Jared Goff’s Surprising Take on Detroit’s Postseason Achievement
“Playoffs Aren’t the Goal—Winning the Division Is,” Says Lions Quarterback
The Detroit Lions secured an electrifying 34-31 victory against the Green Bay Packers on December 5, clinching a playoff spot early in the season. The win, sealed by Jake Bates’ game-winning field goal, marked a key moment for the Lions. Yet, quarterback Jared Goff’s reaction to this achievement revealed a team focused on loftier ambitions.
Goff’s Grounded Perspective on Playoff Berth
During the postgame press conference, Jared Goff acknowledged the Lions’ playoff clinch but expressed a surprising take on the milestone.
“Yeah, I just heard that. Pretty cool,” Goff remarked with a casual tone before pivoting to the team’s broader aspirations. “Certainly not what our ultimate goal is. We want to win this division and got some work to do still. But yeah, cool to know that we’re in the dance and want to see where we’re seeded now.”
Goff’s measured response underscores the Lions’ commitment to long-term success. While clinching the playoffs is notable, the team is setting its sights on claiming the NFC North division title and improving their postseason positioning.
High Praise for Detroit’s Defense
Beyond discussing playoff implications, Goff took time to commend the Lions’ defense for their resilience in a tough matchup.
“Credit AG [defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn], credit that staff over there, and credit those freaking players for playing their tails off today,” Goff said. “They went out there, they let it hang and played hard ball and made it hard on them. It was fun to watch.”
Despite facing injuries to key starters, Detroit’s defense made impactful plays that helped secure the win.
Goff’s Standout Performance
Goff himself delivered a strong performance. Though he threw an interception in the third quarter, the quarterback completed 32-of-41 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a 109.7 passer rating. He also demonstrated precision by completing 13 consecutive passes at one point, showcasing his ability to rally the offense under pressure.
Dan Campbell’s Inspirational Locker Room Speech
After the game, head coach Dan Campbell reinforced the team’s belief in their collective destiny during another one of his stirring postgame speeches.
“I’m so freaking proud of you, man,” Campbell told his team in the locker room. “That’s the way to show up. You talk about pressure. We live in pressure. That’s where we freaking thrive. You did it again.”
Campbell also emphasized the Lions’ adaptability in overcoming injuries to multiple starters.
“It doesn’t matter who’s playing for us, it doesn’t matter what’s going on, you always find a way to win,” Campbell declared. “This has been in the making, man. We were all supposed to be here together. We’re destined for this. Just stay the course.”
Looking Ahead
The Lions now have time to regroup before a high-stakes matchup against the Buffalo Bills on December 15. With a 12-1 record, Detroit is on an 11-game winning streak, but the Bills, at 10-2, will present a formidable challenge.
As the season progresses, the Lions remain laser-focused on their ultimate goals: dominating their division and cementing their place as serious Super Bowl contenders.
