Rams Coach Sean McVay Preparing to Face 'Matured' Lions QB Jared Goff
Much will be made about quarterback Matthew Stafford's return to Detroit this week, and rightfully so. But this game also marks the reunion of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and his former quarterback in Jared Goff.
Goff suited up for the Rams from 2016-20 before being traded to the Lions in the same deal that included Matthew Stafford.
The Rams rode Stafford's addition to a Super Bowl title the following season, but the Lions have still been seeking that level of glory under Goff's leadership, something they hope to obtain this season.
Sep 13, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay talks with quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cowboys 20-17.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
McVay was made available to the media on Monday where he discussed the challenges of preparing to face a quarterback you used to plan for, but he doesn't see it as a negative. In fact, he views that former era with Goff through a lens of fondness.
“I think the longer that you do it, it can become a little bit more normal," McVay said. "Like I said yesterday, I'm really happy and incredibly grateful for the four years of time that we did have together. I think the appreciation grows as I reflect back on it. We're excited to try to figure out how the Rams can play the best game that we can against the Lions, and it's going to be tough to stop those guys.”
McVay has been pleased with the growth he has seen out of his former quarterback, both in Los Angeles and later in Detroit.
"I think he played a really high level in the four years here with us," McVay said, "but I think he, just like anybody, has just continued to mature. You can see he's got great ownership of what they're doing."
Goff threw for over 4,500 yards, 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions en route to leading Detroit to its first division title in 30 years.
The Lions enter the postseason as the NFC's No. 3 seed, and they are slated to face Los Angeles at 5 p.m. PT on Sunday night as part of the NFL's Super Wild Card Weekend. The game will be televised on NBC.
