Matthew Stafford stages fourth quarter comeback to keep Lions winless

The Detroit Lions dropped to 0-7 on Sunday, with a fourth quarter comeback orchestrated by former quarterback Matthew Stafford.

In twelve years with the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford rewrote the team’s passing record book while seeing consistent team success continually evade him. On Sunday he reminded his old squad just how much his run was squandered in the Motor City.

In his first game against the Lions in a Los Angeles Rams uniform, Stafford connected on three touchdown tosses and threw for over 300 yards in a 28-19 win over the team that drafted him first overall in 2009 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. He also engineered his 32nd career fourth-quarter comeback, which became a hallmark of his time in Detroit.

Though they were game and had their chances, Detroit dropped to 0-7 and Dan Campbell is still winless as Lions head coach. They have lost 11 straight games dating back to last season, the longest active skid in the NFL.

The Lions got off to an explosive and surprising start, thanks to a 63-yard D’Andre Swift touchdown catch-and-run, followed by a recovered onside kick. Then came a fake punt first down throw by punter Jack Fox.

That led to a field goal, giving the Lions a 10-point advantage before the Rams’ offense even took the field. The Lions led at the end of the first quarter for the first time in a game since November of last year.

The Rams began to climb back, as Stafford found wideout Van Jefferson for an 11-yard score to cut the deficit to three. Another short touchdown grab by Cooper Kupp on the next drive helped the Rams to a one-point lead at halftime.

Amazingly, the Lions converted a second fake punt for a first down in the third quarter as safety C.J. Moore took a direct snap for 21 yards to keep their offense on the field. However, they were stopped soon after on fourth down in Rams territory.

A field goal late in the third frame gave Detroit a two-point lead. But Stafford found Kupp for a second score early in the final quarter.

A two-point conversion gave the Rams a six-point lead, but the Lions drove deep into L.A. territory with a punishing nine-plus-minute drive. However, Jared Goff’s pass intended for tight end T.J. Hockenson was intercepted by Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the end zone, sealing the Lions’ fate. The Rams would add a field goal for good measure.

Goff, the former first overall draft selection by the Rams in 2016 who was acquired by Detroit in the trade for Stafford, had chances to grab a victory against his old team. But alas, an untimely turnover in the red zone cost the Lions. He finished 22 of 36 for 268 yards with a touchdown and two picks. Swift had144 yards from scrimmage for Detroit.

The Lions will return home next Sunday to face the Philadelphia Eagles at 1:00 P.M. EST.