The Lions are about to host a home playoff game for the first time in three decades. After all the agonizing defeats and wasted seasons, the postseason is finally coming to Ford Field. And just to add to the drama, it’ll be against a former franchise star.
But make no mistake: This isn’t a homecoming. It’s not a reunion episode. It’s a football game.
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Matthew Stafford was an elite quarterback for the Lions for many years, leaving as the most decorated passer in franchise history. He brought us some amazing moments, throws, games, comebacks, and broken records. But that’s it.
Stafford did a lot for the Lions. He made them mostly relevant again. The Staffords did a ton for the community, and continue to do so. But when it comes to football, we seem to forget some key information.
Stafford never won a playoff game here. He never led the team to a division title. He never had the Lions considered among the top contenders in the league. And while it wasn’t always on his shoulders, the fondness with which we look back on the Stafford era is clearly through rose-colored glasses.
Lions fans are clinging to nostalgia, but it dismisses what we have sitting right in front us: a winner. A team that can beat anyone, on any day, and looks to be set up for success in the years to come.
We’re still stuck on what could have been with Stafford in a Lions jersey. Why couldn’t he win more? Did he need more help? Is it a curse? It doesn’t matter anymore. It didn’t happen. It’s time to get over it.
When Lions fans found out Stafford and the Rams would be the first-round playoff opponent visiting Detroit, the emotion poured out on social media. Was it a matchup we were dreading? Was it the game we were hoping for? It depends who you ask.
But one thing is very clear: Lions fans aren’t over Matthew Stafford. He’s still in our heads. Whether you say you care or don’t care, the fact that you needed to say something is evidence enough.
The Lions fan relationship with Stafford is truly like having an ex who, deep down inside, you believe was maybe the one who got away (remember the cringe Detroit Rams shirts?). But in reality, the relationship wasn’t that good. It was just better than your last one (sorry, Joey).
But this season has proven that better things are possible.
For the franchise and for Lions fans, moving on from the Stafford era is absolutely key to enjoying future success. Hanging onto the past, with no connection to the present or future, will only hold you back.
I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see the Lions win more than a playoff game. That’s something that wasn’t done in the Stafford era.
If the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell-Jared Goff trio succeeds in surpassing the benchmark left by Stafford, the Lions will unlock an entirely new level. Let’s hope it doesn’t include clinging to former star players.
---> Let’s address the elephant in the room before Detroit Lions host Matthew Stafford