Jared Goff shines as Lions outmaneuver Ravens in exhilarating 38-30 triumph
In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led his team to a thrilling 38-30 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Following the game, Goff shared his insights during a postgame press conference, reflecting on the pivotal moments that made this win possible.
Significance of the 95-yard drives
When asked about the importance of the two lengthy 95-yard drives, Goff attributed much of their success to the offensive line. He noted, “It’s big, and they were all due to our offensive line. I don’t know how many times we ran it on the 98-yard one. It felt like we just kept running the ball.” He highlighted David Montgomery’s impressive long run, crediting the offensive line for their relentless effort. “Those guys up front tonight were incredible. They were grinding. They were tired on some of those long drives, and the defensive line was more tired. It was good to see them keep pushing,” Goff said.
Breaking the Ravens’ stronghold
This victory marked a significant milestone for Goff, as it was his first career win against the Ravens. Reflecting on the challenge of facing such a formidable team, Goff remarked, “They are so dang good… their defense is always good. That’s why they are hard to beat, and yes, they have given me trouble a few times.” The satisfaction of finally overcoming this hurdle was evident as he acknowledged, “I have a few teams left… and that was one of them.”
Winning mentality in hostile territory
Goff expressed pride in winning in Baltimore, emphasizing the importance of building upon their previous performance. “I thought it was awesome. It really was. I think last week was a good representation of what we want to do,” he said. He praised the team’s adaptability, noting how they shifted to a more ground-and-pound approach, underscoring Montgomery’s standout performance. “We displayed that we can win in many different ways,” Goff added, also commending the defense for their critical role in the victory.
Key moments and play calling
One of the game’s pivotal moments came with a fourth-down conversion to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, which Goff described as a well-timed play. “That’s one that we wanted. Throughout that game, I was waiting for it to get called, and it was the perfect moment for it,” he explained. Goff further lauded offensive coordinator John Morton’s effective play calling, particularly on third downs, saying, “His rhythm was great… he was all over it.”
The offensive line’s evolution
Goff highlighted the impressive development of the offensive line, particularly the two guards, who he feels are starting to grasp the nuances of the game. “If you put those two weeks together, it’s pretty impressive,” he stated. He acknowledged the collective experience of the line, emphasizing their improvement and understanding of the game’s pace.
Innovative plays and trust in teammates
Discussing a creative play involving St. Brown pitching to running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Goff mentioned that it was a play they had practiced for years. “It was good timing for it, and it worked perfectly,” he said, showcasing the team’s preparation and execution. Goff expressed confidence in his teammates during critical moments, stating, “I know they trust me. I trust St. Brown. Put the game in our hands, and we’ll make it work.”
Strategic formations and running back duo
When asked about the Maryland three-man eye formation, Goff acknowledged that it may have been a nod to Baltimore but emphasized that it was part of the game plan. He also praised the dynamic between running backs Gibbs and Montgomery, noting, “It’s hard. It really is… being able to be fresher than a (running) back that’s taking 25 to 30 carries is the secret sauce.”
Looking ahead with optimism
As the Lions move forward in the season, Goff expressed optimism about their ability to win in diverse ways. “2-1 is pretty good. I do like that we are winning in different ways,” he remarked, appreciating the slight tweaks in their offensive schemes. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of tight end Sam LaPorta, who excelled on third downs, stating, “He’s incredible… I thought he was great today.”
With this victory, the Lions not only secured a crucial win but also showcased their resilience and versatility, marking a promising chapter in their season.
