Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford sang the praises of the English NFL fans following his side’s dramatic victory over Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The Lions were designated the away side for the fixture under the arch but Stafford admitted to wondering whether that would have any effect on the atmosphere within the stadium.

But, upon being greeted by a partisan home crowd at kick-off, the Florida born quarterback’s question was answered.

“Atlanta had a home crowd which was impressive,” he told the post-match press conference.

“You didn’t really know what to expect coming in but they were very loud especially way backed up or going in to score and that’s very similar to an NFL stadium in the States, I was impressed with that.”

“There was a great energy in there and the stadium is fantastic.”

The home crowd appeared to have the desired effect early on as hosts Atlanta Falcons cantered into a 21-0 lead by half-time.

And Stafford admits he cut an angry figure at the break.

“No-one wanted to sit around me at half-time, I was not happy,” he recalled.

“I just knew we had been doing it to ourselves and that’s a frustrating feeling.”

“There were so many missed opportunities even in the second half when I threw that slant to Golden and I miss him, I thought that was it.”

“That was the worst throw I’ve ever had and I’m just sitting there thinking how that one is going to eat me alive on the bye week if we didn’t win the game.”

The Lions had been strong pre-match favourites going into the game with a 5-2 record.

And, as the game wore on, they began to justify that tag clawing back the deficit.

Going into the final four seconds Detroit trailed 21-19 and had a field goal attempt to win it but Matt Prater’s effort sailed wide.

However, Atlanta celebrations were cut short due to a flag on the play and the Detroit kicker squared up his second attempt from 5-yards further out and this time he made no mistake.

As the Lions players poured onto the pitch in elation Stafford was left to reflect on a quite incredible end to a rollercoaster afternoon.

“It was just a crazy way to end a game,” he said afterward.

“When we miss the first one you’re just as low as you can be.”

“But we get another shot at it and Prater squares one up and drills it and that’s about as high and as low and high again as I’ve been on a football field it was fantastic.”

“I’m just proud of our guys because they fought tooth and nail to go and get a win.”

Stafford reserved a few words of congratulation for the man who held his nerve for that pressure kick, Matt Prater.

“I was happy for him, he’s been making them all week in practice,” he added.

“I was really pleased to see him go out there and drill one.”