The Detroit Lions opted to trade the number one overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams on January 30th 2021, in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and some draft picks. Exactly a year after the trade, the former Detroit Lions starter was leading the Rams to the Super Bowl.
In his first season in Los Angeles, Stafford has managed to win more postseason games – three – than the Lions have during the entire Super Bowl era – one. While Stafford helped Detroit reach the playoffs three times during his 12 seasons with the franchise, they never were able to win a playoff game with him behind center. That certainly hasn’t been the case in Los Angeles though, as he has found immediate success with his new club.
“I haven’t thought too much about it, to be honest with you,” Stafford told reporters during the week leading up to the NFC Championship game, via Mlive.com. “I’m just trying to make sure I’m in the present, being kind of where my feet are planted and taking care of business here. Had a great time, a great run (in Detroit). Loved playing there for 12 years. But I’m in this place now and enjoying the opportunity to be a part of this team and see where we can take it, so that’s kind of where I’m at, at the moment.”
While the Lions had won league championships prior to the AFL-NFL merger, they have never been to a Super Bowl. In fact, the last time they even won a playoff game was 1991. Fans have been left wondering when their turn for success will be.
To make matters even worse for Lions fans, Stafford not only proved he could get the job done when it mattered most in Los Angeles, he also showed he can perform on a consistent basis as well. Stafford set new career highs this season in completion percentage (67.2), touchdowns (41) and touchdown percentage (6.8). The Rams also won the NFC West division title. The last time the Lions won a division championship was back in 1993.
“I’m so proud of this group,” Stafford said after the NFC Championship game, via ESPN. “We’ve had high expectations all year, done nothing but everything in our power to try to meet those. It’s a terrific group we have in there. Today wasn’t easy. It wasn’t perfect in some spots, but we found a way to win the game and that’s what it’s all about. I’m just happy and proud to be a part of this group. We’ve got some more work left to do.”
It still remains to be seen how the Stafford trade will ultimately work out for the Lions considering Goff is still just 27 years old and the way the draft picks have helped the team rebuild. There have been recent reports that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be interested in acquiring Goff from the Lions if Tom Brady does end up retiring, but that is all speculation for the moment.
The Rams will be playing the Super Bowl in their own building at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on February 13th against the Cincinnati Bengals.
