- Stafford spent the first twelve seasons of his NFL career playing QB for the Lions
- Rams WR Puka Nacua set a record for most receiving yards by a rookie with 181
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The Detroit Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams 24-23 on Sunday night in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.
Detroit got off to a strong start by spoiling Matthew Stafford’s return to Ford Field and led the game 14-3 when the first quarter ended.
Stafford was originally welcomed to his old stomping grounds with a chorus of loud boos when he first took the field.
The two-time Pro Bowler had spent the first twelve seasons of his NFL career in Detroit. Prior to his return, Detroit native and legendary rapper Eminem asked the QB for a “favor” and if he could “give us this.”
Stafford’s children also wore jackets with the words “Born in Detroit Raised in LA” on the back.
The Detroit Lions defeated the LA Rams 24-23 in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs
Rams QB Matthew Stafford finished the night 25-36, 367 yards and two touchdowns
Lions QB Jared Goff, who was traded for Stafford, went 22-27, 277 yards and a touchdown
Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs both scored touchdowns on the ground as Detroit built its early lead.
Montgomery finished the game with 14 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown, while Gibbs finished the night with eight carries for 25 yards and a touchdown to go along with four receptions for 43 yards.
The Stafford and Ram offense responded in the second quarter with touchdown passes to wide receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell as they were able to cut the Lions’ advantage to 21-17 as the game entered halftime.
Stafford finished his spoiled homecoming with 25-36, 367 yards and two touchdowns.
Nacua went on to set the NFL playoff record for most receiving yards by a rookie with 181 while hauling in nine total receptions.
Stafford and Goff exchanged a post-game hug before leaving the field
Rams WR Puka Nacua set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie with 181 yards
Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs scored Detroit’s two touchdowns
A closely fought third quarter saw both teams record only field goals entering the fourth quarter with Detroit narrowly holding on to a 24-20 lead on the scoreboard.
LA was only able to convert another field goal on fourth down to bring them within one point of tying the game before being shut out the rest of the way by Detroit’s defense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown ultimately became the most important player for the Lions all night after catching seven passes for 110 yards.
Lions QB Jared Goff, who was traded to Detroit in exchange for Stafford three years ago, finished the night 22-27, 277 yards and a touchdown.