Rams' McVay on Stafford: 'Wouldn't Want Anyone Else' at QB as Goff Leads Lions to Win
As Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Los Angeles Rams signal caller Matthew Stafford traded handshakes at midfield following Detroit's 24-23 victory Sunday night, it signaled the culmination of a day three years in the making.
Stafford, who spent the first 12 years of his career in Detroit before being traded to Los Angeles for Goff and draft picks in the spring of 2021, had just finished his first game back in Ford Field.
Goff, conversely, had just brought the Lions their first playoff victory in 32 years. His five-year stint with the Rams, four of which came under coach Sean McVay, was far from the most pressing thing on his mind.
But for McVay, the game's result changes nothing.
"I certainly am appreciative of the four years we had together," McVay said of Goff. "And I wouldn't want anyone else as our quarterback than Matthew Stafford."
McVay said he thought both players were excellent - and their stat lines reflect similarly.
Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) greet each other after a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field.
Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Stafford, who overcame hand and midsection injuries during the game, completed 25 of 36 passes for 367 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
The 35-year-old Stafford, who guided Los Angeles to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season, had more passing yards than Detroit's offense had in total. McVay said Stafford had favorable looks and frequently took advantage.
The game's difference came in the red zone, as the Rams failed to find the endzone on each of their three red zone trips.
Still, Stafford's effort - from his toughness and leadership to his clutch throws - drew considerable praise from McVay postgame.
"He was outstanding, gritty, gutsy, made tough throw after tough throw," McVay said. "The rush was barreling down on him, and he stood in there and was dropping dimes all day. We just came up a little bit short in the red area, but he certainly gave us a chance.
"We never would've been in this situation without Matthew Stafford's leadership, guidance (and) resilience."
Goff countered by going 22 of 27 for 277 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He completed a pair of 11-yard passes on Detroit's final drive to help salt the game away.
The Lions mustered only three points in the second half, but Goff still snagged his first playoff win since Jan. 9, 2021, which doubled as his final victory in Los Angeles.
Despite the outcome, McVay was complimentary of Goff on both a minute and broad level.
"Jared was really efficient," McVay said. "You can see the command he has. There's a lot made of it, but I'm really happy for him. Obviously, we wanted to come away with the win, but he's done a great job, and I think the grit, resilience and way he's done his thing here over the last three years.
"I'm happy for Jared."
Now, the Rams are left thinking about what could've been - from red zone woes to a slow defensive start, Los Angeles ultimately missed out on extending its season by just a few plays ... or points.
The Rams won seven of their final eight games. McVay said this team helped him regain his way on the sidelines. Stafford looked rejuvenated down the stretch and again Sunday night.
It's a disappointing ending for Los Angeles, but a storybook one for Detroit.
Goff won this battle - but the Rams expect Stafford to be back, and if he provides the same qualities he did this season, plan on contending for a rematch next season.
"He was one of the main catalysts for what was right about this football team," McVay said, "and I know he'll be excited about coming back next year as well."
