Sean McVay talks about Goff’s role before to the Matthew Stafford deal.

DETROIT: A few years back, the Rams’ head coach claimed that Jared Goff should have received better treatment prior to his trade to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford.

Stafford’s return to Detroit is the main topic of discussion both nationally and locally as the Lions and Rams prepare to meet in the wildcard round of the playoffs on Sunday night. After all, he did play his first twelve seasons in this league.

However, Goff’s personal past casts a shadow over this game. The starting quarterback for the Lions has acknowledged that the way his tenure in Los Angeles ended left him with a grudge.

Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018, but his offense managed just three points and 260 yards in a loss to the New England Patriots. Goff completed 19 of 38 attempts for 229 yards and an interception.

The next two seasons weren’t quite as successful for the Rams, as they missed the postseason in 2019 and got eliminated in the divisional round in 2020. Goff went 21 of 27 for 174 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Rams head coach Sean McVay and the front office decided they needed to upgrade at the quarterback position if they wanted to win a Super Bowl. The trade with the Lions was reportedly agreed to just weeks after that final playoff game.

In response to a question regarding his matchup with Goff on Sunday night, McVay stated he could see why his former quarterback harbours conflicting emotions about his time in Los Angeles.

Could I have handled it more skillfully on my end? Indeed, McVay stated, as cited by NBC Sports. “I won’t ever try to escape that. However, the more you try to move away from it, the more you want to develop as a man, a leader, and a person.

“He should have received better treatment than what transpired.” I’ll admit it, and I believe he is aware of it as well. I have no problem owning up to those facts. But as time passes, I believe it’s better for all of us to be able to reflect on those experiences, and I do feel a growing sense of gratitude for him.