First playoff game to be hosted by the Lions in thirty years

As they get ready for Sunday’s game, the Detroit Lions are also ready for Super Wildcard Weekend.

The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday night will be the focus of attention for all football fans.

When the game begins at Ford Field at 8 p.m., there will be plenty of suspense because there are so many narratives associated with it. The primary plot point involves the rematch between former teammates Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff.

Any emotional component that comes with Sunday’s game has been minimised by Goff. Three years after being shipped to Detroit in a trade, Goff is focused on helping the Lions win their first postseason game since 1991.

Instead of concentrating on the feelings of resentment that would inevitably surface from playing his old team, Goff has directed his energies towards bringing a playoff victory to a team and fan base that have sorely missed one.

“Not at all. It goes without saying that there is a personal connection there—not just for me, but also for many of our players and some of theirs,” Goff remarked. “But no, I really want to win a game for this city because we haven’t had a playoff game in a very long time. For the first time in a very long time, we have a playoff game at home, and that is, for me, far more important than anything else. I want to contribute to this victory and give my all at work.”

In 2021, Goff was traded for Stafford in what was thought to be a turbulent departure process. After the 2020 season, rumours circulated that Sean McVay had lost faith in Goff. Goff clarified, though, that he has no animosity against his former coach.

“Sean is an excellent coach,” said Goff. “We obviously disagreed at the end, but he’s an amazing coach who has accomplished a lot.” I learned a lot from this person.”

The team that was waiting for Goff in Detroit was still being assembled. Three years later, he’s still in charge as the Lions prepare for their first postseason game in thirty years.

The experience of it all has proven to be vindicating for the veteran.

“It feels good. It’s exciting. It’s been a goal of mine since I got here. It’s a good opportunity to be a part of, something from the ground-up,” Goff stated. “To be able to be where we’re standing right now and have a chance to win the Super Bowl is pretty exciting. We’ve got a long way to go, and the Rams are the first team in our way and we’ve got to go handle business. But, yeah, it’s been a long road to this point, and it’s a long road ahead, as well.”

Having been to a Super Bowl previously in his career, Goff has the luxury of playoff experience that many key contributors for the Lions do not have. Among others, Sunday will mark the playoff debut for standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

However, having played in both big games and in primetime contests already this season, the Lions are confident in the degree of experience they’ve accumulated outside of the postseason.

“I don’t think we will. We’ve played in a lot of big games, a lot of them,” Goff explained. “A lot of these guys have played in big games in college. We’ll be ready, we’ll be ready. I don’t worry about that for a second. We’ve got a lot of primetime experience under our belt at this point.”

Goff made his playoff debut in his second season, which marked his first full year at the helm of the Rams. He remembers an uptick in intensity early in the game. However, that naturally went away as he adjusted to the flow of the matchup.

“I think the first time you play, the first one, I remember the speed is a little bit ticked back up,” Goff explained. “I think the first game of the season, the speed is really high and then as the season goes on, there’s injuries and there’s lulls in seasons and it can get a bit slower, just a hair. I think I remember in that first playoff game for me, I’m like, ‘Oh, boy, it’s back to the speed of the first game.’ Now does that affect you winning or losing? I don’t know, you adjust quickly. But, knowing that can help.”

Since arriving in Detroit, the veteran has undergone a career revival. After struggling in 2021, his performance each of the last two seasons has been integral to the team’s success.

He reflected on his growth Wednesday, outlining how he has improved as both a player and a person since joining the organization.

“Got a ton better. It’s just reps, man. It’s just reps, reps, reps. Having guys here that believe in me and trust me and kind of let me do my thing,” Goff said. “Growing as a person, as a player, as a leader. Learning what works for me, what doesn’t work for me, how to handle certain situations. And then, on the football field, just reps, just seeing things over and over and over again. Knowing where to go with the ball.”