Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams did what many believed could not be done. In Sunday’s NFC divisional round game, Stafford led the Rams to a thrilling last-second win over the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and legendary QB Tom Brady.
For Detroit fans, it was quite an experience. Stafford never won a postseason game in 12 seasons with the Lions, and he often bore the brunt of the blame — fair or not. The reaction from Lions fans and various media members, both local and national, was interesting to see after Stafford authored the game-winning drive and had a very impressive all-around game.
Matthew Stafford is going to the NFC title game and Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are not. Weird world we’re living in
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) January 23, 2022
Matthew Stafford I apologize.
— Quincy Avery (@QuincyAvery) January 23, 2022
And to think there were folks out there who believed Stafford would watch his team self destruct by doing Lions things and wouldn’t know what to do.
— Terp (@TerpHimself) January 24, 2022
A MATTHEW STAFFORD COMEBACK, JUST LIKE OLD TIMES
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) January 23, 2022
Game winning drive on the biggest stage — Matthew Stafford pic.twitter.com/zy80RgLUhl
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) January 23, 2022
Not only did he win. He won like that. Matthew Stafford. Congrats and well done.
— Dan Miller (@DanMillerFox2) January 23, 2022
Put some respect on Matthew Stafford’s name. pic.twitter.com/8pN0ixKkZU
— Tony Dombrowski (@tonydombrowski) January 23, 2022
matthew stafford just walked into tampa, threw for 360 yards and scored 3 TD’s and beat the defending champions despite his teammates fumbling 4 times 😂😂😂
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) January 23, 2022
People who still believe Matthew Stafford was the problem with the Lions are either delusional or very much in denial.
Pretty cool he is one win away from the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/VrcgC3jO7x
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) January 24, 2022
For years in Detroit, Matthew Stafford did versions of that. But never in the playoffs. Never on this stage.
Now, he has. Stafford has been one of the better end-game quarterbacks for a while. People just hadn't seen it because…Lions.
Huge moment for him.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 23, 2022
I don’t even care…
MATTHEW STAFFORD.
— 𝗟𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 (@LionsRoyalty) January 23, 2022
It only took one year for Matthew Stafford to win more playoff games than the Lions have in their franchise’s history. That says more about the Lions then it does about Stafford.
— Adam Ruff (@AdamRuffPhoto) January 23, 2022
Matthew Stafford oh my, legacy throw
More playoff wins over Tom Brady than Rodgers
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) January 23, 2022
They told me Matthew Stafford wasn't good though? I could've sworn he was a born loser they said?
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) January 23, 2022
Hey Stafford haters,
Open wide pic.twitter.com/nAm95n1id3
— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) January 23, 2022
