Jared Goff Leads Lions to Victory Over Cowboys
The Detroit Lions delivered a show-stopping performance on Thursday Night Football, overwhelming the Dallas Cowboys with a decisive 44-30 victory at Ford Field. Quarterback Jared Goff took center stage post-game, sharing insights into the team’s preparation and execution that led to this impressive win.
Reflecting on Practice and Preparation
In discussing the week leading up to the game, Goff emphasized the importance of refocusing after a disappointing performance against the Green Bay Packers.
“Yeah, it was good. It felt like we kind of got back to who we are earlier in the week, addressed a lot of what happened in that Packers game, what went wrong, what we could have done better,” Goff noted. “I think you could see an uptick in urgency from everybody. It was good.”
Game Plan and Offensive Strategy
The Lions’ offensive strategy featured a heavy reliance on the passing game, a decision Goff confirmed was intentional.
“Yeah, part of it. I don’t know if we wanted it to be that lopsided, but we definitely wanted to get after them through the air, and I thought we did,” he explained.
The return of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown provided a significant boost to the Lions. Goff praised St. Brown’s determination to play despite facing challenges.
“His play speaks for itself tonight, but bigger than anything is everyone knowing what he’s kind of dealing with, and him being like, ‘I’m going to be out there,’” Goff said. “Not many guys are built like him.”
Impact of Key Players
St. Brown’s presence on the field was crucial for the Lions, especially when he managed to make significant plays, which Goff highlighted.
“Yeah, he’s that type of guy. It was cool to see him say, ‘You’re not going to keep me off the field,’ type of thing. Earlier in the week though, it was truly, I believe 50/50, if not less than that,” Goff recalled. “And, sure enough, he got out there and played well.”
The quarterback also expressed admiration for his other teammates, including rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Jameson Williams. Goff noted Gibbs’ ability to contribute in the passing game and the dynamic energy Williams brings.
“It’s awesome. He’s becoming that player we always knew he could be over the course of the season,” Goff said of Williams. “He’s as reliable of a guy as I’ve ever played with at this point.”
Offensive Line Performance
Goff acknowledged the offensive line’s role in supporting the team’s success against Dallas. He appreciated the adaptability shown by the line, even amid some adjustments.
“Yeah, I thought they settled in really nicely. There were some mistakes certainly that want to be cleaned up, but for the most part did a good job,” he said.
Building Momentum
With this victory, the Lions have now gone a remarkable three years without back-to-back losses, a testament to their resilience.
“I don’t think that happens on accident. It’s who we are, it’s what we believe in,” Goff remarked. “When those losses happen, they suck, but we do as good a job as any team of learning from that and coming back the next week.”
Thoughts on the Game’s Highs and Lows
Reflecting on a near-miss at the end of the first half, Goff addressed the discussion surrounding a potential touchdown pass that fell out of bounds.
“I just wanted to get rid of the ball at that point. I didn’t want to take a sack,” he explained. “I wanted it back when I got to the sideline, to be able to put it out there, I was just throwing a him-or-nobody ball.”
Embracing the Challenge Ahead
Goff expressed the excitement of defeating a strong team like the Cowboys, acknowledging the electric atmosphere created by the fans in attendance.
“Yeah, it was great. I thought our fans showed up. It was awesome, it really was,” he said. “Being able to beat them – they’re as hot a team as there is in our league right now.”
As the Lions look ahead, Goff conveyed a sense of determination to maintain their momentum. He believes that the team can harness this victory as a stepping stone towards a successful playoff run.
“Yeah, I think it does. It does uptick things a little bit and gives us a little bit more motivation,” Goff concluded. “We want to kind of be on this up ramp, by the time we hit the playoffs.”
With the Lions showcasing their offensive firepower, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this promising season.
