Rams Coach McVay Has 'Appreciation' for Lions QB Jared Goff Before Playoff Reunion
The Los Angeles Rams (10-7) capped off the regular season with a 21-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers (12-5) on Sunday inside Levi's Stadium.
Now, the Rams turn their attention to next weekend's NFC Wildcard matchup with the Detroit Lions, where a familiar foe awaits: quarterback Jared Goff.
It's been just under three years since Los Angeles traded Goff to Detroit, where he's resurrected his career and played a key part in guiding the Lions back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season.
The Rams, of course, acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford in return and proceeded to win the Super Bowl the following year.
Now, Goff gets his own chance at postseason stardom in Detroit - and it comes in full-circle fashion.
But according to Rams coach Sean McVay, who spoke on the topic following Sunday's win, there's no bad blood between the two parties.
"I have more appreciation for him as time goes on," McVay said. "He's nothing but a class act and man, did he do a lot of really good things here for us, and he's done great stuff for them. There's a reason why they're in this position.
"They've been an excellent offense and he's done a great job orchestrating it."
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 also credited Lions coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the offense's success, as Detroit ranks No. 3 in the league with 394.8 yards per game and No. 5 in points per game at 27.1.
Goff ranks top-five in the league with 4,575 passing yards and 30 touchdowns and is top-10 in completion rate at 67.3 percent.
By all accounts, Goff appears well-off in Detroit ... and while the storyline exists surrounding him vs. Stafford, McVay insists he remains grateful for his four years with Goff.
"I think those are fun narratives, but there's nothing but appreciation and gratitude from me," McVay said. "You guys know there's different things that occurred, but there's nothing but good vibes on my end."
Stafford has enjoyed a productive year on his own accord, completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Naturally, the two quarterbacks will dominate headlines - but the outcome will ultimately come down to much more.
The Rams have won seven of their last eight. The Lions have won three of their last four.
Both teams enter the playoffs riding a wave of momentum ... and so, the focus again shifts away from the quarterbacks - though the Goff vs. Stafford individual matchup will continue to be the topic of conversation.
"All those narratives are fun, but it's going to be about the Lions vs. the Rams," McVay said. "Let's see if we can put together our best game plan, a great week of preparation and go put it together for all four quarters, let it all hang out and see what the hell happens."
