Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on Sunday proved just how tough he was while facing off against the Detroit Lions during Super Wild Card Weekend.
The Rams trailed 24-20 late in the third quarter at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Stafford was thinking touchdown as his team faced third-and-12 at the Lions’ 13. The Rams QB was able to complete a pass to Cooper Kupp that was short of the first down.
Stafford released the ball just before taking a vicious hit from Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and falling hard on the turf.
Stafford took double damage from both Hutchinson and Lions D-lineman Alim McNeill. Hutchinson even stepped on Stafford’s throwing shoulder.
The 35-year-old QB ended up in the medical tent following the drive, which resulted in a field goal. But he somehow returned to the game shortly thereafter.
Some watching from home were convinced that Stafford had suffered a concussion or potentially a rib injury after the play. But the Rams star stayed in with his team’s season on the line.
Stafford, who was heavily booed by his former fans, threw for 367 yards with two touchdowns and 0 interceptions in his return to Ford Field.
Despite Stafford’s heroics, the Rams were unable to pull off a comeback in the fourth quarter. The Lions ended up winning 24-23 – their first playoff win in over three decades.
More must-reads: