The Los Angeles Rams surprised the NFL in 2021 by trading Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford, just a few years after leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Conversely, it took just one season for Stafford to lead the Rams back to the Super Bowl and actually win it. On Sunday, Goff and Stafford will meet in the wild-card round, when Detroit hosts Los Angeles in the playoffs.
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Detroit Lions No. 16 Jared Goff runs on the field before a game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 7, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Goff has extra motivation to push the Rams past.
After being asked if he still had a scar on his shoulder, he told ESPN, “Of course.” “I don’t think that will ever leave me, and I think that’s a good thing.”
Detroit Lions No. 16 Jared Goff tries to throw a pass during the second half of a game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 7, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has a great opportunity to make his mark on Lions legend with the franchise's first playoff win since the 1991 season.
“We would love to win a championship in a city that hasn't had a playoff game in a long time,” he said. “For me personally, being able to play a playoff game at home for the first time in a while means the most to me. I want to contribute to this victory and work to the best of my ability.”
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Goff put together one of the best seasons in recent memory. He has 4,575 passing yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Detroit's offense finished in the top five in points and yards allowed.
Jared Goff, No. 16 of the Detroit Lions, waits to take the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on January 7, 2024. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Detroit's 12 wins are the most since 2014, when Stafford led the team to an 11-5 record. This is the third time the Lions have finished with double-digit wins since 1995, when they went 10-6.
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The teams will face off on Sunday night at 8pm ET.
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