be paramount to the team's success, and they have arguably the best running back duo in the league.