Stafford to Joseph: 'You're Dirty as (Expletive)'

When Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph delivered a hit on Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, it drew a quick reaction from quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

The veteran passer, who was squaring off against his former team for the first time at Ford Field, ran over to Joseph and delivered his feelings toward the hit. 

"Hey, that's a good hit," Stafford said. "You're dirty as (expletive) though, and you know it. You're dirty as (expletive), it's been on tape, I've seen it. Hey, it's been on tape." 

It was the second time a hit from Joseph has caused an injury in recent weeks, as a hit to T.J. Hockenson led to the tight end suffering a knee injury. 

Lions coach Dan Campbell defended Joseph's hit Wednesday by explaining that the defender was aiming to make the tackle at Higbee's thigh. Several teammates also came to Joseph's aid by explaining that he was following tackling rules outlined by the league. 

C.J. Gardner-Johnson explained that the defender was playing within his rights as a result of where the ball was thrown, and Alex Anzalone added that league rules dictate how to tackle. 

Additionally, Anzalone said that the defender shouldn't have had to apologize online. 

Higbee was revealed to have suffered a torn ACL and MCL as a result of the hit, which caused Joseph to face scrutiny. 

The Lions were able to prevail in Sunday's game, winning by a single point. It was the first playoff win for the team since the 1991 season, and it allowed them to host another playoff game. 

Detroit will take on Tampa Bay Sunday in the Divisional Round, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. at Ford Field.