Jared Goff may never admit it, but he’s relieved. The much-anticipated Lions vs. Rams game has passed by. And now the questions about his return to LA are over.
Because of how Goff left Los Angeles, he fielded questions throughout the week regarding his emotions. It’s not a secret that he and Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t on the same page. Last Wednesday, he described some of that bitterness and disrespect he felt on his exit. Even while giving McVay his flowers, it was apparent Goff felt mistreated.
He didn’t even have to tell reporters that’s what he felt. It was in his eyes. He was a hurt man. And can you blame him? By hook or crook, he was the best Rams quarterback since Kurt Warner. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler that led the Rams to a Super Bowl berth.
After playing through multiple injuries and still having moderate playoff success, it’s safe to surmise he didn’t expect the Rams to trade him. He didn’t expect the Rams to trade him for a quarterback that never won a playoff game.
Jared Goff didn’t expect a trade to Detroit, of all places.
And the icing on the cake? Goff is living with the unpredictable weather of Michigan, playing for a winless team. Whereas Stafford, his replacement in Los Angeles, is playing like the NFL’s next MVP on a Super Bowl contender, with McVay publicly singing his praises.
So when you factor in all of the above, Goff would receive questions about this game.
However, it’s over now. The Lions lost to the Rams in a competitive game, 28-19. And while many speculated winning this game would mean a lot to him, Jared Goff wants to win, period.
“I want to them all,” Goff told reporters. “Yeah, if we would have won this, it would have maybe a little more of a special meaning to it, but we needed a win. We still need a win, regardless of who we’re playing. That’s what we’re focused on right now.”
“Unfortunately, we’re 0 and seven. And need to make something happen here and get on the board. At the same time, though, playing like we did today and having so much positivity happen is good to see, but still not enough.”
The Lions will now head home to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles on Halloween. Right now, the Eagles, who are 2-5, are struggling. And this could be the Lions’ best shot at that elusive first victory.
“We’re a lot better than our record shows,” said Goff. “Ultimately, in this league, it really doesn’t matter. I can say that as long as I want, but until we win some games, we really can’t prove it. I do believe we are a lot better than 0-7.”
Time will tell if he’s right or not. For Goff’s claim to prove true, him leading the Lions to a victory before the by week would do wonders.
Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.
