Detroit Lions expect fans to push noise record, treat Stafford as enemy again

Detroit Lions players are preparing for fans to push the Ford Field noise record, and that could mean enemy-territory treatment for Matthew Stafford again.

The last time the Detroit Lions faced off against the Los Angeles Rams, Ford Field broke some records. Fans, excited for the first home playoff game in 30 years, set the stadium record for noise, reaching an ear-bleeding 133.6 decibels—a mark they would actually break the following week against the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs (134.4).

“It was really loud. I don’t even know how to describe it,” linebacker Alex Anzalone said of the Rams game. “There was just like a buzz in the air, and I think that’s how it’s going to be going forward. So I’m really excited about that.”

The two teams will face off again this week, just as they did in the Wild Card round eight months ago: Sunday night, Ford Field, Lions fans crazy and amped up as ever.

“I’m fully expecting our fans to try and break that sound record again,” left tackle Taylor Decker said. “You know it’s going to be rocking and they’re going to be partying all day. It’s going to be fun. And they deserve to have the fun because they’ve been supporting us, or supporting this team for maybe 30, 40 years.”

One of the more interesting questions is the type of reception former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will get in his second return to Detroit. Last season, Stafford was met with boos and “Jared Goff” chants the second he stepped on the field—even two hours before the game began. Will that change given this is only a regular season game, not the first playoff game in three decades?

Decker admitted he doesn’t know what to expect, but he has an educated guess.

“I have no idea what to expect. Knowing our fans, I’m expecting hostile territory for anybody who comes in here,” Decker said. “I know Stafford is going to take that in stride as a competitor. I don’t think that’s going to bother him one bit. But that’s just the nature of the business. They want to cheer for their team and anybody who comes in here is the enemy.”

We’ve already gotten a taste of what Lions fans are capable of this year. In the preseason finale—yes, a preseason game—the Lions managed to not only sell out tickets (including standing room only seats), but the noise helped force two false start penalties by the Steelers.

“That last preseason home game, definitely cool and kind of got the juices flowing, as far as the excitement and just getting in front of the fans,” Anzalone said. “Playing defense, there’s really nothing better than playing here.”

It’s easy for defenders to feed off the energy, but the crowd noise does present a problem specific for Anzalone: attempting to communicate with his teammates pre-snap. It’s essential to get the initial play call in and convey any pre-snap adjustments to his teammates. Still, Anzalone knows the Rams offense is going to be struggling even more.

“After the game, I’m going home and don’t really have a voice left for my wife and kid. So yeah, you definitely have to be more vocal, especially calling the plays. Signals become important playing defense,” Anzalone said. “It’s definitely difficult, but it hurts the opposing offense more.”