Matthew Stafford opens up about anger after playoff loss to former team Lions
Matthew Stafford had a chance to return to Detroit to face the Lions last year during the Rams' playoff run, but that didn't have a happy ending. Taking to the field he graced for most of his career, the Los Angeles quarterback played well in a close game but eventually lost 24-23.
It would have been a bittersweet moment for him, getting the appreciation from fans who used to adore him but also being knocked out in front of them. He was asked on Pardon My Take if he still had a soft spot for the Lions after the defeat, but Matthew Stafford said that there was nothing there.
The quarterback said that he wished a few of his former teammates well but showing his competitive side, he wanted everyone to lose, if possible. He didn't want to hold any other player to get the ring, if he could not, saying:
"I'm not rooting for anybody at that point. Yeah, I have a couple teammates that I wanted to like, ex-teammates that I really wanted to see play well, and they did, but, at that point, I wish everybody could lose."
Matthew Stafford didn't enjoy watching playoffs after loss to Lions
When asked if Matthew Stafford watched the rest of the playoffs, even if he was not rooting for anyone, he demurred saying that such a situation is always hard. He accepted that sometimes curiosity might get the better of him, and he might peek at the games but is not thinking about how the matchup could be exciting or not. He said:
"Sometimes, it's hard. I'll peek at it, but I'm not invested being like, 'Oh, that'll be a good matchup next week.' I'm like, 'F that'"
Even though Matthew Stafford might have his complaints about last season's playoff loss, he has come out looking better after his trade to the Rams. During his time in Detroit, they were consistent underachievers. Now, he has a Super Bowl ring to show for his efforts, more than the Lions have won in their history.
Dan Campbell has since changed the culture there, and last year's postseason run broke a longstanding drought dating back to 1992, when they last won a playoff game.
That it came at the expense of their former quarterback would have been especially sweet for the Lions fans. So, one cannot begrudge Matthew Stafford for not being too keen on celebrating their successes when the Rams were knocked out. The camaraderie will probably only return when he retires.