Stafford Leads Record-Breaking 8th Fourth Quarter or Later Touchdown Drive

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford rushed for a seven-yard, go-ahead touchdown with 3:17 remaining in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. The score was ultimately the deciding factor in the Lions' 20-17 victory.

The drive also made Stafford the first quarterback since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to lead his team on eight game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Additionally, the win kept the Lions two games ahead of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. The club has now won five straight games for the first time since winning nine consecutive contests in 2010-11, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Stafford has been under center—for the most part—for the Lions since he was drafted first overall out of Georgia in 2009. While the eighth-year signal-caller has had some success in his professional career, Detroit has made the playoffs just twice during his tenure. Stafford is 0-2 in his two playoff appearances, per Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Prior to this season, Stafford has relied heavily on longtime star receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson announced his retirement prior this campaign, leaving Golden Tate as the top target. Detroit added Marvin Jones to the fold via free agency this offseason as an extra asset in the passing game.

Three weeks remain in the regular season and the Lions have three tough matchups on tap. They travel to face the New York Giants next week, followed by the Dallas Cowboys on the road and a home game against the Packers to finish off the season.

On top of the tough schedule, ESPN reports Stafford suffered a joint dislocation and ligament damage on the middle finger of his throwing hand Sunday, potentially throwing a wrench into things as the season winds down. However, the Lions are sitting pretty as they enter the home stretch.