For the Rams and Lions, there’s greater than only a playoff win on the road of their wild-card matchup.
Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff will probably be taking part in with an additional chip on their shoulders towards their outdated groups. In 2021, Detroit traded Stafford to Los Angeles for Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round decide.
Stafford’s Ford Area homecoming comes at a handy time, with the Lions set to host their first house playoff recreation since 1993. After spending the primary 12 seasons of his profession in Detroit, the 35-year-old can spoil his former workforce’s unbelievable season within the stadium he known as house for thus a few years.
“The chance occurs to be in Detroit, which is enjoyable for me on a private stage,” Stafford stated after a win over the 49ers in Week 18. “I do know it’s gonna be rocking there. Haven’t had a playoff recreation there in about 30 years or no matter it’s, so it will likely be a fantastic ambiance.”
Stafford gave all the things he needed to the Lions, main the lowly franchise to 3 playoff appearances. His eventual cut up from the workforce was amicable, with the veteran quarterback eager to compete for a Tremendous Bowl within the twilight of his profession and Detroit getting into one more rebuild.
The identical cannot be stated about Goff’s divorce from the Rams, nevertheless.
The Rams chosen Goff with the No. 1 total decide within the 2016 NFL Draft. Regardless of main Los Angeles to a Tremendous Bowl berth two seasons later (they’d fall to the Patriots, 13-3), GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay wished one other QB.
Goff was seen as an afterthought within the commerce that despatched him to the Lions. After the Rams gained Tremendous Bowl LVI that very same season, Los Angeles’ determination to maneuver on from him was heralded as a fantastic transfer.
Quick ahead two seasons, and now Goff has the chance to actual revenge on the workforce that gave up on him. The 29-year-old has been taking part in among the finest soccer of his profession lately, commanding the Lions to a 12-5 file and an NFC North title.
When how Stafford and Goff have fared because the 2021 commerce, their stats are eerily comparable. Each quarterbacks have 24 wins and 41 turnovers, whereas Goff barely edges Stafford in passing touchdowns (78 to 75) and passer score (96.5 to 95.8).
Granted, one has gained a Tremendous Bowl up to now three seasons and the opposite is getting ready for his first playoff recreation in that span.
