INGLEWOOD (Calif.) - Matthew Stafford knew from the time the NFL schedule was published more than five months back that a matchup with the Detroit Lions, his former 12 season team, was imminent. But, the Los Angeles Rams' quarterback stated that it was not something he paid much attention to.
Stafford was relieved that the reunion could be over on Sunday after the Rams beat the Lions 28-17
"Am I glad it's over?" Stafford said yes after requesting a trade from the Lions ownership following last season. "It was a great experience, made a lot friends and got a lot more people that I care about who are from that area or on that team. It was just a relief to be over. I can forget about the stories and just play football for the rest of the season.
Goff and Sean McVay, Rams coach, can also let go of the drama surrounding their relationship after last January's blockbuster deal that sent Stafford to L.A. and Goff, two first round picks, and one third-round pick to Detroit.
McVay met Dan Campbell, the Lions coach, after the game. He searched through a lot of players until he found Goff, his four-year-old quarterback, and they hugged.
McVay initially refused to reveal what was said but later agreed. "I said, "Great job, I'll touchbase with you a bit later on."
Goff opted to ignore McVay's question about his interaction and instead spoke more about former teammates.
Goff stated, "Just a bunch of guys saying good work and me echoing it to them." "That's quite typical postgame. It's just 'good work' and 'appreciate'. That was it.
Goff was honored by the Rams in a video tribute. Goff was the Rams' No. 1 overall pick during his five seasons in Los Angeles, which included two division titles and an NFC championship. He also made a Super Bowl appearance.
The Rams' record improved to 6-1 with the win, while the Lions dropped to 0-7 to remain the NFL's only losing team.
Stafford described the day as emotional, describing his arrival at SoFi Stadium amid Detroit fans wearing his No. 9 Lions jersey.
It was very humble. Stafford stated that it was very nice to see. "Thinking about it, that was really cool. I really appreciate it. It's something I have repeated many times, and it is true: I enjoyed my time there.
Sheila Ford Hamp, Lions owner, was among those Stafford met before the game.
The Rams and Lions fans, which included many of the crowd of over 70,540, cheered when Stafford completed a 2-yard pass for receiver Cooper Kupp. The stadium announcer then congratulated Stafford for his 300th career touchdown pass.
Stafford is now the 13th quarterback to achieve the milestone in NFL history, and the fourth-youngest, behind Peyton Manning and Dan Marino. Stafford tied John Elway for 12th most touchdown passes in NFL history.
Stafford smiled when Elway asked him what "it means a little bit". "I grew-up watching John, and it was enormous. No. John made me wear No. 7 in high school, college, and beyond. He was a big fan of John's game and the way he threw it the ball. It's quite cool. I know I'll be able to appreciate it even more once I'm done playing. But it's great to win along the way.
Stafford completed 28-of-41 passing for 334 yard and three touchdowns.
The Lions finished the game as 16.5 point underdogs. However, they kept it interesting behind three special team plays. These included a recovered onside kick that was returned and two fake punts that resulted in conversions. The Lions led 19-17 at the end of the fourth quarter and were poised for a touchdown. However, Goff was hit by Aaron Donald as he launched a pass into Goff's end zone. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey intercepted it. To secure the victory, the Rams kicked a field-goal on the next possession.
Five red zone trips failed to bring Detroit a touchdown. Goff completed 22-of-36 passes for 268 yards with two interceptions.
The Lions have lost two games on last-second field goals of 50 yards or more this season and are now out of playoff contention despite playing with the Super Bowl-hoping Rams on the road.
Goff stated that their record does not reflect their efforts.
"We are a lot more than our record shows. Goff stated that ultimately, it doesn't really matter in this league. It really doesn't. "I can say it as long as I like, but we won't be able to prove it until we win some real games."
