Matthew Stafford heads a week of chaos into Ford Field

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How long before we see one of those annoying Detroit Rams T-shirts?

And how long will it take for someone to want to rip it off and throw it in the garbage?

This week, I embrace the chaos of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford returning for his first playoff game at Ford Field. How many dreamed of Stafford playing in and winning his first Ford Field playoff victory?

Well it could happen, but he won’t be in a Detroit Lions uniform. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said that we don’t root for athletes. We root for the shirts.

He is correct about that. For as much as many loved Stafford when he played here, they want to see him fall on his face next Sunday night as the Lions and Rams fight in the Super Wild card round of the NFC playoffs.

Case in point. Theo “Gridiron” Spight, who sang for Stafford and the Lions for all of his 13 years here posted on social media that he wants to see the Lions tap that ass and send Matthew Stafford home a loser. That’s exactly what will happen although it won’t be easy.

Stafford isn’t the first former Lions quarterback seeking revenge on his former team. Rodney Peete passed for three touchdowns and 273 yards in leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 58-37 victory over the Lions in 1995.

There are too many story lines to count. And they don’t all involve Stafford. This could also be the revenge tour of Lions wide receiver Amon—Ra St. Brown who was snubbed for the Pro Bowl team. Rookie Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did make it.

You know St. Brown will want to show the world he belongs.

The Lions must validate this 12-5 season with at least one playoff win. They are tired of being whipping boys and are motivated and angered by the blown officials call against Dallas which prevented a No. 2 seed and at least two home playoff games.

“I think we’re ready,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “I think Dan said it best in there (the dressing room). No one’s been through the type of adversity this group has been over the last couple of years.”

St. Brown isn’t the only Lion to be snubbed. Goff got snubbed and abused by the Rams. He was a throwaway in a trade that sent Stafford to the Rams and Goff to the Lions. Now the “bridge quarterback” is building a bridge for a bright future in Detroit.

The Lions are young, motivated, stimulated and ready to open a window of great opportunity.

“We got two more banners to hang,” said safety C.J. Gardner Johnson.

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For more from the author Terry Foster, check him out on Twitter here: @terryfosterdet

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Original Photo Credit: © David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK