As the Detroit Lions gear up for their Week 18 NFC North matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Jared Goff has been contemplating the shared experiences of players like himself who have overcome challenges to thrive with new teams.

Goff, now leading the Lions as their franchise quarterback, was traded from the Los Angeles Rams four years ago.

Since then, his performance in Detroit has reached impressive levels, allowing him to find commonality with another NFC quarterback, Sam Darnold.

Darnold, once a highly-touted draft pick, experienced a similar career trajectory.

After being traded by the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers, he has revitalized his career.

Goff sees parallels between Darnold’s resurgence and his own, as well as with other quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Baker Mayfield, who have also excelled after finding themselves in new environments.

“I think all those guys—Sam, Baker, and Matthew—are really talented players,” Goff remarked.

“I was just saying earlier that I wish Sam wasn’t in the same division while playing so well. He’s a great player, and honestly, all of them are.”

Goff has found success in Detroit under a system designed to highlight his abilities, something he believes is crucial for any quarterback.

He explained that when a team builds an offense around a player’s strengths, it allows their talents to shine.

“When a team tailors its offense to your skill set, good things happen. Sam’s a talented guy, and you’re seeing what he can do when placed in the right system,” Goff added.

Despite this success, Goff acknowledged that the NFL’s fast-paced nature leaves little room for patience.

Teams often lack the time to develop players, especially quarterbacks, who need a supportive environment to succeed.

However, he pointed out that Darnold’s recent performances prove that finding the right fit can help any player excel.

“Patience is a rare commodity in the NFL, and it’s only becoming scarcer,” Goff said.

“That’s not likely to change, but Sam’s success this season shows how important the right circumstances are. He’s making a lot of people who doubted him rethink their opinions.”

While Goff is pleased to see Darnold doing well, he admitted that his enthusiasm is tempered by their status as division rivals.

“If Sam were playing in the AFC or anywhere outside our division, I’d be cheering him on wholeheartedly,” Goff said.

“I’m genuinely happy for him, though. He’s a talented player and a good guy who deserves this success.”

The similarities between Goff and Darnold’s career arcs are hard to ignore.

Both were initially written off but have since proven their worth with new teams. Now, they are crucial contributors to their respective franchises’ success.

As the Lions prepare to face the Vikings with the NFC North title on the line, Goff’s reflections highlight an important truth: sometimes, all a quarterback needs is the right opportunity and environment to unlock their full potential.