Jared Goff’s division loss brings back memories of why he he was traded
The chances of a rematch between the Rams and Lions was thwarted on Saturday when Detroit lost to the Commanders. The game was highlighted by the complete opposite nights of the two quarterbacks, Jared Goff and Jayden Daniels.
With the Lions now losing their last two playoff games and Goff being a central reason to their disappointing finish by throwing three interceptions, the Rams and Matthew Stafford are receiving praise for the trade like it’s two years ago all over again.
Stafford will hope to improve his playoff record to 6-1 with the Rams if L.A. beats the Eagles on Sunday, while Goff is now 2-2.
It’s less about Goff and more about praising the Rams for being able to win a Super Bowl and still have success in year three because of the boldness to trade Goff and two first round picks for Stafford.
The Rams-Lions trade is not a win-win. The Rams clearly won the trade
Rams got:
– Matthew Stafford
– 4 playoff wins
– Super BowlLions got:
– 2 playoff wins
– Blown 17 point lead in the NFC Championship
– Choked in the Divisional Round pic.twitter.com/ewh0PbAuhJ— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) January 19, 2025
I don’t ever want to hear people ask me who won the trade?
Jared Goff’s season is over before Matthew Stafford for the 2nd time since the trade.
Matthew Stafford’s playoff record in LA: 5-1 (.833)
Jared Goff’s playoff record in Detroit: 2-2 (.500)
Also you can’t forget SBs. pic.twitter.com/3Z5vhhGNvE
— OptimisticRamsfan/SatisfiedDodgersFan (@LARams_Fanatic9) January 19, 2025
Sean McVay traded for Stafford because he had failed to win a Super Bowl in his first four seasons; like any great head coach he needs to be bailed out by great players when something goes wrong. That was apparent during Stafford’s first playoff run with the Rams when L.A. had to:
- Win the game in the fourth quarter against the Bucs
- Win the game in the fourth quarter against the 49ers
- Come from behind in the fourth quarter against the Bengals
Statistically, Goff has a consistently solid, but unspectacular playoff resume. Coaches often say that they would happily take any quarterback who protects the football and Goff came into Saturday with only two interceptions in nine previous postseason starts.
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But just by watching Goff, there are limitation that becomes apparent when his teams are losing and need the quarterback to make 99th percentile throws. When Goff had to push the ball downfield or complete a clutch pass, he was either intercepted or well off. On one such play, Goff had Jameson Williams wide open for what should have been a 50-yard touchdown, but the ball was “six inches too far” according to Tom Brady.
I don’t recall seeing Stafford miss that pass very often, which is why some teams advance in the playoffs and others don’t.
Which is different than saying Stafford is perfect. He had an 0-3 playoff record in his first 12 seasons. But like any quarterback or head coach, he wants to be surrounded by great talent when he makes a mistake or is a hair off the mark.
THIS is why the Rams trade for Matthew Stafford.
Down by 10 in the fourth quarter in the playoffs. Who do you trust to throw the ball? Matthew Stafford or Jared Goff?
Ben Johnson chose Jameson Williams.
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) January 19, 2025
The difference shows up when two teams show up like this in the playoffs:
- We’re great and we have a great quarterback
- We’re great and we have a good quarterback
Teams that deep in the playoffs are usually very good. So where will the difference often show up? In the quarterback.
If all you’re asking Stafford to do is “protect the ball and make a couple of big plays”, that’s two more big plays than most quarterbacks. And that’s why this trade is bring brought up again — not because of what the Lions didn’t do, but because of what the Rams appropriately continue to get credit for three years later.
