The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams would face off in the second game of the NFC wild card round yesterday. The Lions (12-5) were the #3 seed coming into this game and were seeking their first playoff win in 32 years. Los Angeles (10-7) were the #6 seed. This was also Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s first return to Ford Field.
This game was a close one unlike most of the games that took place this weekend. In the first quarter Detroit would score on two rushing touchdowns from Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery. The score was 14-3 after a Rams field goal from Brett Maher. The second quarter would see Rams QB Matthew Stafford fight to pull his team closer.
Stafford would connect on two big touchdown passes in the second quarter. A 50 yard pass to Puka Nacua and a 38 yard strike to Tutu Atwell would pull the Rams closer. Going into halftime, the Lions were leading 21-17.
LIONS DEFENSE TAKES A STAND
The third quarter would prove to be a defensive one as neither team would score a touchdown. The only scores would come from special teams as the Rams & Lions would both score field goals. Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had a remarkable game to cap off an incredible regular season. Hutchinson recorded 2 QB sacks and 4 QB hits on Stafford.
Stafford’s return wasn’t his best outing as he would be shut out in the second half. Rams QB Jared Goff on the other hand (22-22, 277yds, 1TD) was perfect simply because the Rams didn’t pressure him.
The atmosphere in Ford Field was electric as fans have been waiting for a Lions playoff win since they beat the Dallas Cowboys 38-6 back in 1991.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
With the loss yesterday, the Rams playoff chase has come to an end. The Lions will advance to the NFC Divisional round where they will face the winner of the Philadelphia Eagles/Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on Monday night.
This year’s playoffs are proving to be an exciting one! What do you think of the NFL playoffs? Let us know what you think down in the comments below!
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