Ram Digest

FINAL: Jared Goff's Lions Defeat Matthew Stafford's Rams 24-23

After a 5-12 season a year ago, the Los Angeles Rams are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl LVI.

Harrison Reno

In this story:

It is gameday in Detroit as the Los Angeles Rams find themselves in enemy territory for their Wild Card matchup with the Lions. 

But that won't be the only reason that makes this game special, as it marks a homecoming for Rams franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford, as he returns to Ford Field for the first time since being traded to L.A. three years ago. 

Meanwhile, Lions signal-caller Jared Goff will reunite with the same team that drafted him as No. 1 overall before trading him away after just five seasons. 

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and quarterback Jared Goff (16)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9), Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and quarterback Jared Goff (16) / FanStreamSports.com

This makes this game unique not only for each quarterback but also for the NFL, as it will mark the first time in league history that both starting signal-callers will face their former team thanks to a trade where they were exchanged for the other. 

After one season away, the Rams are back in the postseason despite preseason expectations having them falling well short of their 10-7 record. 

However, even after an offseason where they absorbed $74.2 million in dead cap space as they offloaded many of their star players from their Super Bowl-winning squad, they managed to win seven of their last eight games to face the Lions. 

Contrastingly, the Lions came into the season expecting to make the postseason after falling short a year ago. Yet, even with the pressure of making the playoffs for the first time since 2016, they emerged from the regular season as one of the NFL's top teams at 12-5.

Stafford's Rams 'Homecoming'? 'Revenge'-Minded Lions Have Another Plan

Stafford and Goff will look to lead their team to a win over the other as they begin their quest to Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium for Super Bowl LVIII.

First Quarter 

The Lions received the opening kickoff and immediately put together a perfect opening drive. Quarterback Jared Goff the Lions on a 75-yard drive in 10 plays, completing all five of his passes for 51 yards, while David Montgomery ran the ball five times for 24 yards before finding the endzone on a one-yard carry. 

TOUCHDOWN LIONS 

Lions 7, Rams 0

Change of Possession

The Rams responded with a promising, impressive drive of their own, reaching the Lions' six-yard line before being forced to settle for a field goal as Stafford fired three straight incompletions. 

FIELD GOAL RAMS 

Lions 7, Rams 3

Change of Possession

The Lions struck quickly, driving 75 yards in five plays before Jahmyr Gibbs found the endzone on a 10-yard run.  A roughing the passer penalty and a 33-yard pass to Josh Reynolds from Goff helped the Lions find the endzone quickly.

TOUCHDOWN LIONS 

Lions 14, Rams 3

Change of Possession

Second Quarter 

The Rams fired back with a quick score of their own as Stafford found standout rookie receiver Puka Nacua for a 50-yard touchdown. After Stafford tripped over his own feet for a sack to start the drive, he responded with three straight completions to cap off a six-play drive. 

TOUCHDOWN RAMS 

Lions 14, Rams 10

Change of Possession

The Lions extended their lead with another touchdown drive that lasted 11 plays as Goff found his tight end LaPorta for a two-yard touchdown/ 

TOUCHDOWN LIONS

Lions 21, Rams 10

Change of Possession

Stafford completed four of his five passes on the drive as he found Tutu Atwell for a 38-yard touchdown pass, his second of the game to cap off a six-play drive. 

TOUCHDOWN RAMS

Lions 21, Rams 17

Change of Possession

The Rams defense was able to force the first punt of the game as a potentially controversial offside penalty on the Lions occurred on third-down. 

Change of Possession

The Rams ran just two plays before the clock ran out for halftime.

Third Quarter 

The Rams punt after just four plays as a third-down sack backed them on third-down before an incomplete pass.

Change of Possession

The Lions managed just a field goal after a nine-play drive saw them stall in LA territory after a second-down sack. Michael Badgley's 54-yard field goal attempt was good. 

FIELD GOAL LIONS

Lions 24, Rams 17

Change of Possession

The Rams matched the Lions' field goal with one of their own, as Brett Maher connected from 27 yards out. After completing five of his six passes on the drive for 56 yards, Stafford was helped to the blue tent, after exiting the field holding his side.

FIELD GOAL RAMS 

Lions 24, Rams 20

Change of Possession

The Rams defense forced another punt, this time after just four plays for the Lions. 

Fourth Quarter

Change of Possession

A long 13-play drive for the Rams once again ends in the red zone as Stafford couldn't connect with Cooper Kupp on third down. The Rams were once again forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal from Brett Maher. 

FIELD GOAL RAMS

Lions 24, Rams 23

Change of Possession

The Lions went three-and-out as a six-yard run on second-down was their only positive play of the drive. 

Change of Possession

The Rams were also forced to punt as Stafford's third down pass intended for Nacua was broken up. The Rams drive ended after just six plays. 

Change of Possession

The Lions picked up the crucial first-down they needed as Goff found St. Brown for a gain of nine yards. Afterward the Lions took three knees to end the game.

FINAL: Detroit Lions 24, Los Angeles Rams 23

Published
Harrison Reno
HARRISON RENO

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