Jared Goff was the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. A year later, the Rams took a surprising step by signing Sean McVay at the age of 31.
McVay became the youngest person to be chosen for an NFL head coaching position in the modern era.
Goff struggled in his rookie season, finishing with five touchdowns against seven interceptions in seven games. The Rams finished with a 4-12 record in 2016 and parted ways with Jeff Fisher. In 2021, Goff was traded to the Lions in exchange for draft picks and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Lions are the reigning NFC North champions and are preparing to host Stafford and the Rams on Sunday in what will be the first postseason game at Ford Field.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, #16, and head coach Sean McVay talk on the sidelines during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Goff recently revealed that he will enter the playoff game against his former team with resentment. McVay believes Goff's feelings are justified.
McVay, who is now in his seventh year with the Rams, lamented the way the Goff trade was handled.
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“Could it have been handled better on my part? Absolutely,” McVay said. “I'll never run from it. But the further you get from it, the more you try to grow as a person, as a man, as a leader. He deserved better than the way it all happened. I'll acknowledge that. And I think he knows it too. And I'm not afraid to admit those things, but I think we're all better off if we can remember those things. And I have more appreciation for him as time goes on.”
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, #16, and head coach Sean McVay react after throwing an incomplete pass on third down in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at CenturyLink Field on October 3 2019 in Seattle. (Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
McVay also praised Goff for his improvement during his tenure in Detroit. “He's done a great job for them. They're one of the best offenses in recent years,” McVay said.
Goff helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance. Los Angeles' offense struggled in Super Bowl LII without a healthy Todd Gurley and ultimately suffered a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots.
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The Rams and Lions wild card round game begins at 8 p.m. EST on January 14.
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