Q&A: Josh Reynolds Says Lions 'Playing Together', Goff Excelling
Wide receiver Josh Reynolds had the opportunity to play with quarterback Jared Goff, back when both were with the Los Angeles Rams.
Now in Detroit, both have enjoyed being part of the Lions' rebuilding process.
Goff and the offense have performed at a very high level this seaason, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has worked diligently with the unit to highlight and take advantage of each strength.
Heading into Week 18, the team is looking forward to playing their best on the brightest and biggest stage, even though the pressure will be at an elevated level.
Here is the conversation that Reynolds had with All Lions, discussing the team's second half of the season and preparations for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football.
*Questions and responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Q: We’ve talked to players who have concerns about the playing surface at Green Bay and how it gets slippery. How does that play into this weekend’s matchup at the Packers?
A: Got to do our job, you know? Nose over toes. Their field really does get a little slick, especially towards this winter time because they’ve got the field heaters. But, I mean, it doesn’t change too much, change anything for us. They’ve got to play in it, too.
Q: Jameson (Williams) mentioned that some players may wear "Seven Studs" cleats. What are the benefits of using that type of cleat?
A: We’ve got to get the cleats in the ground. I’ll try to go out there in Lambeau with my regulars. They probably won’t stick as well as a "Seven Stud" just because they’re a little longer. So, it helps you get some traction.
Q: What are your general thoughts on playing on "Sunday Night Football" in front of the whole country?
A: It’s exciting, man, I feel like I haven’t been on Sunday Night Football in a minute. I’m excited for the atmosphere, Lambeau, always a historic stadium to play in and the fans over there get a little wild. So, I’m excited to see that atmosphere again.
Q: You’ve played in big games, Jared’s played in big games. What’s the atmosphere, with this young team, going into this game with such high pressure?
A: I think it’s kind of added to what we’ve been carrying these past six weeks now. One game at a time, focus on us and do our job. Go out and the result will be the result. But, ultimately, we’re going out to win that thing.
Q: The offense has played very well this season, especially at Ford Field. What has led to this performance, in both the pass and run games?
A: I’d say it’s the preparation every week. Every week, we’ve gotten better, whether we’ve scored points or not. I mean, some drives end in touchdowns, some drives end up in three points. But, every week, we’re harping on getting better and fixing the things that we either missed or didn’t capitalize on that last week. That’s what it is, we’re gonna take it one week at a time and continue to capitalize.
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Q: It has, essentially, been a tale of two seasons for your team. What has been the difference in the second half of the season, where your team has been able to string together several wins?
A: I'd say the team’s playing together now. The beginning of the year, either the offense was doing their thing and the defense wasn’t, or defense was doing their thing and the offense couldn’t put up points. Now, we’ve got all three phases going together, special teams also adding in with Kalif (Raymond) scoring that touchdown and stuff. I think that’s the biggest thing. It’s not perfect, but we’re playing better together.
Q: How do you feel about your performance this season?
A: I’m good, man. Trying to continue to be healthy and help this team however they see fit.
Q: What do you like about playing with Jared Goff? And, do you feel like he’s playing at a level like he was with the Rams?
A: I feel like he’s playing at a high level, more (than he was with the Rams). Because with the Rams, he was still young, trying to find his own niche, his own rhythm. I think it was kind of harder, being in (Rams head coach Sean) McVay’s offense and stuff, McVay taking it over. Now, he’s able to get into it. Now, this is my offense. That’s what I’ve kind of seen as the biggest (improvement) since we were with the Rams.
