THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is preparing for an emotionally charged game as he returns to Detroit, the city where he played for 12 seasons. On Sunday night, Stafford will lead the 10-7 Rams in a wild-card game against the 12-5 Lions, marking Detroit’s first playoff game in 30 years.
Stafford, who was drafted by the Lions with the No. 1 pick in 2009, was traded to the Rams in 2021. Although he played in three road playoff games with the Lions, they all ended in losses. However, in his first year with the Rams, Stafford led the team to a championship. Aware of the potential reception from the Detroit fan base, Stafford said, “I’m not expecting anything, to be honest with you. I understand that I’m the bad guy coming to town.”
Stafford and his family have a strong connection to Detroit, as their four daughters were all born there. Expressing his fondness for the city and its fans, Stafford acknowledged their passion for the Lions and the opportunity they now have to host a playoff game. He also acknowledged the challenge of playing in Detroit, anticipating a loud and tough environment that will make it difficult for the Rams’ offense to communicate.
In addition to the Stafford storyline, Sunday’s game is marked by other connections between the Rams and Lions. Lions general manager Brad Holmes and assistant GM Ray Agnew previously worked under Rams GM Les Snead. Rams defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant also had a stint with the Lions. On the Lions’ side, former Rams receiver Josh Reynolds and long snapper Jake McQuaide will face their former team.
The trade that brought Stafford to the Rams also sent former Rams quarterback Jared Goff to the Lions. Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018 but eventually fell out of favor with Rams coach Sean McVay. Reflecting on the trade, McVay admitted that mistakes were made and that Goff deserved better treatment. Goff, now a team captain for the Lions, spoke positively about his relationship with McVay, acknowledging him as a great coach who taught him a lot.
With a reunion of former teammates and coaches, the Rams-Lions playoff game is a highly anticipated showdown. As Stafford returns to Detroit, he will face both the city that meant so much to him and the challenge of leading his new team to victory in a hostile environment.
Note: The information in this article was sourced from various reports and does not quote any specific news organization.