Everything Matthew Stafford Said About Atmosphere, Being Booed After Loss to Detroit Lions
Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford reflected on the atmosphere at Ford Field, the experience of being booed, and what it meant to play there again following a dramatic overtime loss in the season opener.
Stafford delivered impressive numbers once again on Sunday night against his former team. Following a performance of 367 yards and two touchdowns in their January playoff game, he went 34-for-49 in the rematch with 317 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough. The Lions forced overtime with a late field goal and won with a David Montgomery touchdown. Stafford lost the coin toss and did not get a chance to possess the ball during the extra period.
“It kind of boils down to the last time we came here,” Stafford remarked. “Similar circumstances, in that we didn’t capitalize enough in the red zone. We had a good drive before halftime, but I turned the ball over.
“I don’t hate the decision, just didn’t like the ball I threw. Higher and harder might’ve gotten us a touchdown. That was tough, no points from it.
“We had another chance, went for it on fourth down, didn’t score, and ended up settling for a field goal from the 1-yard line. That defined our game. We had opportunities, but we couldn’t capitalize.
“At the end, if I hit that ball to Cooper (Kupp) — we were a bit off on our reads there, and I understand what he was doing. That’s football. It’s humbling, but fun to compete.”
There’s lingering tension between Stafford and Detroit fans since last year’s 24-23 Lions win in the wild card round. He faced boos and chants for Jared Goff, the new franchise face.
Asked if he’s moved past the booing and Goff chants, Stafford responded, “I am, yeah. It’s fine with me.”
When asked if Detroit is now just another place to play, he replied, “Yep.”
On the atmosphere inside Ford Field, Stafford was polite but brief. “It was good,” he said. “Fun place to play, the crowd was into it. A great game helps get the crowd into it, back and forth all day, so it was a good atmosphere.”
Stafford spent much of the game connecting on short passes to Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson. He discussed a missed opportunity on the final full drive when the Rams could have run out the clock with a first down.
“That was the game,” he said. “We had a chance to win it. There are always plays you want back, and that’s one of them. I like to think I can make that throw every time, so I’m disappointed we didn’t finish it. But I’m proud of how we battled. Some guys stepped up, and it was great to see.”
Asked whether the Rams’ reliance on quick passes was due to the Lions’ defense or his team’s offensive line injuries, Stafford replied, “I think both. They were doing unique things personnel-wise that led us to throw early. When you’re throwing on early downs, it’s like a run play — getting four yards is good, 10 is great. That’s how we attacked their defense.”
For more from Stafford’s postgame press conference, see the additional quotes below.
On His Right Ankle
“I’ll let you know tomorrow,” Stafford said. “Well, I won’t, but…”
On Offensive Line Injuries
“It is what it is,” Stafford noted. “We’re pros. We practice for this. I’m proud of how those guys played. There were some unfortunate injuries, but they battled through.
“We were already thin at tackle, so I’m proud of those who stepped up. We dropped back to pass a lot, but they held up well. It’s never perfect, but they battled.
“Our outside guys also stepped up when Puka (Nacua) couldn’t return. They really battled.”
**On Rotating Offensive Linemen**
“Taking snaps from centers can be tough, but they were lights out,” Stafford said. “Beaux Limmer’s first snap was high and hot, but he handled it. After that, things ran smoothly.
“Injuries happen, and our guys are doing all they can to get back. Hopefully, we’ll get some tackles back soon. The best we can do is keep pushing. Proud of their effort today.”
On Cooper Kupp’s Big Game
“That’s what I see in practice,” Stafford said. “He’s asked to handle a lot in both the pass and run game, and he leads that room well. That’s why others step up as they do. Proud of him and happy with his performance today.”
On Puka Nacua’s Injury
“He’s really physical, with better speed than people think,” Stafford said. “He had an amazing season last year. He’s built trust with me, and we’ll see how his injury is. He’s a big part of our offense, but T.J. and others stepped in well today.”
On the Team’s Performance
“I’m encouraged with the effort,” Stafford said. “There’s room for improvement in execution, but our effort doesn’t need work. Our guys battled through a tough environment, injuries, and kept going. We got points but not enough to win, which is frustrating. We’ll focus on next week now.”
**On the Team’s Mentality Reflecting Him**
“I hope I exude that,” Stafford said. “I try to be steady and show that I’m giving everything on every play. Hopefully, that inspires the team to do the same.”
