Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was in a celebratory mood after Sunday’s 41–34 victory over the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium, but he didn’t hesitate to credit a standout defender from his former team.

Despite throwing for 368 yards and two touchdowns, Stafford admitted that Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson made one of the game’s most memorable plays — an early interception that briefly shifted momentum in Detroit’s favor.

Stafford Reflects on Hutchinson’s Early INT

In a Week 15 matchup with major playoff implications, Stafford acknowledged that Hutchinson’s interception on the Rams’ opening drive was a rare misstep.

“Aidan made a great play, and looked like he was the primary receiver on the damn play,” Stafford said. “It was a hell of a play, and then it made me look silly in space.”

The interception came when Stafford attempted to connect with tight end Colby Parkinson near the Lions’ 20-yard line. Hutchinson returned the ball 58 yards, setting up a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving Detroit an early 7–0 lead.

Rams Overcome Turnover With Fourth-Down Success

While the interception stalled a promising opening drive, the Rams responded by excelling in critical situations. Los Angeles converted all three fourth-down attempts, a key factor in securing its 11th win of the season and officially clinching a playoff berth.

Stafford emphasized the importance of staying aggressive against Detroit’s high-powered offense.

“Playing a good offense like Detroit has, you’ve got to stay with them,” Stafford said. “We clutched up, made some plays on fourth down, and were able to get some points out of it.”

Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams Fuel Rams’ Comeback

On the Rams’ second possession, Stafford converted two fourth-down throws — both to Puka Nacua — to keep the drive alive. The first came on fourth-and-four at Detroit’s 45-yard line, followed by a 10-yard completion that moved the ball to the Lions’ 27.

Those plays set up a four-yard touchdown run by Kyren Williams, tying the game at 7–7 after the extra point.

Stafford praised Nacua’s awareness and route-running against Detroit’s shifting coverages.

“Puka did a great job settling in a hole there,” Stafford said. “The next one, they showed us the man look, stayed man, and Puka did a nice job winning at the catch point.”

Final Fourth-Down Conversion Seals Momentum

The Rams’ final fourth-down attempt came midway through the third quarter, facing fourth-and-one at Detroit’s 25-yard line while trailing by seven. Stafford handed the ball to former Michigan standout Blake Corum, who picked up the necessary yard to extend the drive.

That possession ended with Harrison Mevis connecting on a 44-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to four and keeping Los Angeles within striking distance.

Rams Clinch Playoff Spot, Snap Skid vs. Lions

Without their perfect fourth-down execution, the Rams’ comeback — and playoff clincher — may not have been possible. The win also snapped a two-game losing streak against Detroit, which dated back to last season’s home opener at Ford Field.

As Stafford and the Rams move forward into the postseason, the veteran quarterback made it clear that even in victory, he recognizes elite talent on the opposing sideline — especially when it comes from a familiar uniform.