At this stage of Jared Goff’s career, his time with the Detroit Lions has now surpassed the years he spent with the Los Angeles Rams, the team that drafted and later traded him.
After matching up with his former organization in the 2023 postseason and again to open the 2024 campaign, Goff says whatever emotional spark those reunions once carried has faded.
When asked if facing Sean McVay’s team still hits differently, Goff didn’t hesitate.
“Not really anymore,” he said. He explained that the playoff showdown felt huge, the rematch the following season a bit less so, and now the connection feels even more distant. While he still respects the Rams, he views the matchup simply as another challenge against a talented opponent.
Detroit has won the past two meetings, and this week Dan Campbell’s team travels once again to face one of the NFC’s top contenders.
This segment of Goff’s Detroit tenure has featured plenty of adversity—from operating under Campbell as the play-caller to frequent injuries along the offensive line and stretches without either of his starting tight ends. Still, both the Lions and Rams have remained playoff-caliber squads, and the blockbuster 2021 trade swapping Matthew Stafford for Goff has paid off for both franchises.
Goff reiterated his admiration for what the Rams have built. Their defense, led by coordinator Chris Shula, has stood out as he studies game tape. He also noted how potent Stafford and the Rams’ offense continue to be.
Goff admitted he still enjoys watching Stafford’s film whenever Detroit gets crossover footage.
“He’s playing at a high level,” Goff said, adding that Stafford remains one of the quarterbacks he likes to study.
Detroit coaches and players have echoed Goff’s praise of L.A.’s discipline and defensive execution, highlighting emerging standouts like Jared Verse and Kobe Turner.
Goff acknowledged that the Rams look nothing like the team he once played for, with multiple coordinator changes since his departure. He credited Shula—once his linebackers coach—for becoming an excellent defensive leader. Comparing last year’s season opener to the current tape, Goff sees a clear evolution.
He emphasized how unified and well-coached all three defensive levels appear—secondary, linebackers, and defensive line—and how effectively they disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
