Rams-Lions: Matthew Stafford continues to overshadow Jared Goff

America’s Game of the Week will feature Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams versus Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. Jared Goff might not want reporters to keep talking about the trade but the truth of the matter is that this trade will continue to be examined until Matthew Stafford retires. Stafford has been the clear difference in the trade. While, Detroit managed to acquire difference makers like Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta in the draft, the quarterback position carries so much weight and Stafford’s ability transcends Jared Goff. Stafford has parlayed the trade into: 3 playoff trips, 1 Super Bowl win, and potentially a regular season MVP award. While, Goff has just made the playoffs twice with Detroit. It’s been Goff’s lack of stardom in the playoffs that has ultimately let the Lions down when it matters most. Let’s further look at the QBs and other positions on the roster as we approach Sunday…

QBs: When people look back on the trade between the Rams and Lions, both teams benefitted from the trade, but the Rams won the deal. They won the Super Bowl in 2021 and are then in a position to win another one in 2025. Meanwhile, the Lions are still searching for their first Super Bowl appearance. Stafford is the best quarterback in the NFL and is in a class by himself this year.

Goff has improved since his exodus from Los Angeles. But his performance is largely tied to the offensive line and running game. Look no further than the Philadelphia game. Goff was rattled and Los Angeles will look to do the same thing to him this week.

Stafford (17 Game *Playoff* Avg)
66.5 Completion %
5093 Yards
32 TDs
5.2 TD %
10 INTs

Goff (17 Game *Playoff* Avg)

61.2 Completion %
4165 Yards
15 TDs
2.6 TD %
9 INTs

RBs: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, (and Ronnie Rivers) exploded for over 250 rushing yards against the Cardinals. These were easy yards too as Williams and Corum were largely untouched by defenders (credit to the offensive line). But as I mentioned last week, these two are going to be fresh going into the stretch run and playoffs. McVay has a running game again. Look out.

The best running back in the league is Jahmyr Gibbs. His ability to stop and accelerate is unmatched. LA will have to figure out who is guarding him in the pass game too because a linebacker is not the right answer. It will need to be a defensive back. The only problem is that if they use a defensive back, that allows Detroit to run the ball with a “lighter” defense on the field.

WRs: Puka Nacua showed off his #1 WR ability last week; producing the highest PFF WR score ever. Davante Adams did not find the endzone but Stafford and him are in a strong place compared to the early part of the season. Tutu Atwell will be activated off IR according to...