Jared Goff did not have his time in Los Angeles end well. After three Pro Bowl seasons in four years, Goff and Rams head coach Sean McVay just weren’t working out anymore.
The Rams shipped Goff to Detroit as part of a massive bounty to acquire Matthew Stafford. For a long time, the narrative was that Goff was a “throw-in”, but the Lions–specifically GM Brad Holmes–didn’t see it that way.
Three years later, Goff proved capable of doing something Stafford never could in 12 years in Detroit. Goff led the Lions to a playoff victory over Stafford and the Rams. Detroit’s 24-23 nail-biting win on Sunday night was a testament to the organization’s faith in Goff.
Head coach Dan Campbell presented the game ball to Goff in the locker room. Campbell also heaped praise on Goff to lead off his postgame press conference.
“In the critical moment, to seal the game we put it in Goff’s hands,” Campbell said. “He gets it to (Amon-Ra St. Brown) Saint and we’re able to kneel on it.”
Campbell was just getting started in showing grace and respect to Goff. From unwanted to unprecedented, Goff was the man of the night.
“I thought he played top-notch football,” Campbell said of Goff. “H probably had two errors, and everything else was on point. He looked loose. He looked relaxed. I thought he threw the ball with conviction, was strong in the pocket. Got us in the right play.”
It did not come as a surprise to Campbell or the Lions.
“He felt that way all week. He just was locked in all week,’ Campbell said.
“Just really proud of him.”
We all are, coach.