Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford showed his grit and toughness in his return to Detroit. Stafford, who served as the Detroit Lions’ starting quarterback from 2009 to 2020, took multiple big hits in the Rams’ 24-23 road loss. As a result, the Lions won their first NFL playoff game since 1991.
Matthew Stafford, a former Georgia Bulldog, played a solid game. He connected on star wide receiver Puka Nacua on several chunk plays. However, Stafford and the Rams offense struggled in the red zone. Los Angeles settled for three field goals on three red zone trips. This proved to be the difference in the game.
Stafford finished 25 of 36 for 367 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, he could not quite get the Rams into field goal position late in the fourth quarter.
Here’s how social media responded to Matthew Stafford’s valiant effort as he lost in his return to Detroit:
Stafford took a scary hit
Matthew Stafford is tough as nails
(and I’ve seen roughing the passer called on a lot less than this 2nd shoulder hit) pic.twitter.com/hLBVaGjbph
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 15, 2024
Red zone struggles cost Los Angeles the game
MY GOODNESS
Matthew Stafford in the red zone vs. the Lions:
3-for-8 for 6 yards.
That's your ballgame right there.
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) January 15, 2024
Stafford's return lived up to the hype
Matt Stafford & Jared Goff put on a great show. Gamers. Tough. Skilled. Great examples for all the young QB’s paying attention. @NFL @680TheFan
— buck belue (@buckbelue8) January 15, 2024
Stafford responds to hearing boos
"I'm not too worried about anybody's personal feelings towards me that was sitting in the stands."
– Matthew Stafford on hearing boos in Detroit pic.twitter.com/cNb3Ds3QQc
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 15, 2024
Stafford played great
Matthew Stafford finished with a EPA per play of 0.448 to Jared Goff's 0.374.
Stafford's 0.448 EPA/play was the highest for a losing QB in the wild card round since at least 2012.
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) January 15, 2024
Insane Stafford pass
STAFFORD NO LOOK SIDEARM 🔥
📺: #LARvsDET on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BhOMyE9Yag— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
Detroit finally won one
At long last, Matt Stafford delivers a playoff win to the Detroit Lions.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 15, 2024
Lions player praises Stafford
Frank Ragnow on his old QB Matthew Stafford:
"I just got to say this about No. 9 — He's one of the best. He's one of the classiest dudes of all time. One of my favorite teammates of all time. And I just appreciate him. All class through everything."
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) January 15, 2024
Emotional return for Stafford and his family
The Stafford fam. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QdPi3UneRo
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 15, 2024
The game lived up to the hype
"How often does a game not only live up to, but exceed all expectations?
Stafford was sensational in his Detroit return.
Goff was magnificent.
And the @Lions fans delivered and more."
– @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/dgKoLAoPgH— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 15, 2024
Stafford is one of the toughest players in the NFL
This is nothing new for Matthew Stafford pic.twitter.com/OtxyqhkVH9
— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) January 15, 2024
Stafford after the loss
Warrior. pic.twitter.com/P28HXJr4gD
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
Stafford talks with Jared Goff after the game
Matthew Stafford congratulates @JaredGoff16 🤝 pic.twitter.com/UvxRB7Pk7L
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
