The Detroit Lions’ dramatic 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers was full of high-stakes moments, none more pivotal than the late fourth-down conversion that sealed the game. Quarterback Jared Goff, who had a hand in making the play happen, reflected on the challenge and the team’s mindset heading into the game.
A Stumble, But No Stopping the Play
One of the most memorable moments of the game came when Goff, in the midst of executing a crucial fourth-down conversion, stumbled during the handoff to running back David Montgomery.
“Yeah, just got tripped up there a little bit,” Goff explained. “Bad feeling when you’re a quarterback, not the first time that’s happened in my career. You try to like stretch out and give it to them, I was even probably going to flip it to him if I couldn’t hand it to him. But made it happen, make it work, and David (Montgomery) did the rest.”
Despite the mishap, Goff’s quick thinking and Montgomery’s power allowed the play to succeed, keeping the chains moving and ultimately helping the Lions secure the victory. Goff’s athleticism wasn’t enough to prevent the stumble, but his ability to make something out of the awkward situation proved just how much this team thrives on finding a way to get the job done.
Jared Goff’s Humor and Dan Campbell’s Praise
When asked about head coach Dan Campbell’s comment on his athleticism, Goff couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation.
“Yeah, real athletic to fall down on a routine handoff, but I’m glad we made it happen,” Goff said with a smile, showing his self-awareness and sense of humor in the face of a tense moment.
Though the stumble was a bit unorthodox, Goff’s leadership and his ability to adapt on the fly were instrumental in the Lions’ success. Campbell, known for his fiery personality and trust in his players, recognized the quick thinking that allowed the play to succeed, adding another layer of praise to his quarterback’s ability to thrive under pressure.
Aggression on Fourth Downs: A Game Plan for Success
Throughout the game, one thing became clear—the Lions were willing to take risks and play aggressively, particularly on fourth down. Goff acknowledged that the team came into the game with a clear understanding of Campbell’s aggressive approach.
“Yeah, we came into this game knowing we were going to do it maybe a little bit more than usual,” Goff said. “Dan (Campbell) had mentioned that early in the week that he was going to really lean on our offense to make some things happen and certainly be aggressive on fourth down if the opportunity presented itself.”
As the game progressed, Campbell’s strategy played out as planned, with the Lions taking key risks to keep the momentum in their favor. Goff recalled that Campbell was at a crossroads during the late-game decision, unsure whether to go for it on fourth down or play it safe. Ultimately, Campbell made the bold call to trust the offense and keep the drive alive.
“There at the end, I know he was kind of in between on what he wanted to do, and obviously, he made the right decision,” Goff said, reflecting on the pivotal moment. The choice to trust the offense paid off, cementing the victory and showcasing the confidence Campbell has in his players.
The Trust Factor: A Quarterback’s Dream
For Goff, the most important part of Campbell’s decision-making wasn’t just about the call itself—it was about the faith Campbell showed in the offense to execute under pressure. As a quarterback, knowing that your coach believes in you can make all the difference, and Goff recognized the significance of that trust.
“Bigger than anything. That’s all you want from a head coach is to believe in you and that gives us that little extra umph to want to make it happen,” Goff explained. “I’m not the one running or blocking but I’m sure those guys up front say, ‘Alright you’re giving it to us to make this game and finish this game off on our terms.’ Yeah, it means a ton.”
The faith Campbell has in his offense is a cornerstone of the Lions’ success this season. With key players like Goff leading the charge and Montgomery powering through the line, the team’s confidence is palpable. That belief, as Goff pointed out, extends from the quarterback to the offensive line and the entire team—everyone knows that when the stakes are high, they will find a way to make it work.
Lions Continue to Thrive on Trust and Aggression
The Lions’ thrilling victory over Green Bay was a testament to their aggressive approach and unwavering belief in each other. Jared Goff’s quick thinking, combined with Campbell’s bold calls, led to another memorable win for Detroit. As the team continues to ride a franchise-record 11-game win streak, the trust between Goff, Campbell, and the entire offense will remain a driving force in their quest for the playoffs. With more moments like this, the Lions are showing they are ready for whatever challenge comes next.
