Dan Campbell: When you meet Matthew Stafford, he plays better

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford took several tough hits against the Lions on Sunday night, playing behind a banged-up offensive line. But he kept coming back and led the Rams from a 14-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter before the Lions finally won in overtime.

For Lions coach Dan Campbell, this was the ultimate sign of what a dangerous opponent Stafford is.

“Stafford, man, it's almost like you don't want to beat him because when you beat him, he plays better. He just kept playing,” Campbell said.

Stafford got better as the game went on, and his heroics at the end of the game were especially impressive considering he did so behind a ragtag offensive line and without wide receiver Puka Nacua. The Rams lost in overtime when their defense allowed a touchdown on the offensive run and Stafford didn't even touch the ball. But the Rams' loss doesn't make up for Stafford's performance.