Matthew Stafford stepped into the brightest of lights last weekend on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Los Angeles Rams were staring down the barrel of what would’ve been a historical collapse before Stafford orchestrated a game-winning final drive. Stafford is now on one of four teams left in the NFL postseason, and while many fans may have mixed feelings about it, the Detroit Lions still made the right decision last offseason.
It became apparent after last year that Stafford’s time in Detroit had run its course. He had emptied the tank for the franchise, city, and fanbase, and they could never secure even one playoff win in his 12 years with the organization. He has two this year alone with the Rams.
Los Angeles has a roster ready to win it all now, and Stafford was a clear upgrade from Jared Goff. A few years back, Sean McVay got to the big stage with Goff under center, but the Rams’ offense fell on their face against the New England Patriots. Stafford comes with his flaws, most notably the interception bug he can’t shake. Stafford tied for the league lead in interceptions this year with 17. But it’s moments like the final drive against the Buccaneers last week that the Rams knew they needed to snag Stafford while he was available. LA is all-in this year and all-in on Stafford.
Detroit was never going to reach a conference championship with Stafford. He had Calvin Johnson to throw to early in his career. But while the duo put up gaudy numbers, it never resulted in postseason success. There were still organizational stability problems and a revolving door at head coach at the tail end of his time with the Lions.
At that time, it was Matt Patricia on his way out. Detroit always knew what Stafford is doing now with LA was possible, but they also knew hanging on to him wouldn’t help either party. So the Lions cut ties, got quite the draft haul in return, and officially turned the page to a new era with a full-on rebuild. Knowing the reality is one thing, but it’s still a tough pill to swallow.
The truth is that Stafford has always been an outstanding quarterback but also needs structure and considerable talent around him. Detroit could never build that, while the Rams already had it in place. Stafford didn’t reinvent the wheel in Los Angeles. He hasn’t been vastly different than he was with the Lions. The difference is having an offensive mind like McVay to call the shots, an elite receiver like Cooper Kupp to throw to, and a solid offensive line.
The difference is having three Hall of Famers on defense in Von Miller, Aaron Donald, and Jalen Ramsey, who spearhead a lethal group that harasses the opposing offense. He’s the same Stafford; he’s just on a vastly better team. In turn, that has made it all the easier for the Lions to look in the mirror and realize it was the right time to get great value for him.
Lions fans may be frustrated watching Stafford on this run, but many others are thrilled that their franchise’s best quarterback is finally getting his flowers. Those feelings could shift if he ends up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy this year. He’s two wins away from doing just that. But plenty of fans and pros alike are thrilled for him.
Stafford left Detroit on good terms, with all sides recognizing a fresh start would benefit everyone. Sometimes the most challenging breakups are the ones that are the most obvious. It’s hard to imagine many in Detroit actively rooting against Stafford this Sunday when the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. It’s also easy to envision many left with an empty feeling if LA does end up winning the game, and that’s only normal.
Emotions will be mixed regardless of whether Stafford wins or loses on Sunday. It doesn’t change that the Lions still made the right decision, despite the bittersweet feelings.
