Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford took several hard hits against the Lions on Sunday night, playing behind a battered offensive line. But he kept coming, leading the Rams from a 14-point deficit to a fourth-quarter lead before the Lions eventually won in overtime.

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

“Stafford, man, it’s almost like you don’t want to hit him because when you do hit him, he plays better. He just kept making plays,” Campbell said.

Stafford improved as the game progressed, and his late-game heroics were particularly impressive considering he was doing it behind a patchwork offensive line and without wide receiver Puka Nacua. The Rams lost in overtime when their defense gave up a touchdown on the offensive drive, and Stafford didn’t touch the ball. But the Rams’ loss doesn’t take away from the way Stafford stepped up.