Matthew Stafford dismisses weight of first game against the Lions

Matthew Stafford will face the Lions for the first time next Sunday, but he’s approaching it like any other week.

For 12 seasons, Matthew Stafford toiled capably as the Detroit Lions starting quarterback. Upon his being traded to the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason, the franchise’s all-time passing leader is finally getting a chance to play for a Super Bowl contender.

The Rams handled the New York Giants 38-11 on Sunday. With not much to eloquently dissect about that game, as the Rams easily moved to 5-1 on the season, focus shifted to Week 7 during his postgame press conference. The Rams will welcome the Lions to SoFi Stadium next Sunday.

Via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:

“Just like every other game,” Stafford said when asked how he’d prepare for his former team. “It’s an NFL opponent coming into our building.”

“In pregame, am I going to be saying hey to some old teammates and friends, the Ford family, hopefully, if they make the trip? Absolutely,” Stafford said. “I’ve got nothing but great relationships with people over there, so have a lot of respect for the organization, the team, the ownership.”

Matthew Stafford is not here for too much Lions’ nostalgia

The Rams and Lions could not be in more different places right now. The Lions are the league’s last remaining winless team after a dud performance against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. The Rams only loss is to the 6-0 Arizona Cardinals.

Stafford did not wish to be part of a rebuild in Detroit as his career winds down. The organization did right by him and granted his wish to be elsewhere, even if it meant taking on Jared Goff’s contract (albeit while acquiring an extra first-round pick for their trouble).

The Rams are heavily favored to win next Sunday’s game, with the point spread sure to remain north of 14 points all week long. At least publicly, Stafford is choosing to be strictly focused on taking care of business like he and his team should.