By Sunday 
It’s time we had an honest conversation about Jared Goff.
For the past few years, NFL media has tried to paint him as a wronged hero—someone cast away too soon by the Rams, only to rise again with the Detroit Lions in a tale of redemption. Netflix’s Quarterback docuseries even kicks off with a dramatic retelling of his trade, complete with heartbreak, surprise, and a “wait, what just happened?” moment.
But let’s pump the brakes.
The Regression Is Real
Goff’s decline didn’t begin when he was traded. It started right after the ink dried on his monster extension from the Rams—a then-record $110 million guaranteed. Before the deal? He was lights out:
- 24-7 record
- 60 touchdowns to 19 interceptions
- 5 game-winning drives
After the deal? Not so much:
- 18-13 record
- TD/INT dipped to 42/29
- Fewer wins, more turnovers, and less urgency
The numbers don’t lie. His production dipped, and so did his leadership impact. The Rams weren’t just being “cold” or “immature” by moving on—they were watching a quarterback plateau after a big payday.
McVay Wasn’t the Villain
Much has been made about Sean McVay’s role in the breakup. Sure, he’s a tough coach. But newsflash: NFL head coaches are supposed to be demanding.
McVay tried to push Goff. Tried to coach him hard. Tried to mold him into something more than just a safe passer with a good deep ball. And let’s not forget—Goff didn’t exactly help himself by sending questionable texts about McVay’s fiancée that later went public. That’s not just poor judgment. That’s locker room poison.
Stafford Didn’t Just Win—He Delivered
When the Rams pulled the trigger and brought in Matthew Stafford, the results were swift:
- Super Bowl ring
- 15 playoff touchdowns in 7 games
- Three game-winning drives during that championship run
Compare that to Goff, who turned the ball over four times in Detroit’s 2024 playoff meltdown against the Commanders. When it mattered most, Goff didn’t elevate. He imploded.
The Victim Card Wears Thin
Goff likes to talk about being blindsided. About how he “didn’t expect” to be traded. But here’s the thing—he was benched for John Wolford. That’s not a smoke signal. That’s a five-alarm fire.
Sean McVay apologized. The Rams gave him chances. At some point, the quarterback has to look in the mirror. And yet, even now, Goff rarely takes full ownership of his decline. He gives the obligatory “I could’ve played better,” but never quite dives deep into why or how he failed to grow.
So Let’s Be Real
Goff isn’t trash. But he’s not a top-tier quarterback either. He’s a guy who can win when everything is clicking—but who folds when the pressure rises.
And the truth is, that’s not what a franchise QB looks like.
Detroit fans are right to be hopeful about their roster. But let’s stop pretending Jared Goff is something he’s not. He’s not the comeback kid. He’s not the league’s most wronged man. He’s a former No. 1 pick who stopped getting better when the money hit the bank.