Jared Goff earns revenge over Rams; Lions grab first playoff victory in 32 years

Eric Williams

NFC West Writer

Jared Goff showed some Detroit grit.

The 29-year-old signal caller for the Detroit Lions led his team on three touchdown-scoring drives in the first half, then helped them put away the game late in a 24-23 victory over his former team, the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.

With the win, Goff moved past some of the bitterness that came with the Rams trading him away for Matthew Stafford and winning a Super Bowl without him. Only five players remain from the Rams’ team that won the Super Bowl two seasons ago. 

Detroit fans chanted Goff’s name throughout and booed their former quarterback, Stafford. It was the Lions’ first playoff victory since the 1991 postseason. 

“It means a lot, but this team is special,” said Goff when asked how he felt about beating his former team. “It’s about our team. It’s about the ’23 Lions. It’s about this squad. It’s about the people in the building. It’s about (Lions coach) Dan Campbell. It’s about us.” 

Added Campbell: “I thought (Goff) was on point. He looked loose. He looked relaxed and I thought he threw the ball with conviction. He was strong in the pocket, got us in the right play. And he felt that way all week. He just was locked in all week.” 

Goff was efficient, finishing 22 of 27 for 277 yards and a touchdown — and more importantly no turnovers. Goff completed his first 10 passes of the game. Goff and Rams head coach Sean McVay shared a hug near midfield after the game.

“Jared was really efficient,” McVay said after the game. “You could see the command that he had. I think there’s been a lot made of it, but I’m happy for him. Obviously, we wanted to come away with the win, but he’s done a great job. The grit, the resilience and the way he’s done his thing here over the last three years.

“I’m happy for Jared. And I’m certainly appreciative of the four years we had together. And I wouldn’t want anyone as our quarterback other than Matthew…


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Publish date : 2024-01-15 05:45:11

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