Buccaneers vs. Lions predictions and live updates: Start time ...

DETROIT — When the challenge of a lifetime presents itself, you never know how you’ll respond in the moment. You can think you have it all figured out, that things will all work out, but the questions that arise before the deed is done can only be answered later on, when the dust settles.

That’s what last week was for the Detroit Lions, hosting their first playoff game in 30 years, in search of their first playoff win in 32 years.

The dust has settled. The deed is done. And the Lions moved on.

“I’m telling you what, it doesn’t get any better,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said to a locker room full of players, eyes locked on him, after the Lions’ 24-23 playoff win over the L.A. Rams. “It’s everything you dream of and more.”

You couldn’t write a better wild-card matchup if you tried. It was up to the Lions, though, to write their perfect ending. That was easier said than done, knowing who was standing on the visitor’s sideline, for the first time as a visitor.

That would be former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The 2009 No. 1 pick. The former face of the franchise. The Golden Boy with the Golden Arm.

Stafford endeared himself to an entire city over the course of 12 seasons. He led memorable comeback drives. He played through countless visible injuries and probably more the public didn’t know about, giving his all to Detroit along the way. His four daughters were born here. In many ways, Stafford himself grew up here. And yet, he emerged from the tunnels of Ford Field for pregame warmups, in a different uniform, to boos.

An unfamiliar feeling. But a necessary one to set the tone.

There will come a time when Stafford is properly honored for his Lions tenure and what he did here. And when that time comes, this city will welcome him back with open arms.

But this? This wasn’t his night. It was never going to be his night. If you know these Lions, you know they wouldn’t let it.

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