Shocking statement: according to Fred Warner…
The Detroit Lions and SanSTA Francisco 49ers will face battle in the postseason for just the second time since the Super Bowl.
That was back in the 1991 season, the last time.
However, Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Lions, is well acquainted with both the 49ers and himself.
As the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams for five seasons, Goff got to know the Niners and has a lot of regard for San Francisco’s defense, especially for linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
Both those guys are absolutely dang talented,” Goff told reporters on Championship Wednesday. “I’ve been lucky, or unfortunate enough, to be on the other side of the ball from them for quite some time. They are excellent. They both play sideline to sideline, are quick, and extremely intelligent. Both of them participate in the pass and run games. I hold great admiration for each of those individuals.”
Warner praised Goff on Wednesday, demonstrating the reciprocity of regard. The three-time All-Pro even went so far as to state that, in his opinion, Goff’s play in Detroit has improved over that in Los Angeles.
“[He’s] much improved,” Warner declared on Wednesday. “I believe he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league right now with the way he’s playing, not that we didn’t play him when he was with the Rams. He placed in the top three in passing yards this season, I believe. I believe he is leading that group based only on his playmaking ability and decisiveness, especially considering how many playmakers he has on that side.”
Goff led the NFC and the NFL in passing yards during the regular season with 4,575 yards. His 407 completions and 30 touchdown throws were also among the top four in the league. Rather than serving as a transitional quarterback to the Lions’ starting quarterback, Goff has guided Detroit to the verge of the Super Bowl.
After leading the Rams to the big game during the 2018 season, Goff will return to the Super Bowl if he and his team win.
Goff adjusted to the 49ers quite well during that time. He has faced them nine times in all, only once with the Lions, and his record is 3-6 with five straight losses.
Notwithstanding Goff’s previous struggles in the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan still has faith in the Cal product’s abilities.
“Jared played at an MVP-type level for a couple of years, notably in ’17 and ’18,” Shanahan remarked. “When they present him with a clever plan. When Jared is surrounded by supportive individuals, he will always locate the spot. I’ve seen no more accurate quarterback than him. He is an extremely talented player. He’ll gash you if you sit and make things simple for him. I’ve witnessed it numerous times. Regardless of whether he’s playing for Detroit or the Rams. That’s why he puts you to the test. He may quickly make you look foolish, so you had better be on your game.”
Goff certainly has extremely good people surrounding him.
Although the 49ers are a team full of stars, the signal-caller for the Lions feels that Detroit also has a lot of star power. It’s just that the majority of the country hasn’t yet had a chance to see everything the Lions have to offer lately.
During Goff’s Wednesday platform appearance, a reporter started by informing him the Lions have a lot of really excellent players, which set off a rather funny back and forth.
“Oh, I’m grateful,” Goff answered.
But perhaps they’re not seen as superstars as the 49ers are, the reporter said.
“Okay, never mind,” Goff said in response to some chuckles.
Then Amon-Ra St. Brown, Goff’s top target, was mentioned. Goff responded, saying, “St. Brown was a first-team All-Pro.” Offensive tackle] [Penei [Sewell] was also.
After a short while, Goff assumed command.
“I see your point of view,” he remarked. “Yes, I do. They definitely have a ton of fantastic players as well as a ton of Pro Bowlers and All-Pro players over there, but I think we have a ton of terrific players who maybe haven’t had the national platform up to this point like a lot of other guys have. Yes, as you said, we believe we have a lot of talented players as well, and we’re eager to demonstrate that by playing on a different national platform.”
The whole country will be watching on Sunday as Goff attempts to lead the Lions to their first NFL Championship spot since 1957, when the team defeated the 49ers 31–27 at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium in the divisional round before going on to win the championship game against the Cleveland Browns.
The 49ers are a team that Goff is familiar with, but the environment is new for the Lions. But while the country is getting to know Detroit’s players, the Lions are experiencing an unprecedented level of success.
And there’s a lot to do with the man under center.
Warner stated, “He’s the reason they’re at where they are right now.” “In order to be in a game like this, your quarterback needs to be the leader of the offense and the squad.”
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