Matthew Stafford on leaving Detroit to join Rams: 'I wanted to shoot my shot'

Matthew Stafford had been the face of the Detroit Lions since the team drafted him with the first pick in the 2009 Draft. But after more than a decade, the two sides mutually agreed to part ways after the Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia and seem to be gearing up for a rebuild. Last month, Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams and he said the decision to leave Detroit was mostly fueled by his desire to play meaningful postseason games.

"I've always wanted to play in those big games, I feel like I will excel in those situations," Stafford told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press. "I wanted to shoot my shot."

It's understandable that the 33-year-old would want to join a team that will give him a chance to play beyond the regular season. After all, despite being one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league over the course of his career, Stafford has never won a playoff game. He was able to lead Detroit to the postseason twice but both times the team was eliminated on Wild Card Weekend.

With the Rams, Stafford should have a real chance to get that monkey off his back, as the Rams have made the playoffs three of the last four seasons, including this most recent postseason. Stafford is considered a pretty clear upgrade over Jared Goff, so barring any significant setbacks, the veteran quarterback could finally get the first postseason win of his career as soon as next season.