Jared Goff has firmly established himself as a Detroit Lion, and his outlook on facing his former team has shifted along with his new chapter.

Having squared off against the Rams multiple times over the past two seasons—including a memorable 2023 playoff clash and the 2024 season opener—Goff says the intensity he once felt facing Sean McVay’s squad has mellowed.

“Not so much anymore. No,” Goff told Lions OnSI when asked if there’s still extra motivation against his old team. “The playoff game was huge. The next year felt even less intense. Now it’s even further removed… they’re a very talented team, and we’ll have our hands full.”

Detroit emerged victorious in both of those encounters, and as the Lions (8–5) prepare to visit Los Angeles (10–3) for another NFC showdown, the focus is less on settling scores and more on positioning for the playoffs.

A Trade That Benefited Both Teams

Goff’s tenure in Detroit has been defined by perseverance. Despite dealing with a new offensive coordinator under Dan Campbell, injuries along the offensive line, and a depleted tight end group, he has maintained consistency and delivered some of the best football of his career.

Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford continues to dazzle with the Rams.

“I have a ton of respect for those guys over there… their defense is impressive… Matthew’s playing extremely well,” Goff said. “He’s one of those quarterbacks you enjoy watching on film.”

It’s a notable turn: the quarterback who was once traded for Stafford now calls him a standout talent to study.

Respect for a Transformed Rams Team

Although Goff spent five seasons in Los Angeles, the team he faces Sunday looks very different from his era there.

“They’re so different than when I was there, with a few coordinator changes,” Goff explained. “Coach Shula has done a fantastic job… everyone is on the same page, playing fundamentally sound football… and their D-line pressures the quarterback.”

He highlighted traits Detroit has praised as well: the Rams’ discipline, physicality, and the emergence of defensive standouts like Jared Verse and Kobe Turner.

High Stakes in a Key NFC Clash

Since the blockbuster Stafford-Goff trade in 2021, both the Lions and Rams have been strong playoff contenders, and both teams believe they’re built for January.

Now, the objective is straightforward: Detroit needs to maintain momentum in a competitive NFC, while Los Angeles aims to protect the top seed.

No vendetta. No theatrics. Just two elite NFC squads vying for playoff positioning—and a quarterback fully committed to his Detroit identity.