“He did a nice job mixing it up”: Matthew Stafford credits Dennis Allen after gritty playoff win

Matthew Stafford may not have had his best night with the ball, but he walked away with something far more important, which is a playoff win.The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime on Sunday night at a cold and snowy Soldier Field to book their place in the NFC Championship Game. After the game, Stafford was quick to praise Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for making life difficult for the Rams offense.“He did a nice job mixing it up on us,” Stafford said after the match. “They were able to sniff some plays out late. I can be better, but playoff football is about winning.”It was a rare off night for an offense that finished the regular season as the best unit in the league. Through three quarters, the Rams managed only 174 total yards and failed to throw a single passing touchdown.Dennis Allen’s defensive plan worked well. The Bears mixed blitzes and coverages, confusing Stafford and forcing him into rushed throws. Chicago held star receiver Davante Adams without a catch for most of the game and picked off Stafford three times.Stafford admitted he struggled to find rhythm.“I definitely didn’t get into a great rhythm today,” he said. “I can communicate better, but sometimes you play a little worse and still find a way to win.”Despite the pressure, Stafford and the Rams stayed calm. Late in the fourth quarter, the veteran quarterback led a long and steady touchdown drive to give Los Angeles the lead.The Bears were not done yet. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams threw a dramatic touchdown pass with just 18 seconds left to force overtime. Soldier Field erupted as Chicago kept its season alive.But in overtime, experience made the difference. Williams threw his third interception of the night, giving the Rams another chance. A few plays later, Los Angeles moved into field-goal range and kicked the winning points to seal the victory.The game was played in heavy snow and freezing temperatures, but Stafford said the weather did not bother him.“I wasn’t paying too much attention to the weather,” he said. “It snowed the whole game, but we found a way.”Stafford also praised the Bears for their effort and coaching.“They’re a tough team,” he said. “Dennis Allen had a great plan and made it hard for us all night.”With the win, the Rams now head to Seattle to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. The two teams split their regular-season meetings, and Stafford knows the challenge ahead will be even tougher.“It’s a huge challenge to go play in Seattle,” he said. “Arguably the toughest place to play in the league.”Even on a difficult night, he showed why experience matters in the playoffs. By giving credit to Dennis Allen and staying patient under pressure, the Rams quarterback helped his team survive and move one step closer to the Super Bowl.