Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are in the NFC Championship Game. While the quarterback is showing off his clutch skills in the process, wide receiver Cooper Kupp continues to put up MVP-worthy numbers.

Munich – The Los Angeles Rams gave the party crashers in a 30-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and prevented Tom Brady and Co. from pulling off another historic upset.

Halfway through the third quarter, the Rams already led 27-3 and looked like the clear winners for a long time. Due to fumble problems, however, they almost gave away the victory they thought was safe. The Buccaneers then fought their way back and equalised with 42 seconds left – it smelt of overtime in Tampa.

Now it was Matthew Stafford’s turn to shine. Despite the loud fans against him and the constant pressure of the defence in his face, he brought his team within field goal range with two outstanding passes to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. As time expired, kicker Matt Gay finally decided the game in favour of the Rams.

It was Stafford’s 43rd game-winning drive since making his NFL debut in 2009, and no other quarterback has led his team to victory in the closing seconds more times than the 33-year-old during that span.

Matthew Stafford made for the playoffs

For Matthew Stafford to pick up his first ever playoff wins this season is almost laughable given his undoubted abilities. So it was much more on his former team during his time with the Detroit Lions that he’s only now really flourishing for the first time in the postseason.

Because of his coldness in crunch moments, he was worth two more first-round picks to the Rams before the season when they traded him from Detroit to the City of Angels in exchange for Jared Goff. A trade that may have already paid off for many Rams fans.

Stafford also delivered a nearly flawless game against the Buccaneers. He ended up with 366 passing yards and two touchdowns thrown. With a quarterback sneak for another touchdown, he also proved that he doesn’t shy away from physical contact and will give it his all in the playoffs.

Stafford: “I live for moments like this “

The signal caller was born for such close games, he explained after the game: “In my head, I live for moments like that,” he admitted: “Of course, I’d rather kneel down three times and finish the game in peace, but it’s a lot more fun to pull off a play like that,” he said of his terrific pass to Kupp just before the end of the game.

“It’s fun to steal someone’s soul like that. They were thinking what an unbelievable comeback their team just made and then we came and just took it away from them,” he continued with a good dose of schadenfreude.

The playmaker was also showered with praise by Head Coach Sean McVay: “He was incredible throughout the game. His ambition, his aggressiveness and his decision-making – it was just great,” said the Rams coach.

In addition to Stafford, the top-flight kickoffs that have made the quarterback’s life easier in some situations throughout the season were also impressive.

Cooper Kupp once again in MVP form

When the MVP award is officially handed out in a fortnight, a grotesque situation will most likely occur. While quarterback Aaron Rogders, who will quite likely be crowned MVP, was eliminated in disappointing fashion in the playoffs, Kupp was able to stake his claim to the trophy.

However, since the award is only given for performances in the regular season, Kupp probably only has an outside chance of winning the coveted award despite great play in the playoffs. Against the Buccaneers, however, he impressed with 183 receiving yards and a touchdown in addition to his two important catches – and once again made the difference.

No player represents the will of this Rams team as much as Kupp. Although his actions helped them advance, he also took the blame for it being so close once again on his shoulders.

“As an offence, we did a terrible job in the second half. We can’t do that kind of thing. We can’t put our defence in such a bad position,” said the 28-year-old, who was involved in the Bucs’ comeback with a lost fumble. With that, he also makes it clear to the team: If they want to make it to the Super Bowl, they have to play with the same intensity as in the last drive.

Los Angeles Rams: As an unloved super team to great success?

The championship game is next Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Defensive superstar Aaron Donald can’t wait: “It’s the perfect setting. We’ve got to win against a division rival that’s always been in our soup lately. Be ready for a dirty fight,” he concluded.

The Rams are fully embracing their role as the unfancied super team. They have home field against the 49ers because of their better record, and again they go into the game as clear favourites.

Even if many fans don’t like it: with Stafford as a leader, Kupp in MVP condition and Donald in spoiler mode, the Rams are almost unstoppable – and are now reaching for a chance at the Super Bowl.