Lions' Jared Goff explains recovering from Rams letdown

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff recently discussed what he learned from being given up on by the Los Angeles Rams only to then become a starter for a perceived championship contender.

"I think you learn that you might be a little tougher than you might think," Goff told NBC Sports' Peter King. "You can handle a lot more than you think. I learned that on a pretty grand scale, it’s something happening to you that can be one of the greatest things. It can be a gift in some ways." 

Goff helped the 2018 Rams complete a trip to Super Bowl LIII, where they fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. By the end of the 2020 season, however, his relationship with head coach Sean McVay reportedly deteriorated to the point that general manager Les Snead replaced the signal-caller with Matthew Stafford. 

Stafford ultimately guided the Rams to a victory in Super Bowl LVI, while Goff may have been in danger of losing his spot in Detroit until he and the Lions went 8-2 after Halloween last season. 

Goff is now considered a major reason why the Lions are the betting favorites to claim the NFC North title for the upcoming campaign. As of Labor Day afternoon, OddsChecker had the Lions at +145 odds to win the division. To compare, the Minnesota Vikings were second at that time at +290.

"By no means am I a philosopher, or somebody who’s all-knowing," Goff continued during his chat with King. "But I think approaching it whether it’s a good situation or bad situation, it doesn’t matter what you think it is. Coming into it optimistically and putting your head down every day, one day at a time can only lead to positive results at some point. It may take 10 years. It may take two years. It is what it is. I’ve learned getting knocked down is one of the greatest things that can happen to you." 

Goff is only signed through the 2024 season, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes revealed this past Friday that he's had "good dialogue" with the quarterback's camp. Goff's price tag will only increase if the 2023 Lions are as good as advertised, so signing him to an extension ahead of the regular-season opener at the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this Thursday night could ultimately save Detroit some cash down the road.